It originally was released as a single in Jamaica and has appeared on various compilations such as Songs of Freedom.
[1] The theme of the song relates to a rumor that was spreading through Jamaica that a duppy, or ghost, had been spotted in numerous locations speeding through the land on a three-wheeled coffin, perched upon which were three John crows, or buzzards, one of which could talk and was asking for a Mr. Brown.
Glen Adams wrote the lyrics after hearing the story, and after Lee Perry's suggestion, was sung by The Wailers.
[2] The song is played in the key of C♯ major and is mostly based around the chord progression (I-IV-V-IV) with an A♯ minor bridge.
To go with the terror theme, the song has spooky elements such as evil laughter.