Meaning of "Police" by Alborosie

The song "Police" by Alborosie is a powerful critique of the police harassment faced by individuals with dreadlocks, particularly those who identify as Rastafarians. The lyrics highlight the artist's personal experience of being targeted and treated as a criminal solely based on his appearance. The repeated line "Policeman and souljah haffi stop pressure natty dreadlock dreadlocccck" emphasizes the demand for law enforcement and soldiers to cease their harassment and discriminatory treatment towards individuals with dreadlocks.

Alborosie's frustration is evident in the lines, "But of course there is some problem cause 'Cause I'm natty natty." This suggests that the police assume guilt or criminality based on the artist's dreadlocks, rather than evaluating him as an individual. The lyrics conveys the artist's innocence and peaceful intentions through the lines, "Mi just a walk mi no look fi no trouble / In new york city," emphasizing that he is simply going about his own business without seeking any conflict.

The song also addresses the prejudice faced by Rastafarians when encountering law enforcement. The line, "But mr brown you should know long time seh rastaman a herbalist," reveals the stereotype and assumptions made about Rastafarians, particularly their association with marijuana use. Alborosie challenges these stereotypes and asserts the rights of Rastafarians to practice their faith and cultural beliefs without being oppressed.

Furthermore, the lyrics reference the artist's resistance to the oppressive forces of the state and intelligence agencies. The lines, "ID passport and mi gansa / No you no need no answer / Cause rastafari no like no C.I.A. / Cah rastafari bun down D.E.A." convey a strong anti-establishment sentiment, with Alborosie rejecting the authority of intelligence agencies and expressing his allegiance to Rastafarian principles.

Overall, "Police" by Alborosie serves as a call for justice and an end to discrimination and harassment towards individuals with dreadlocks, particularly those who identify as Rastafarians. The song highlights the artist's personal experiences and frustration with being treated as a criminal based solely on appearance, challenging societal prejudices and calling for respect and equality.