"Get Down Moses" is a song by Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros. The song is filled with religious references and carries a symbolic meaning. The lyrics depict a chaotic and troubled world where lost souls are running from corrupt religious figures referred to as "the priests of iniquity." The song mentions the biblical figure Elijah, questioning his absence in a time of need. It reflects a sense of disillusionment with religious prophecies and expectations. The protagonist wonders what to do when the game of following prophecies is over. The title references the biblical story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, where the walls of the city are brought down by blowing trumpets. It symbolizes the need to break down barriers and challenge oppressive forces. The line "Put your lips together and blow" signifies the call to action and resistance against these forces. The mention of Moses alludes to his role in parting the Red Sea and leading the Israelites to freedom. It suggests the need for a leader to guide and inspire change in the face of adversity. The repeated phrase "Get down Moses" emphasizes this call to action. The lyrics also touch on drug use and escapism as ways to cope with the harsh realities of the world. References to LSD and carving tablets out of it hint at finding alternative perspectives and seeking liberation from societal constraints. The song portrays a battlefield-like existence, where the protagonist encounters the deceptive nature of power, represented by diamonds and spies. The questioning of who benefits from the suffering in impoverished neighborhoods highlights the societal injustices that need to be confronted and challenged. Overall, "Get Down Moses" encourages resistance, unity, and the search for truth and a better future. The protagonist calls for reevaluating old alliances, building new friendships, and using wisdom to dissect and understand the world rather than blindly accepting the status quo.
