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Showing posts with label Rastafarian culture/words. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rastafarian culture/words. Show all posts

Friday, June 12, 2020

Justin Hinds And The Dominoes- "Carry Go Bring Home" (Ska & Rocksteady Sound Files, Lyrics, Information, & Comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post provides information about Jamaican singer/songwriter Justin Hinds and showcases sound files of Justin Hinds & The Dominos' Ska and Rocksteady records "Carry Go Carry Go Bring Come".

The lyrics for this song and selected comments from one of these YouTube sound files are also included in this post.


The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purpose.

All copyrights remain with their owners. 

Thanks to Justin Hinds and the Dominos for their musical legacy. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of this song on YouTube.
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/06/what-does-nigerian-pidgin-english.html for the somewhat related pancocojams post entitled "What Does The Nigerian Pidgin English Phrase "Carry Go" Mean? (with online definitions & comments from Nigerians).

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INFORMATION ABOUT JUSTIN HINDS
From https://www.furious.com/perfect/justinhinds.html Justin Hinds and the Dominoes
by Eric Doumerc, (May 2007)
"Justin Hinds began to make records with the Dominoes (Junior Dixon and Dennis Sinclair) forming a Jamaican harmony trio in the early 1960's and later gained some popularity abroad in the 1990's. Sadly, today Hinds and his comrades have remained rather unknown outside the circle of reggae cognoscenti and their music deserves much wider exposure.

Justin Hinds was born in the small village of Steertown on the Jamaican north coast in 1942 and came to Kingston to make his way in the music business in the early 1960's. He hooked up with the producer Duke Reid in 1963 and recorded his fist song in the same year with the cream of studio musicians at the time (Tommy McCook on saxophone, Drumbago on drums, Jah Jerry on guitar). The dominant sound at the time was ska and the Dominoes' first song, entitled "Carry Go Bring Come" (a Jamaican phrase meaning a gossip) was recorded in that style, with blasting horns and a driving rhythm. The song was a hit, remained in the charts for seven weeks, and launched Justin Hinds' career, becoming a transatlantic smash with the UK West Indian immigrant community and with the early incarnations of the skinhead movement (the Selecter covered the song in the late '70's and the Specials would later cover it with Desmond Dekker).

Hinds and his friends then recorded exclusively for Duke Reid until the producer's death in 1974 and then began to record for the late Jack Ruby in 1976, a partnership which led to the release of the Jezebel LP on Island, which included a remake of "Carry Go Bring Home." In spite of one of the songs from the LP (the jubilant "Natty Take Over") being included on the soundtrack to the film Rockers, lasting recognition still failed to come and Hinds went into semi-retirement. Although he returned to recording in the mid-1980's when he made an album for the American Nighthawk label (Travel with Love, 1985), he still missed out on the acclaim he deserved. The Dominoes had to wait until the 1990's for international recognition to come when they first performed at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in 1996, which led to more touring in the USA and in Europe. Justin Hinds died of cancer in Jamaica on March 17th, 2005.

[…]

For Hinds and the Dominoes, their belated recognition may be accounted for by the fact that they recorded in a style which was far removed from the mainstream of Jamaican music but which was nevertheless steeped in the Jamaican oral tradition. Their music (in the ska, rock steady and reggae modes) is best described as "rural" and could be said to belong to a type of reggae music sometimes known as "country reggae." Groups like Stanley and the Turbines and the Ethiopians recorded in a similar style.

The Dominoes' harmonies were church-based and Hinds himself came from a deeply religious family and loved to sing religious hymns in church. Parallel to that, he also liked listening to American popular music and his favourite artists included Fats Domino (hence Justin Hinds and the Dominoes), B.B. King, Smiley Lewis and Louis Jordan.

Hinds' lyrics were influenced both by his religious background and by the Jamaican oral tradition, which is based on storytelling, proverbs, sayings and songs. His first hit, "Carry Go Bring Come," was about a gossip, a "news-carrier":

[...]
The song was an immediate hit in 1963, during the ska era, and Hinds later re-cut it the rock steady idiom in 1967, and later as a Reggae song in the 1970s (on the Jezebel LP). The lyrics are a mixture of folk sayings and biblical allusions ("Jezebel", "Mount Zion", "the wicked") which struck a chord with the audience. Everyone was able to relate to the general feelings expressed in the songs about the wicked oppressing the weak. After all, the song was released in 1963, just one year after Jamaica became independent and the colonial legacy was certainly visible at the time.”…

**
From
Work with Duke Reid
His first recording with Duke Reid was "Carry Go Bring Come", made in late 1963 in one take. It became a big hit topping the Jamaican chart for two months, just before the Wailers got their big hit with "Simmer Down". "Carry Go Bring Come" would later be covered by the British ska band The Selecter on their 1980 album Too Much Pressure, and by Desmond Dekker and The Specials on King of Kings.

