I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried
To make them understand
I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried
But they just can't understand
I tried and I tried and the Lord know I tried
To make them understand
I tried, oh tried how I tried
But they just can't understand

The more victimization is up on their back
The more foolish they become
The more victimization is up on their back
They satisfy Lord for less

I tried, oh Jah how I tired
But they just can't understand
I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried
But they just can't understand

This one turn them fool, that one turn them fool
So what are they waiting for
Fix up yourself and prepare to meet Jah
That will satisfy Lord for more

I tried, oh Jah how I tried
But they just can't understand
I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried
But they just can't understand

Father die in pain, Mother die in pain
Slavery continue
They say we have no right no where
In no corner of the world

And I tried to make them notice
But they just can't understand
I tried and I tried and I tried to mek them know
But they just can't understand

Twenty-four hours make one day, they told us
Seven days make a week
And out of all that they hold 365 days
They can only name you seven days

I tried, I tried and I tried
But they just can't understand
I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried
But they just can't understand

We beat drums by night, we beat drums by day
They take no heed
The church bell a-ring and the children a-sing
And them still satisfy Lord for less

I tried and I tried
But they just can't understand
I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried
But they still can't understand

Son is waiting for his sentence
You know
Father in the field can't find nothing
And mother nah no money

I tried, I tried and I tried
But they just can't understand
I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried
But they just can't understand

My daddy was sure, my mommy was poor
Ain't got no money
Still no bother me, all I need to see
Is love and unity