The lyrics of the song "Not Stupid" by Burning Spear criticize the manipulation and oppression of people by those in power, who want them to be ignorant and submissive. The song references the celebration of certain events while ignoring the atrocities of slavery, as well as the false promises of improvement made by authorities.

Meaning of "Not Stupid" by Burning Spear

The lyrics of "Not Stupid" by Burning Spear touch upon themes of manipulation, oppression, and awareness. The repeated lines "So they want us to think stupid, so they want us to feel stupid, that's how they want us to be" highlight the desire of those in power to keep people ignorant and passive, allowing them to control and exploit without resistance. By referencing the celebration of certain events while disregarding the painful history of slavery, the song critiques selective memory and the whitewashing of history. The mention of promises of a better, cheaper, and easier life serves as a reminder of broken promises and false hope that serve to placate the population. The use of repetition underscores the importance of recognizing these tactics and standing up against them, highlighting the power of knowledge and awareness in resisting oppression and manipulation.