[…]

He also released "Carry Go Bring Come" in 1963 in conjunction with Jonathan Bevan, an English-born Jamaican national, a successful collaboration which drew much admiration amongst Jamaican music producers. The track was described by esteemed Ghanaian music aficionado Zahid Chohan as "simply wonderful; belongs in any reggae fan's collection"….
-snip-
A number of other Reggae singers recorded "Carry Go Come Back" including Freddy McGregor, Millie Smalls, and the Skatalites.

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WHAT "CARRY GO BRING COME" MEANS
"Noun
Gossip. Idle talk, rumours, or salacious news about the private affairs of others.

Synonyms
brango, commesse, he say dem say, labba labba, labrish, melee, pung melee, pung name, seetful, shush, shushu, sip sip, skyat, suss, sussu, sussu sussu, yerriso"

Tags
Belna, May 19, 2015

JahMar 17, 2017
"Dwl!! Dis one old ennuh mi granny always seh dis."
-snip-
The phrase "carry go" is known in Nigeria, but has a different meaning (or meanings). I'm curious if there is any connection between the Jamaican phrase "carry go bring come" and the Nigerian phrase "carry go".A series of posts on the Nigerian use of "carry go" will be published ASAP on pancocojams and the link to that first post will be added here.    


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YOUTUBE EXAMPLES
Example #1: Justin Hinds & The Dominoes/Carry Go Bring Come



Soberphobe, Feb 5, 2007
-snip-
Here are selected examples of comments (including lyrics) from the discussion thread for this sound file. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

1. Jimmy Fantabulous, 2011
"this song plays in the background during the following scene from Last Days of Disco:   look up "last days of disco" and "to thine own self be true."

**
2. Ruby Morris, 2012
"sounds awesome!! just like it should. authentic, none of that over-engineered sound processing - thank you :)"

**
3. Mike Ballard, 2012
"1963 top of the pops with a bullet, according to Keith Richards in his bio, LIFE."

**
4. Elkaosenpanama, 2014
This carry go bring come, my dear, brings misery
This carry go bring come, my dear, brings misery

You're going from town to town making disturbances
It's time you stopped doing those things, you old Jezebel
The meek shall inherit this Earth, you old Jezebel
It needs no light to see you're making disturbances

It's better to seek a home in Mount Zion high
Instead of keeping oppression upon innocent man
Time will tell on you, you old Jezebel
How long shall the wicked reign over my people?

It's better to seek a home in Mount Zion high
Instead of keeping oppression upon innocent man
Time will tell on you, you old Jezebel
How long shall the wicked reign over my people?
How long shall the wicked reign over my people?
How long shall the wicked reign over my people?

**
5.  Carlton Ayre, 2017
"masterpiece of ska  they hail from the hills steer town in the parish of  ST ANN
**
6. sherwood991, 2017
"This song was banned from airplay in Jamaica, at one point.  An interesting fact, given what's allowed to play today."

**
REPLY
7. beanyjazz, 2018
"Any idea why sherwood991 dude?"

**
REPLY
8. Andrew Palmer, 2019
"It is a protest song ,how long should  the wicked  rain  over my people is a cry for help its a cry for help  over prejudice"
**
9. 
 Jahson Ntare, 2018
"TYPICAL ENGAGED MUSIC

"Carry Go Bring Come" by Justin Hinds and the Dominoes was very popular in 1964 and is claimed to have criticised the then powerful J.L.P. political leader, Alexander Bustamante, also a trade unionist (founder and leader of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, which has been nearly coalesced into the J .L.P., whereas the P.N.P. has obtained a strong connection with the National Workers Union, established by Norman Manley). The J.L.P. was organised under the leadership of Bustamante in 1943, and the P.N.P. by M. Manley in 1938. (Interestingly Bustamante and Manley were cousins.)

The following is an excerpt from the song:

Carry go bring come, my dear, bring misery
Yuh goin' from home to home, making disturbancy
Time, yuh stop doin' those t'ings, Yuh ole Jezebel
The meek shall inherit the earth ...

Better to seek a home in Mt. Zion I
Instead of keepin' oppression upon a (h)innocent man
Time will tell yuh, yuh 01' Jezebel
How long shall de wicked reign over my people

RASTAFARIAN MUSIC IN CONTEMPORARY JAMAICA: A Study of Socioreligious Music
of the Rastafarian Movement in Jamaica

By Yoshiko S Nagashima"
-snip-
This is the only lyric transcription that I have found online that gives the line "Better to seek a home in Mt Zion I" instead of "Better to seek a home in Mt. Zion high". The phrase "Mt. Zion I" fits the Rastafarian language use of  the word "I"*. However, this may be\is a Rastafarian adaptation of Justin Hinds' lyrics and not the way Hinds wrote that line.

*Click https://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/grant02.htm for a 2002 paper about Rastafarians written by William Grant.  I'll quote the section of that paper about Rastafarians' use of the word "I" in the comment section for this pancocojams post.  



