This warns against helping ungrateful or desperate people who may eventually hurt you. It is similar to the English phrase "give them an inch, and they'll take a mile".
The song is built around two traditional Jamaican proverbs that serve as metaphors for betrayal and poor decision-making: Maga Dog
Experience the original 1983 recording from Peter Tosh here: Peter Tosh - Topic YouTube• Nov 8, 2014 This warns against helping ungrateful or desperate people
Peter Tosh's Version or Bob Marley & The Wailers' Version . "Maga Dog" is a classic reggae song most
"Maga Dog" is a classic reggae song most famously recorded by . The title is Jamaican Patois for a "meager dog" —a skinny, hungry street dog. Cultural Meaning & Proverbs
You can find various versions of "Maga Dog" on major streaming platforms:
An early ska version was recorded in the 1960s by Bob Marley & The Wailers at Studio One, with Peter Tosh on lead vocals.