Buju Banton, the Grammy-winning reggae legend, has a complex discography. One song, "Murderer," released in 1995, stands out for its raw emotion and introspective lyrics.
"Murderer" isn't a celebration of violence. It's a lament, a raw expression of grief and anger. The song was written in response to the murders of three fellow dancehall artists: Panhead, Dirtsman, and Garnett Silk. Their deaths, unsolved and seemingly senseless, shook the Jamaican music scene.
The song opens with a haunting question: "Kill I today you cannot kill I tomorrow/Murderer by your shoulder." This line establishes the theme of ever-present danger and the fear of losing loved ones. Buju wrestles with the weight of violence, questioning the perpetrators' motivations and the lack of justice.
"Murderer" isn't just about external threats. Buju reflects on his own responsibility, singing "Me children cry but never fi you/But still Jah will reach out to you an' then is done for them/Murderer by your shoulder." (My children cry but not for you/But still Jah will offer you redemption and then it's done for them/Murderer by your shoulder). He wrestles with forgiveness and the hope for a better path.
This song marked a turning point in Buju Banton's career. It signaled a shift away from the "rude boy" lyrics of his earlier work and a move towards conscious reggae, with themes of social justice and Rastafarian spirituality. "Murderer" is a powerful testament to the transformative power of grief and the search for meaning in the face of violence.