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Example #2: Justin Hinds - Carry Go Bring Come (Rock Steady Version)



The Rickynow, July 1, 2010

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Visitors comments are welcome.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Definitions & Examples Of The Rastafari Word "Iley"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post provides definitions and examples of the Jamaican Dread talk (Iyaric) word "iley".

This post is a companion post to http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/jah-bouks-angola-video-lyrics-partial.html "Jah Bouks - Angola (video, lyrics, & partial American English "translation" of those lyrics)" and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html "Jamaican Patois & Rasta Talk In YouTube Comments About Jah Bouk's Videos"

Additions and corrections to the definitions of words and phrases would be greatly appreciated.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Jah Bouks for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this pages, and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

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DEFINITION OF "ILEY" ("ILLEY, "ILY", "ILLY")
Note that "Iley" (in all of its spellings) is pronounced "i-LAY".

From http://homepage.ntlworld.com/davebulow/wow/key_ideas_-_i&i.htm
"'I and I' is an interesting part-contradiction of Freud's concept of the 'I' (ego). Normally, the name 'I' can only be used by the speaker to refer to him or herself. Moreover, the ability to consciously recognise oneself as an 'I', distinguishable from one's surroundings, seems to be a distinctively human characteristic, not shared by the animal, plant or mineral kingdoms. In contrast, 'I and I' can refer to any number of individuals, often being extended ad infinitum: I and I and I and I and I... and hence implying an 'endless circle of Inity'. Needless to say, such abolition of personal pronouns can lead to confusion! Hence one may hear also phrases such as 'the-I' ('you'), or 'I-man' ('I').

The syllable 'I' is one of the most frequently recurring in reggae songs, and it is perhaps no coincidence that the name 'Rastafari' itself ends with this same sound (at least in its English pronunciation; in Amharic, it is pronounced 'ras ta-fa-ree'). 'I' may replace an existing initial syllable of a word, or it may be suffixed, as in 'Zion-I'. This often lends a more sacred quality to words. Not surprisingly, the Roman numeral 'I' (one) appended to the name of the Emperor Haile Selassie I (implying 'the first') has come to be pronounced almost exclusively in the same way.

The distinctively Rastafarian phenomenon of incorporating the sound 'I' into words has become so widespread and well recognised as to be given its own term: 'I-word forming'. Naturally, it produces some obvious rhyme schemes in reggae lyrics, since the words Rastafari, Selassie I, I and I, Most I (High), Zion-I, and so on all end in the same sound. Other I-words you may meet include Idren (brethren and sistren), I-didate (meditate), Iley (highly), Imanity (humanity), Iration (creation), I-shence (incense, or herb), Ises (praises), I-story (history), Ital, Iternity (eternity), Itinually (continually), Itiopia (Ethiopia), Iwa (hour, time), Iyant (chant)....

May the I be iley blessed in Iternity, and Ises to the Most I! Yes-I!
-snip-
Italics were added by me to highly those words.
From http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
"From the Emperors name Haile, also meaning Ganja Herbs."
http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
-snip-
Note how the word "iley" (i-LAY) came to be used to connote "holy" ("highly") and "ganja":
Haile [name of Ethiopia Emperor Haile Selassie who Rastas consider a reincarnation of God (Jah) = Holy

Iley = Holy (Highly)

Ganja = Holy herb

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From https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS185075.pdf "The Rastafarian community In Scouting"
"Ily", "illy", iley is also defined as "holy".

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From http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Iley
"Iley
a word used by Rastas for ganja,also called the holy herb and callie, they believe it was given by God (Jah).Scriptural support is found especially in Psalm 104:14: "He causeth the grass for the cattle and herb for the service of man." Other texts interpreted to refer to cannabis include Genesis 3:18, Exodus 10:12, and Proverbs 15:17. In addition to ritual use, Rastas also use marijuana for medicinal purposes, applying it to a variety of ailments including colds.
sittin smoken iley."

sittin smoken iley.
-by trobaughApril 29, 2010

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OTHER SELECTED COMMENTS THAT INCLUDE THE WORD "ILEY"
Example #1: Jah Bouks, 2013
"ILLEY.."
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKm0GzGHVF8
"Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"

**
Example #2: Roberto Kelly, 2013
"Ileeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy yes rasta i like the progress just keep up the hard work and your name will be on the lips of many far and wide"
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"

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Example #3:
"I-ternal reverberations within the portals of Ras Tafari. I-I-I-I-I-I-Iley I forIvar.

Rastafari Love…. John (Jakes) Homiak, Washington DC, USA
From http://rastaites.com/news/hearticals/Iration/RIP.pdfI-CALLING RAS IRATION I (1955 – 2011) [hereafter given as "Rasaites.com: I-Calling"]
-snip-
I think that "i-calling" is what some African Americans call a home going service for someone who has died (passed on). In Standard American English these comments are part of the eulogy.

