Forgive Them Father
Shaggy · Boombastic [1995]
But a no money
Some people a kill people little like nothin'
Some say them a gangster but a studio gangster
Well now a gun shot lick and a marrow it fly
Little youth with the forty five and him say do or die
Now him muma she cry water run from her eye
And she remember when him was little bit and oh so shy
Forgive them Father 'cause they know not what they have done
To save them from destruction, gave his only begotten Son
Like them no understand say revelation a come
So watch the heathen them a run
Too much fuss and fight and that is not right
You no can't blow breath in a man but still that you want take life
Innocent youth die, bury a next guy
And him muma wool her belly and ask God why?
Well no ask me no question I tell you no lie
It's about time the world start to realize
This a revelation an' it's a serious time
Put your a hand inna the air and pray to the most high
Forgive them Father 'cause they know not what they have done
To save them from destruction, gave his only begotten Son
Like them no understand say revelation a come
So watch the heathen them a run
Cha
Youth man a beg and you fi put down your gun
Me no want fi see another youth tumble down
This is reality no play dumb, dumb
Some a them a thing 'bout dollars having a large sum
Money is the root of all evil if so me no want none
Wicked man them a heathen fi them fire burn
Whole a them shall perish inna the wicked kingdom
This is Shaggy one of, hmm jah jah son
Forgive them Father 'cause they know not what they have done
To save them from destruction, gave his only begotten Son
Like them no understand say revelation a come
So watch the heathen them a run
Cha
Yo! Yo! Yo! Stop talkin' yo
Mislead the youth to shoot them one another down
Muma what this? You're talkin' pure foolishness
Can't sit down eat me Sunday ackee and salt fish
Can't use me tongue and lick out me pyrex dish
As me sit down and a wish me mouth start get peckish
Have fi eat me dry bread and drink the water well quick
Forgive them Father 'cause they know not what they have done
To save them from destruction, gave his only begotten Son
Like them no understand say revelation a come
So watch the heathen them a run
Now a gun shot lick and a marrow it fly
Little youth with the forty five and him say do or die
Now him muma she cry water run from her eye
And she remember when him was little bit and oh so shy
Watch it
Youth man a beg and you fi put down your gun
Me no want fi see another youth tumble down
This is reality no play dumb, dumb
Some a them a thing 'bout dollars having a large sum
Money is the root of all evil if so me no want none
Wicked man them a heathen fi them fire burn
Whole a them shall perish inna the wicked kingdom
This is Shaggy one of, hmm jah jah son
Forgive them Father 'cause they know not what they have done
To save them from destruction, gave his only begotten Son
Like them no understand say revelation a come
So watch the heathen them a run
Too much fuss and fight
And that is not right
You no can't blow breath in a man but still that you want take life
Innocent youth die, bury a next guy
And him Muma wool her belly
Forgive Them Father
Shaggy's 'Forgive Them Father' stands as a standout track from the 1995 album 'Boombastic,' a pivotal work that cemented his status as a global icon of the dancehall and reggae fusion genres. The song exemplifies the vibrant, rhythmic energy characteristic of mid-90s Caribbean music, blending traditional dancehall beats with polished pop sensibilities that appealed to international audiences. As part of the 'Boombastic' catalogue, the recording showcases Shaggy's signature vocal style and his ability to craft infectious hooks that defined an era of cross-cultural musical exchange. The track remains a testament to the enduring influence of dancehall on contemporary R&B and hip-hop, capturing the spirit of a time when Caribbean rhythms were reshaping the global soundscape.