Meaning of "Feel No Way" by Peter Tosh
"Feel No Way" carries a deeper meaning that reflects the consequences and accountability of one's actions. The repetition of "No bother feel no way" serves as a reminder to accept the outcomes of one's choices without complaint or regret. It suggests that individuals should not be surprised or disappointed when they receive the results of their own actions, particularly when those actions contradict the desired outcome.
The lyrics also draw attention to the concept of fairness and just reward. The line "Every man get paid accord his work this day" emphasizes a notion of labor receiving its rightful compensation. It conveys the idea that one's earnings should correspond to the effort invested. This further emphasizes the importance of hard work and highlights that entitlement or expecting more than what is deserved is futile.
The song also explores the impossibility of achieving contradictory results. The lines "Cannot plant peas and reap rice" and "Cannot plant breadfruit and reap potato" illustrate how actions and intentions must align for desired outcomes. Additionally, the lyrics touch upon the importance of truthfulness and living a morally upright life. "Cannot tell lie and hear truth" and "Cannot live bad and love good" highlight the contradictions that arise from engaging in dishonest or unjust behavior while desiring positive and genuine results.
Furthermore, the lyrics accentuate the folly of expecting certain results based on contradictory actions. The line "Cannot drink water and get drunk" implies that drinking alcohol is necessary to experience the effects of intoxication, and "Cannot drink whiskey and stay sober" reinforces the idea that drinking whiskey will inevitably lead to a state of intoxication. These lines serve as metaphors for the general principle that actions have predictable consequences.