08:15 AM EDT on Thursday, October 21, 2004

By ANN SHERIDAN / 6NEWS

Dozens of demonstrators showed up in Uptown Wednesday evening to protest a reggae singer known for his anti-gay lyrics, who was playing at local bar.

Capleton, who protestors said advocates hate and violence toward lesbians, played at Amos Southend Wendesday night to a so-so crowd.

With lyrics such as "I burn everything as long as they're gay" and "Yo, string them up and hang them up alive," the singer says he doesn't mean it literally. Capleton said he's misunderstood.

"Bob Marley says, 'I shot the sheriff,' Capleton said.”He didn't shoot him. The Sheriff Association didn't come down on him."

"There's no misinterpretation," said protester Jean Ralley. "He says burn chicks and lesbians. There's no interpretation. End of story."

The performer was banned from the MTV Video Music Awards earlier this year.