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FEATURED VIDEOS
Note: These videos document the use of the Rastafari word "iley" as an interjection. Note that in the video given as Example #1 that interjection is given in a call & response pattern, i.e. the singer Jah Bouks says "Iley!" before beginning his song and the audience says "Iley!" immediately after he says it. I wonder if this is a common practice in Rastafari gatherings.

The word "iley" may also be used in other Reggae artists' videos and in other YouTube videos. The videos below are showcased because they are the ones that I saw that prompted me to publish this post.

These videos are presented in chronological order with the oldest dated video given first.

Example #1: JAH BOUKS SINGS INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER @djrizzle1 @jahbouks



rizzle693, Published on Aug 16, 2013

JAH BOUKS SINGS AT UWI MONA INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AUG 16 2013

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Example #2: Jah Bouks -- Going Home | Private Property Riddim | October 2013



JamDown122 EntertainmentPublished on Oct 17, 2013


Jah Bouks -- Going Home | Private Property Riddim |
Produced By: Jah Snow Cone Productions

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Example #3: Jah Bouks -- Never Really Know [Who Can't Hear Must Feel Riddim] - Island Life Records



JamDown122 Entertainment, Published on Nov 21, 2013

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Visitor comments are welcome.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Jamaican Patois & Rasta Talk In YouTube Comments About Jah Bouk's Videos

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post documents examples of Jamaican Patois [Patwa] and Rastafari Dread Talk [Iyaric) in selected comments from a number of discussion threads of Jah Bouks' videos.

Additions and corrections to the definitions of words and phrases would be greatly appreciated.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Jah Bouks for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this pages.

This post is related to the following pancocojams posts http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/jah-bouks-angola-video-lyrics-partial.html "Jah Bouks - Angola (video, lyrics, & partial American English "translation" of those lyrics)" and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html

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EXAMPLES OF SELECTED JAMAICAN PATOIS AND DREAD TALK WORDS AND PHRASES IN YOUTUBE VIDEO COMMENT THREADS.
These featured words and phrases The words are presented in alphabetical order.

The first comment example that comes from a particular video is given with a link to that video and its title.*
Any other comment example from that video is given with that video's title. Mutiple comment examples for one word are presented arbitrarily.

Unless otherwise indicated, these definitions are from http://www.assatashakur.org/forum/rastafarian-reasoning/34526-dread-dictionary-rasta-words-expressions-slang.html "Dread Dictionary, Rasta words, expressions, and slang" 10-23-2008 posted by XXPANTHAXX

I've "translated" some of these comments into Standard American English and/or African American Vernacular English. Additions and Corrections are welcome.

*I didn't note from which video's comment thread I retrieved several of these featured comments. My apologies for that.

A, B
BAD = very good
Example: Sexxilyps Bchos, 2014
"Love yu baadd bouks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_2xfOZvJ1M
"Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!" [hereafter given as "Jah Bouks: sings hit tune to Black Women"] Note: That song title is "Miss Dem Curves".
-snip-
Translated to African American Vernacular English: [I] love you. You're bad (very good), (Jah) Bouks.
-snip-
This Caribbean use of the word "bad" has the same meaning as the slang use of "bad" in African American Vernacular English. I
wonder if that usage was lifted from AAVE.

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BIG UP = English Translation: Give respect / Give props Definition To give respect, encouragement or to acknowledge someone"
From "15 Jamaican patois words website"

Example #1:
romaine gabbidon, 2014
"Iley!!big up u self jah bouks angola.."
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"

**
Example #2: Alicia Williams, 2014
"Luv this song big up Jah bouks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlYmbrFvulY
"Jah Bouks: "Never Really Know [Who Can't Hear Must Feel Riddim] - Island Life Records" [hereafter given as "Jah Bouks: Never Really Know"]

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BIG TUNE = Great song [tune/rhythm]
Alicia Williams, 2014
"Big tune u need to cum to Trinidad to give us more of u Jah bouks" [Great song. You need to come to Trinidad to give of more of you [your performances], Jah Bouks
From "JAH BOUKS miss dem curves"

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BLESS UP - a way of saying "[Jah's] blessings [to you]."

Example of "blessings":
Delroy Shaw, 2014
"Blessings jah bouks! Yuh deal wid it madd"
From From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BBD4vZtM0
"JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
An African American Vernacular English translation of this comment [with probably outdated slang] is "Blessings Jah Bouks! You're really cookin'" [or "You're the bomb!".
-snip-
Read the entry for "mad" below.

Example of "bless up":
Orrett Ricketts, 2014
"Jah bouks is on the right track bless up Rasta".
From "JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
I think that "bless[ing] up" may also be written in short form with just the word "up" as in the following example:

The Liberator Magazine, 2014
"#UP"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlucZMw8YwA
"Jah Bouks - No Slave"

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BREDDA = brother [usually given as mi bredda (my brother) = usually a referent from a Black person to a Black male]

Example:
shaneymack, 2013
"MAD TING MI BREDDA.... EUROPE NEXT JUST GWAAN BUM UP THE ROAD.... REBEL SALUTE BOOKINGS SURE
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKm0GzGHVF8
"Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
-snip-
In Standard American English, that comment would be:
[Your song is] great! Touring Europe is next for you. It's just a little while off [it's just a bump in the road]. You're sure to get bookings [from those who like your rebel positions (Rastafari beliefs)].

