Ala - Ala - Ala Alabama

Jacob Miller's song 'Ala - Ala - Ala Alabama' delves into themes of identity, societal judgment, and spiritual truth. The lyrics reflect a personal transformation, where the protagonist transitions from being a 'clean face man' to a 'dreadlock's man.' This change in appearance leads to a shift in how society perceives him, highlighting the superficial judgments people often make based on looks rather than character. The repeated refrain 'Ala- Ala – Ala Alabama' serves as a powerful mantra, symbolizing a return to truth and self-awareness.

The song emphasizes the importance of not judging others by their appearance but by their actions and character. This message is reinforced by the lines, 'Don't judge a man by the way you look / Judge a man by his way!!!' and 'My father said let no man be judged / 'Cause judgment day will come.' These lyrics suggest a deeper, almost biblical, understanding of judgment and morality, urging listeners to adopt a more compassionate and fair approach to evaluating others.

Cultural and spiritual references are woven throughout the song, particularly with the mention of 'Kings of kings and lords of the lords / Conquering a lion of Judah.' This allusion to Rastafarian beliefs and the reverence for Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, underscores the spiritual journey and the quest for truth that the protagonist is on. The song's blend of personal narrative, societal critique, and spiritual reflection makes it a rich and thought-provoking piece that resonates with themes of identity, judgment, and redemption.