Feel No Way

Peter Tosh's song 'Feel No Way' is a powerful anthem that speaks to the principles of fairness, justice, and the natural consequences of one's actions. The repeated refrain, 'Nobody feel no way, it's coming close to payday,' serves as a reminder that everyone will eventually reap what they sow. This line underscores the idea that hard work and effort will be rewarded, while laziness or dishonesty will not yield positive results. Tosh's message is clear: every person will get what they deserve based on their actions and contributions.

The song employs a series of rhetorical questions to drive home its point. Tosh asks, 'Can I plant peas and reap rice? Can I plant cocoa and reap yam?' These questions highlight the absurdity of expecting results that are not aligned with one's efforts. By using agricultural metaphors, Tosh connects with a universal understanding of labor and reward, making his message accessible and relatable. The questions extend beyond agriculture to moral and ethical behavior, such as 'Can I tell lie and hear truth? Can I live bad and love good?' These lines emphasize that honesty and integrity are essential for a just and fair outcome.

'Feel No Way' also touches on the theme of personal responsibility. Tosh challenges the listener to reflect on their actions and the consequences they bring. The song's structure, with its repetitive chorus and thought-provoking questions, reinforces the inevitability of justice. Whether it's in the realm of work, morality, or personal conduct, Tosh's lyrics remind us that we cannot escape the natural law of cause and effect. The song is a call to live authentically and responsibly, knowing that 'everyman get paid a quota's work this day.'