Tag: Jamaica

Who Feels It Knows It – Jamaican Saying


From Youtube comments:
@bigben5071
This is Bunny Wailer singing lead

There is a Jamaican and or Rastafarian idea and I think it’s either Who Feels it Knows it or Who Knows it Feels it. Can you give me some sources?
ChatGPT
The phrase you’re referring to is “Who feels it knows it.” It’s a Jamaican saying that has been popularized in reggae music and Rastafarian culture. It essentially means that those who have experienced something deeply understand it in a way that others may not.

While it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific source for this phrase since it’s deeply ingrained in Jamaican culture and has been widely used in various contexts, you can find its usage in reggae music lyrics, Rastafarian literature, and Jamaican proverbs.

One notable example of its use is in the lyrics of the song “Who Feels It Knows It” by Jamaican reggae artist Johnny Clarke. The song reflects on the struggles and hardships faced by people in impoverished communities, emphasizing that only those who have experienced such struggles truly understand them.

Additionally, you may encounter this phrase in writings about Rastafarian philosophy or Jamaican culture, where it’s used to convey the idea of empathy and understanding through shared experiences.

While there may not be a single definitive source for this phrase, its usage in various cultural expressions underscores its significance within Jamaican and Rastafarian communities.