ABSTRACT. This paper extends aspects of Mikhail Bakhtin’s theory of dialogic relations in the discourse of novels to popular song lyrics. Involving three levels of analysis, it examines the well known New Zealand band Herbs’ appropriation of reggae, and the construction of protest in relationships between the music, the lyrics and the performance of their song “Azania (Soon Come).” It argues that Bakhtin’s ideas have particular relevance for the analysis of contemporary, creative popular discourses related to ethical and cultural values. pp. 91–115

Keywords: dialogism; Herbs; New Zealand; reggae; protest; Bakhtin; discourse