Some think it’s about the green. Or in this case, the purp.

Some think it’s about black women.Some even think it’s about a gang. But there are at least three different theories floating around about the lyrics of this reggae classic: Barrington Levy’s “Black Roses”.

The lyrics to this song have inspired a long running Youtube discussion, with theories ranging from the obvious, to this song being about Jamaica’s Black Roses Crew. You can see master Jamaican danceman Bogle (RIP) mention “black roses” in this video at 4:38.

When I hear it I know what I think about.

Everyday, when I’m up before the sun making sure my babies are dressed warmly and fed, and sending them off with faces washed, teeth brushed and hair did, I picture sistas across the world rising in the morning and doing the same thing.

I picture women working through the night, getting shit done…even things we might not like doing…to make sure a roof is always over your seeds head, going thru bad dad drama – whether it’s yours or your child’s – and dealing with the everyday ig’nance that makes you wanna Elin a bitch.

I think about the level of disrespect for women that permeates popular culture when I’m writing, I think about our youth when I’m watching TV and when I’m standing in my tiny kitchen with blue vinyl floor tiles, a few of which have started to curl in the corner, cooking dinner and staring at the radio lamenting the state of our music.

There’s just so much stuff black women go through that is unique to our struggle, and women around the world really, are always on my mind.

I’m dedicating this to all of you moms holding it down everyday.

See you tomorrow. This post brought to you by my 30 day blogging challenge.

UPDATE:  12-11-09 | 11:20 AM

Just saw an interesting comment about this song. Still not sure exactly what the song is about, because only Barrington Levy knows that but I love this explanation from Youtuber jfraiche (click on the screen capture to enlarge it):