Fades in Slowly

I don’t use marijuana but I consider the continued illegality of the substance to be, quite frankly, ridiculous. everyone and their dog knows that alcohol is much worse for you. Just let people get on with it if that’s what they enjoy. Getting imprisoned for marijuana possession takes the piss, although it did lead to two of the greatest songs ever made.

The lyrics of Fred Toots Hibbert‘s ‘54-46 that’s my number‘ and ‘54-46 was my number‘ describe Toots’ time in prison for an arrest for possession of said drug. 54-46 was Toots’ prisoner ID number during his servitude, and the original recording was made shortly after his release.

If you’re not completely overwhelmed by these two tracks then there’s something wrong with you.

Toots and the Maytals – 54-46 that’s my number

Toots and the Maytals – 54-46 was my number