Peter Tosh’s *“Burial”* is more than just a song—it’s a profound expression of defiance, pain, and revolution. Released as part of his 1976 album *Legalize It*, the track showcases Tosh’s unique ability to merge reggae rhythms with intense political and social commentary. The song’s title, *“Burial,”* might suggest a somber tone, but within its verses, Tosh uses the idea of burial as a metaphor for much more: the fight against oppression, the death of corrupt systems, and a cry for justice in a world riddled with inequality.
### **Context and Background**
During the mid-1970s, Jamaica, Tosh’s home country, was experiencing intense political unrest and social inequality. Rastafarian musicians like Tosh often used their music as a platform to confront these societal issues. For Tosh, music was a weapon—he believed in using his voice to fight against the injustices that plagued not only Jamaica but the entire world.
*“Burial”* was written during a time when Tosh had grown increasingly disillusioned with the political and social systems around him. He was vocal about issues of oppression, police brutality, and racial injustice—topics that are woven into the lyrics of the song. These themes made Tosh a target for the Jamaican authorities, but rather than backing down, he doubled down, becoming one of reggae’s most rebellious and outspoken figures.
### **A Song of Protest and Defiance**
At its core, *“Burial”* is a protest song. Tosh’s opening lines, "Them want I to be comatose," immediately establish the song’s defiant tone. He refuses to be silenced or passive in the face of adversity. The ‘burial’ mentioned in the title is not just a literal death, but a symbolic one—the burial of truth, of the fight for justice, and of Tosh’s resistance against oppressive forces.
In the chorus, Tosh sings:
*"I and I no come yah for no funeral, I and I no come yah for no burial."*
Here, the phrase *"I and I"* reflects a Rastafarian belief that emphasizes the unity of the individual with all living things, with God, and with fellow humans. Tosh is declaring that his mission is not one of death or defeat, but of life, survival, and resistance.
### **Musical Structure: Powerful and Haunting**
The haunting rhythm and pulsating bassline of *“Burial”* contribute to the song’s ominous atmosphere. The slow, steady reggae beat underscores the weight of Tosh’s lyrics, making the song feel almost like a march toward revolution. Throughout the trhback, Tosh’s deep and resonant voice carries a sense of urgency, as if warning his audience about the looming threats of injustice.
The song’s instrumental arrangement is minimal but effective—Tosh allows the weight of his words to carry the song. The wailing guitar riffs and heavy drumbeats serve as a backdrop to the ominous narrative he paints. There is a tension in the music that mirrors the societal tension Tosh himself was experiencing.
### **Thematic Exploration**
1. **Rebellion Against Oppression**: Tosh uses the metaphor of burial to represent the suppression of the truth and the desire of the oppressive powers to silence those who speak against injustice. However, Tosh makes it clear that he will not be part of any burial—that his spirit and message will live on, no matter the attempts to silence him.
2. **Spiritual Struggle**: In *“Burial,”* there is also a spiritual undertone. For Rastafarians like Tosh, physical death does not mark the end. The body may be buried, but the spirit and the truth cannot be suppressed. Tosh’s refusal to participate in the “funeral” speaks to the eternal nature of his fight for justice, peace, and equality.
3. **Defiance in the Face of Death**: Tosh’s message is clear: while the corrupt forces of society may seek to “bury” individuals like him, who challenge the status quo, they will never succeed in burying the truth or the movement for change. The song echoes the notion that the fight for justice is far greater than any one person and will outlive even the most oppressive systems.
### **Peter Tosh’s Legacy**
*“Burial”* remains one of Tosh’s most powerful songs, reflecting both his personal frustrations and the broader social struggles of his time. While Tosh tragically passed away in 1987, his legacy as one of reggae’s most revolutionary voices lives on. *“Burial”* captures the essence of his commitment to social justice and his fearless resistance to oppression.
In a way, *“Burial”* symbolizes Tosh’s immortality. While authorities and oppressive forces may try to bury the voices of dissent, artists like Tosh ensured that their messages lived far beyond their physical lives. Through *“Burial,”* Tosh reminds us that the spirit of rebellion can never truly be buried—and that, as long as injustice exists, the fight will continue.
### **Conclusion**
Peter Tosh’s *“Burial”* is a timeless anthem for those who refuse to accept the injustices of the world. It stands as a testament to Tosh’s unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and equality. For anyone seeking to understand the depth of Tosh’s artistry and activism, *“Burial”* is a powerful entry point—a song that challenges, provokes, and inspires listeners to carry the torch of resistance.