Stiff-Necked Fools
Bob Marley · Confrontation [1983]
To deny me for simplicity
Yes you have gone, for so long
With your love for vanity now
Yes you have got the wrong interpretation
Mixed up with vain imagination
So take JAH Sun, and JAH Moon
And JAH Rain and JAH Stars
And forever yes erase your fantasy, yeah
The lips of the righteous, teach many
But fools die for want of wisdom
The rich man's wealth is in his city
The righteous wealth is in his Holy Place
So take JAH Sun, and JAH Moon
And JAH Rain and JAH Stars
And forever, yes erase your fantasy
Destruction of the Poor is in their poverty
Destruction of the soul is vanity, yea
So stiff necked fools, you think you're cool
To deny me for simplicity, yeah, yeah
Yes you have gone, gone for so long
With your love for vanity now
But I don't wanna rule ya
I don't wanna fool ya
I don't wanna school ya
Thngs you, you might never know about
Yes you have got the wrong interpretation
Mixed up with vain, vain imagination
Stiff necked fools, you think you're cool
To deny me for, Ooh simplicity
Stiff-Necked Fools
Bob Marley's "Stiff-Necked Fools" appears on the 1983 album Confrontation, a recording that reflects his continued engagement with social themes and political commentary. The track exemplifies the reggae genre's tradition of addressing societal issues through accessible melodies and rhythmic depth. While the song does not directly quote lyrics, its placement within Marley's discography underscores his consistent focus on human resilience and the folly of stubbornness in the face of adversity. Released during a period when Marley was navigating the complexities of the music industry and personal life, the recording maintains the warmth and spiritual grounding characteristic of his earlier work, such as tracks from Exodus or Natty Dread. The composition serves as a reminder of his ability to blend personal reflection with broader cultural observations, reinforcing his status as a global icon of reggae music.