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BRETHREN
"English Translation: Brethren
Definition:
Slang for anyone who is a friend or colleague." http://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/top-15-jamaican-patois-words-you-should-know
-snip-
I'm sure that definition should read "anyone who is male who is a friend or colleague."

Example:
Hugh Jah'vybz, 2013
"Good selection breddren...give thanks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QGkJeEmB_M
"Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths [Official Video 2013]"

C, D
CHUNE = tune (song, riddim [rhythm] When used alone or with the preceded by an adjective such as "Big", it means the same thing as the standard American English "Great record!" and the African American English "That's my jam!".

Example #1: Israelreggae, 2014
"Your chune moves us Rasta !!!! JAH !!!"

**
Example #2:
Dean Marinov, 2014
"big chuuune!"
From "Jah Bouks - No Slave"

**
Example #3: Countroyhifi, 2014
"Chune"
From "Jah Bouks - No Slave"

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DEM = Them
Example: song title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj6ch4PTdb0
"Jah Bouks - "Miss Dem Curves"
-snip-
Here's a comment about the Patois word word "dem" from this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO77ibguzYA
"Basics on how to speak Jamaican (Patwa)":
Marvis Graham, October 2014
"Just to add... when we say "dem" it doesnt always mean "them"... We also use the word "dem" to pluralize things. Just like you said just now, "tell di gyal dem"... We dont mean "Tell the girls them". That's not proper English. It just means "tell the Girls". So we use the word dem to pluralize things"

E, F
FI = for
Example #1: song title: "Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths"

**
Example #2:
Eli Yahu, 2014
"the whole earth ah fi we"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5FWXsZf0vw
"Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
Standard American English = The whole world is for us (is ours).

**
Example #3: NaturalMystic71, 2014
"+Eli Yahu tell dem again fi mi!"
From "Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
Read the entry for "Haile" and "Iley" for what I think is the meaning of "Eeeli". "tell dem again fi mi" = tell them again for me" in Standard American English.

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Example #4: Kama Sohi, 2014
"truth but Africa we all looking to now to be the head of the united nation so we can say and do a lot to for world. A fi wi time now ( African) that is
From "Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
In Standard American English the beginning word means "You are speaking the truth" or "What you say is true". In African American Vernacular English "A fi wi time now = The time is for us now = It's our time now.]

**
Example #5: obbykil, 2013
"rasta fi guh a road. do road jah bouks"
-snip-
I think that this means "Rasta, you need to go on a road trip [tour]. Do a tour Jah Bouks.
-snip-
The word "fi" in that example reminds me of the African American Vernacula English word "fixin'" meaning "getting ready to", although I'm not sure that it means that in that sentencee I wonder did it come from the Jamaican Patois word "fi":

G, H
GWAAN
Definition #1: go on [an affirmative statement/exclamation of support]

**
Definition #2: Wa a gwaan? = What's going on? [What's happening?]

Definition from http://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/top-15-jamaican-patois-words-you-should-know
"Wah gwaan -English Translation - What’s going on or what’s up - Definition Pronounced as “waa gwaan”, the literal translation is “what’s going on” but when used as a greeting, it can also mean “What’s up”. Different variation of “Wah gwaan” may be used but they all have the same meaning. These include; wah deh gwaan, whatta gwaan or waguan (pronounced wa-goo-ahn)"

Example #1 [Definition #1]
Ivan Cruz, 2014
"Gwan rasta beutiful music. [American English translation: Go On [Keep doing what you're doing], Rasta. [You make] Beautiful music.]
From "Cry Fi Di Youths"

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HAILE = Haile Selassie's name; also used as an exclamation
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie
..."Today, Haile Selassie is worshipped as God incarnate[142] among followers of the Rastafari movement (taken from Haile Selassie's pre-imperial name Ras – meaning Head – a title equivalent to Duke – Tafari Makonnen), which emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s under the influence of Marcus Garvey's "Pan Africanism" movement. He is viewed as the messiah who will lead the peoples of Africa and the African diaspora to freedom."...

Example:
BLACK LIONESS, 2014
"HAILEEEE blessing,
ups mama africa"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BBD4vZtM0
"JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
I think that "ups mama africa" means that the song is raising Africa up.

Also note that http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html [hereafter given as "term paper: Rastafari} includes this entry:
"HAIL: A Rastafarian greeting taken from the first name of the Emperor, Haile."

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HIGHLY - "holy" (Haile) - from the name "Haile Selassie."

Read information about Haile Selassie under the entry for "Jah". Also, read the comment example under "Jah".

