The lyrics were inspired by a local tale about a duppy who was supposedly seen speeding around on a three-wheeled coffin with two "John Crows" (buzzards) on top, one of which would ask for "Mr. Brown". Adams was due to record the track himself but Perry suggested that the Wailers record it, with Peter Tosh and Adams adding spooky organ riffs.
The song's lyrics were influenced by a local story about a duppy who allegedly rode a three-wheeled coffin at high speed, accompanied by two "John Crows" (buzzards) on top, one of which would call out for "Mr. Brown". Adams was initially scheduled to record the track himself but Perry proposed that the Wailers take it on, with Peter Tosh and Adams contributing eerie organ parts.