“Babylon Is Burning” by Cocoa Tea is a roots reggae song deeply rooted in Rastafarian imagery and protest. It paints a picture of the oppressive system — “Babylon” — as a structure that is crumbling, burning, and falling away. The lyrics “Babylon bridge is burning … heathen bridge is falling” convey both literal and metaphorical collapse, as though the infrastructure of injustice can no longer hold its power. (Reggae Lyrics)

Central to the song is the contrast between the suffering under Babylon and the refuge offered by Zion and faith. Cocoa Tea lifts up trust in Jah (“I health cometh from the Lord God Jah Rastafari … Over in the mountains of Zion”) as the source of real well‑being. (Reggae Lyrics) The song also declares that “no weapon that’s armed against I and I / Shall never prosper,” which is a classic biblical/Rastafarian affirmation of spiritual protection and perseverance. (Reggae Lyrics)

A recurring theme is the injustice suffered by the downtrodden: “See how many suffering youths on the streets / Can’t find nothing to eat / The road is so rocky …” The song doesn’t shy away from social critique — pointing out poverty, abuse, manipulation, and neglect — all as symptoms of the Babylon system that keeps people oppressed. (Reggae Lyrics)

Yet despite the tone of warning and anger, there is also an element of hope and resistance. Cocoa Tea doesn’t simply observe the flames; he calls for resilience: “have faith I‑I‑drens and sistrens be strong,” and “help I to chant down Babylon.” This is not a passive lament, but a clarion call for spiritual awareness, faith, and a breakaway from oppressive structures. (Reggae Lyrics)

Musically, the track uses repetition and evocative imagery (bridge burning, walls of Jericho, mountains of Zion) to anchor its message. The “bridge” metaphor suggests both a passage and a barrier — once the bridge is destroyed, the old ways can no longer be traversed or upheld. The references to Zion and healing reinforce Rastafari belief in a promised restoration.

In sum, “Babylon Is Burning” is a protest song, a spiritual affirmation, and a warning all at once. It captures both the urgency of confronting injustice and the faith in deliverance that lies at the heart of Rastafarian reggae.

~AI

Babylon Is Burning by Cocoa Tea from Jam Down Vibrations on Road Runner Records # BPM 03:58 Reggae SKA