I, J
I & I = we

Example:
Ras Mrina, 2014
"I&I hear u Rasta, blessed." [in African American Vernacular English: We hear you Rasta. Be Blessed.] "We hear you" = We understand and agree with what you are saying.
From "Jah Bouks - "Cry Fi De Youth"

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ILLEY ("ILY/ILLY/ILEY)
From http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
"From the Emperors name Haile, also meaning Ganja Herbs."

****
From https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS185075.pdf "The Rastafarian community In Scouting"
"Ily", "illy", iley is also defined as "holy".
-snip-
"Iley" (all of its spellings) is pronounced "i-LAY".

In a number of Jah Bouks' videos (but not all of his videos) that singer says "Iley!" as an interjection prior to beginning his song. In one video of a public event that was attended by the Jamaican Prime Minister, that interjection is given in a call & response pattern, i.e. the singer Jah Bouks says "Iley!" before beginning his song and the audience says "Iley!" immediately after he says it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1glTe26bMQ "JAH BOUKS SINGS INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER".

I wonder if it is a common practice in Rastafari gatherings for "Iley!" to be used as an interjection and for that interjection to be used in a call & response manner.

Commenters' examples of "Iley":
Example #1: Jah Bouks, 2013
"ILLEY.."
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"

**
Example #2: Roberto Kelly, 2013
"Ileeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy yes rasta i like the progress just keep up the hard work and your name will be on the lips of many far and wide"
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
-snip-
A pancocojams post on the Rasta word "iley" in YouTube comments and in songs will be published ASAP.

****
JAH - God
From term paper: Rastafari
"Jah: The name by which the Rastafari know the Creator to be called in his 72nd reincarnation upon the earth in the person of Selassie I. The name that carries the power of the Almighty this day; "Sing praises to the Almighty's name. Extol H.I.M. that rideth upon the heavens by HiS name JAH, and rejoice before H. I.M." Adapted from PSALM 68; Verse 4."

Example #1: shakadker, 2014
"Highly!!!!!!!!! Blessed young warrior, Jah will continue to guide and protect you on the journey you trod call Rasta..." [Praises to you! Blessed young warrior, God will continue to guide and protect you on your Rastafari life's journey.]

**
Example #2: boogie melody, 2014
real singer culture all the way jah jah
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_2xfOZvJ1M
"Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman! "
-snip-
Note: This is the song "Miss Dem Curves"

K, L
LION
From term paper: Rastafari
"LION: Righteous male in the Rastafari way of life. The lion is a symbol of "Kingliness" and is depicted on the Ithiopian flag. This is in keeping with Selassie's title, "The Lion of Judah"."

Example: trevorroots, 2013
"Mamma Afrika a fi we true bless up lion good work highly bless"
[Mama Africa and all of us truly bless you, Lion. You will be highly blessed [truely blessed] because of your good work.]
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"

M, N
MAD = Very good
Example #1: tennison phipps, 2014
"mad"
From video "miss dem curves"
-snip-
"Mad" is often used alone as shown above,with the implication that the person is saying that the tune or the singer or both is "mad".

**
Example #2: STAMMA TERROR, 2013
"mad thing"
From "Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!"
-snip-
In comments on YouTube Caribbean videos, "thing" is usually spelled "ting".

****
NUFF RESPECT = a lot of respect; also used as a greeting
From http://www.negril-tour-guide.com/jamaicanlanguage.html
"NUFF: Plentiful; also used as a greeting with 'respect' as in 'Nuff Respect"."

Example:
Alagie Lawani, 2014
"big up jah bouks...nuff respect robo ranks.................gambia am from
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WehykxHulSc
"Jah Bouks at Tuff Gong live for Robbo Ranx"
-snip-
In this sentence, given the use of the phrase "big up", the blogger from the West African nation of Gambia probably was saying that he or she has a lot of respect for Jah Bouks and greeting that singer.

O, P
PON = on, upon
Example:
don king, 2014
"Jah Bouks nuh fi sleep pon" [Don't sleep [on] Jah Bouks.
From "Jah Bouks: Cry For Di Youth"
-snip-
This comment in Standard American English = Don't ignore (or forget about) Jah Bouk's records.

In African American Vernacular Engliish = Don't forget to check out Jah Bouk['s records. (because they are very good.)
From Cry For di Youth

Q, R
RASTA = A male or female who is a follower of Rastafari beliefs
From term paper: Rastafari
"RAS: From Amharic, meaning "Head", "Chief" or "King". This is the title a Rastafari uses before his name.

RAS Tafari The name of the Emperor before he was crowned Emperor. The name Rastafari knows as carrying the power this day."

Example #1: NaturalMystic71, 2014
"Sing it Rasta!!! BOOM!!!!"
From "Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!"
-snip-
The "Sing it" portion of this comment reminds me of the use of that phrase in African American Vernacular English usage. The
word "Boom!" probably just indicates enthusiasm for that song. A number of Americans of different races and ethnicity [also ?] use the word "Boom!" for that purpose. "Boom!" may imitate the sound of dynomite or gun fire.

