No Woman No Cry

Fugees, The · Score

A Dedication to all the refugees worldwide
One time say, say, say
I remember when we used to sit in the government yard in Brooklyn.
Observing the crookedness as it mingled with the good people we meet.
Good friends we had
Good friends we've lost along the way
In this great future you can't forget your past, So dry your tears
I say and to my peeps who passed away,
No woman, no cry, no woman no cry, say, say,say.
Hey little sister don't shed no tears
No woman no cry say say say.
I remember when we used to rock in a project yard in Jersey,
And little Georgie would make the firelight,
As stolen cars passed through the night
And then we'd hit the corner store for Roots, paper, and brew.
My drink's my only remedy
For pain of losing family, but while I'm gone Shorty,
Everything's gonna be alright, everything's gonna be alright,
Fugees come to dance tonight, everything's gonna be alright,
O everything's gonna be alright,
The gun man's in the house tonight,
But everything's gonna be alright.

*Refrain*
Oh ah oh ah

No woman no cry
No woman no cry
No woman no cry
No woman no cry

Say, Say,
Say I remember when we used to sit
In a government yard in Trenchtown
Observing the hypocrites
As they would mingle with the good people we met
Good friends we have
Oh, good friends we have lost
Along the way
In this bright future,
You can't forget your past
So dry your tears, I say

No woman no cry
No woman no cry
Little sister, don't shed no tears
No woman no cry

About No Woman No Cry

"No Woman No Cry" by The Fugees stands as a defining track on the 1996 album *Score*, blending reggae rhythms with hip-hop sensibilities to create a powerful anthem of resilience. Led by Pras Michel's distinctive vocal delivery, the song draws heavily on traditional Jamaican spirituals and the legacy of Bob Marley, yet it is filtered through the group's unique East Coast perspective. Released during the height of the "Juicy" era, the recording captures the band's transition from the raw energy of *The Score* to a more polished, soulful sound. The track's enduring popularity stems from its universal message of overcoming adversity, making it a staple in reggae fusion and neo-soul playlists worldwide. Its inclusion in the *Score* catalogue highlights The Fugees' ability to merge cultural heritage with contemporary R&B production, cementing their status as pioneers of the genre.