Meaning of "What'cha Gonna Do" by Peter Tosh

The lyrics of "What'cha Gonna Do" delve into the social and political issues surrounding marijuana use and the unjust consequences faced by those who partake in it. The song begins with the narrator's father being arrested for smoking ganja, which prompts him to ask his mother what she is going to do in response. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as Tosh highlights the social and legal challenges faced by individuals who are unfairly targeted and prosecuted for their use of marijuana.

Tosh also addresses the lack of support from the legal system, as shown in the line "Him ha' fe' either live in space or make the doctor them work 'pon him face." This suggests that the accused individual has limited options and must choose between extreme measures like fleeing or enduring physical harm inflicted by law enforcement. The lyrics further emphasize the injustice by narrating the story of a neighbor's son who is similarly unjustly detained with no evidence tying him to a crime. Tosh questions what the mother will do in response and brings attention to the indefinite detention faced by many innocent individuals accused of crimes.

The song also touches on the lack of accountability within the criminal justice system, as demonstrated by the line "The cops dem say he know nobody, so him ha' fe' remain in custody." This highlights how individuals can be unjustly detained without proper evidence or due process, simply because law enforcement claims they have no connections or information. Tosh emphasizes the frustration and helplessness felt by those falsely accused and their loved ones.

Overall, "What'cha Gonna Do" is a powerful commentary on the social injustices faced by individuals involved with marijuana and the flawed nature of the criminal justice system. Tosh addresses the systemic issues surrounding these injustices and implores listeners to question what actions they will take in the face of such problems.