Produced by and the production group Oneness , the song features a vibrant, upbeat roots reggae rhythm that contrasts with its heavy lyrical themes. It is characterized by:
: Cliff uses his signature "mellifluous" voice to bridge the gap between catchy pop-sensibility and raw protest music. Themes and Lyrics Jimmy Cliff - Rock Children
: Featuring prominent Jamaican musicians like saxophonist Dean Fraser and trumpeter David Madden . Produced by and the production group Oneness ,
is a powerful socially-conscious reggae anthem by the legendary Jimmy Cliff , originally released on his 1982 album, Special . The track stands as a testament to Cliff's lifelong commitment to highlighting the struggles and resilience of those living in poverty, specifically the youth of the "ghetto". Musical Composition and Style is a powerful socially-conscious reggae anthem by the
: Cliff directly addresses the rising cost of living, noting it will "soon reach the sky" —a sentiment that remains relevant decades later.
: The track includes a blend of standard reggae elements—such as Earl "Chinna" Smith's guitar work and Mikey "Boo" Richards' drumming—with more eclectic sounds like the flute and harmonica.
The lyrics are a call for solidarity and spiritual resilience among the marginalized.