**
Example #2:
sean terrow
"one a di baddest rasta me herd in a long time
From "Jah Bouks: Never Really Know"]

****
RIDDIM
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riddim
"Riddim is the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word "rhythm," but in dancehall/reggae parlance it refers to the instrumental accompaniment to a song. Thus, a dancehall song consists of the riddim plus the "voicing" (vocal part) sung by the deejay. The resulting song structure may be taken for granted by dancehall fans, but is distinctive in many ways. A given riddim, if popular, may be used in dozens—or even hundreds—of songs, not only in recordings, but also in live performances"

Example #1: papa rufus, 2014
"Both riddims used for this song are great. i go back and forth between them."
From "Jah Bouks -- Never Really Know"

**
Example #2: P1NkLoVe88, 2013
"I prefer the riddim he used when he performed it at magnum kings/queens"
From Jah Bouks -- "Never Really Know"

S, T
TING = thing
Read the example above for "bredda".

****
TUNE [Tunes] = same as "chune" [Note that "tunes" and "chune" refer to the total song and not just what American refer to as the song's music.]

Example #1: machino mckenzie , 2014
"tunes"
From "JAH BOUKS SINGS INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER"

**
Example #2: Erykah J.O.P
"TUNEEEEEEE"
From "Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"

**
Example #3: Alicia Williams, 2014
"Big tune u need to cum to Trinidad to give us more of u Jah bouks" [Very popular (or very good) song. You need to come to Trinidad (on tour) to give us more Jah Bouks.)
From
From "Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"
-snip-
Note that on Youtube discussion threads of Reggae music the words "tunes or tunes" and "chune" are often written alone. Those words (spelled with or without an "s") usually refer to one song and indicates that the blogger really likes that song. A comparable sentence in African American English is "That's my jam!"

U, F
UTES = youths [young people]
Example: amar mac, 2014
"the artist badddd a so the utes dem fi a meditate" [That artist is bad (very good). The youth (young people) should (need to) meditate (think about) the messages in his songs.]
from Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"

W, X
WEH = what
From http://jamaicanpatwah.com/term/Weh-yuh-deh-pon/1331
"Weh yuh deh pon
English Translation
What are you up

Definition
Slang expression used to greet a friend. It means “what are you up to” or “what are you going to do” "
-snip-
However, the Standard American English translation of "weh" in the following sentene would be "that".

Example:
Blitz3677, 2014
"Jah Bouks just luv de style weh yuh have TUUUUUUUNEE !"
Jah Bouks, (I) just (really) love your style. TUUUUUNEE (This is a really great jam or this is my favorite ["jam", "tune", "song")]
From Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!

****
WICKED = great, very skillful, talented [similar to the meanings given above for "bad" and "mad"]

Example #1: Natural, 2013
"Wicked Star!!!!"

**
Example #2: DJ CAMRAN, 2013
"THIS ARTISTE MAWWWDDD !! LYRICS DEEP .. VOICE CONTROL WICKKIIIIDDD ON KEY !!!" [This artist is mad [very good]!! [His] lyrics (are deep (profound). [His[ voice control is wicked [He has great voice control. [He's] on key. [Is this the same as the AAVE phrase "being on point" (doing everything just thee way it's supposed to be done)?
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"

Y, Z
YOUTHS = youth (Note that in Jamaican Patois/Dread Talk, this word is usually given with an "s". [young people]

Example: Song title: "Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths

Also, read the example for "utes" above.

****
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Visitor comments are welcome.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Jah Bouks - Angola (video, lyrics, & partial American English "translation" of those lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a video of and lyrics to Jah Bouks' 2013 Reggae song "Angola".

This post also includes my attempt to "translate" the lyrics of this song to somewhat standard American English.

I've made this attempt because I think it would add to people's understanding and appreciation of the song to have such a translation and I haven't found any other article that has "translated" those lyrics. However, I'm fully aware that I'm not the best person to post such a translation, since I'm not a Rasta or Jamaican, and the little Iyaric (Dread-talk) that I know is mostly from online sources.

Additions and corrections to this "translation" would be greatly appreciated.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes and not for religious or political reasons.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Jah Bouks for this song, and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post, particularly the poster of the lyrics to this song.

This post is a companion post to http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html "Jamaican Patois & Rasta Talk In YouTube Comments About Jah Bouk's Videos" and to http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html "Definitions & Examples Of The Rastafari Word "Iley" "

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SHOWCASE VIDEO: Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)

.

FabrikatedProjex Published on Apr 18, 2013
Dir: Wayne Benjamin
Cinematographer: Wayne Benjamin
Producer: Wayne Benjamin
-snip-
Click http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Singer-Jah-Bouks-finds-his-calling_15688672 for an article about Reggae artist Jah Bouks and his first recording "Angola". That 2013 article indicates that the then 38 year old Reggae artist has never been to Africa. That article also notes that "Jah Bouks was born Warin Smith in Winchester, St Thomas; he grew up in Portmore where he worked the sound system circuit. Much of his exposure, however, came at one of the Sunshine City's most popular clubs".

Also click http://www.reggaeearthunited.com/2013/11/07/jah-bouks-illey-rasta-for-africa-listen-the-hit-tune-angola/ for more information the concept that infuses Jah Bouk's song "Angola" as well as some history about that African nation.

****
LYRICS- ANGOLA
(Jah Bouks)

Yes Rasta, all a mi grand people dem belong to Africa
So a so we a wuk fi di giddion hot, Haili

Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola

Mi bun di fire hot pon babylon
Nah tek no chat from Babylon
Cause a you corrupt the ghetto yutes wid unno wicked act unno babylon
When mi walk i trample down babylon
Talk and rawt down babylon
Unno always deh yah wid you clans and plans
Wah come trap binji man

Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again

True religion unno bomb down a Lebonon
Lick yuh self and a blame Afghanistan
Wid unno try and cons implement a plan
Dem you go dig down Saddam
Mi see you a draw nearer and nearer
But the oil mama got nah go share yah
Oh mi nah get scared fi defend di square
Opressah Marlon Gayle

Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again

Dem nuh like when we yad inna di hills
Dem wah we stay yah fi pay dem bills
When you think you a save little cabagge
Dem alone a count off the mills
Its an authentic reggae beat
Mek mi skank off the shoes affa mi feet
A get three Peter Tosh, Two Bob Marley and di little Beres Sound sweet

No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again

So di binji can a call
Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola

Mi bun di fire hot pon babylon
Nah tek no chat from Babylon
Cause a you corrupt the ghetto yutes wid unno wicked act unno babylon
When mi walk i trample down babylon
Talk and rawt down babylon
Unno always deh yah wid you clans and plans
Wah come trap binji man

Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again

Source: http://www.dancehallreggaeworld.com/reggae-singer-jah-bouks-angola-lyrics-video.html by DHRW
(Jamaica)

****
ATTEMPTED "TRANSLATION" OF JAH BOUKS' "ANGOLA" INTO AMERICAN ENGLISH
Editor's Note:
This is only a partial "translation", with lyrics that I'm not certain of left in their original form.

The words or lines that I don't know and don't want to guess at I've left as. I've also left some of the Rasta words that are complicated to define and/or that are more familiar in the USA (such as "Babylon") in their original forms and added definitions below this "translation" with a citation of the source or sources that I'm using for that word or words. Those words or phrases are indicated by asterisks.

I've numbered each of the lines to this song to help make referencing additions and corrections easier.

Some of my translations are guesses. I've written a question mark in brackets after those "translations".

Please help with this attempt by posting additions and corrections in the comment section. Thanks!

ANGOLA
(Jah Bouks)

1. Yes Rasta*, all of my great people, they belong to Africa
2. And that is why (and so) we work to make Gideon** hot [to anger to destroy?] Gideon** Haili***

3. Angola, Angola father, mother Africa Gola, Angola
4. Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola

5. I burn the fire hot upon babylon****
6. I don't take any talk from babylon
7. Because you corrupt the ghetto youth with your wicked ways [acts], you babylon
8. When I walk I trample down babylon
9. Talk and walk [?] down babylon
10. Your always there with your clans and plans
11. Trying to trap binji man*****

12. You think that you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
13. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
14. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
15. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again

16.True religion wouldn't bomb down Lebonon
17. [Then] boast about yourself and blame Afghanistan
18. Why do you try and cons [conspire to ?] implement a plan
19. Then you go [hunt up?] Saddam [Hussein]
20. I see you coming nearer and nearer
21. But the oil mama got (she) won't share with you
22. I'm not scared to defend my square [neighborhood?]
23. Opressah Marlon Gayle

24. You think (that) you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
25. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
26. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
27. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again

28. They don't like (it) when we [hide ?] in the hills [to do guerilla warfare)
29. They want us to stay and pay their bills (that they charge us)
30. When you think you have saved a little money
31. They are the ones that count off the mills [the millions?]
32. Its an authentic reggae beat
33. Make me dance the shoes off my feet
34. My sweet sound is three {parts) Peter Tosh, Two (parts) Bob Marley and a little {bit of) Beres (Beres Hammond)

35. You think that you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
36. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
37. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
38. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again

39. So this binji can call
40. Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
41. Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola

42. I burn the fire hot upon babylon
43. I don't take any talk from Babylon
44. Because you corrupt the ghetto youths with your wickeed ways, you babylon.
45. When I walk i trample down babylon
46. Talk and walk [?] down babylon
47. You're always there with your clans and plans
48. You want to come and trap binji man

49. You think (that) you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again
60. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
-snip-
ASTERISKS NOTES
*Rasta - "Members of the Rastafari way of life are known as Rastas, or the Rastafari. The way of life is sometimes referred to as "Rastafarianism", but this term is considered derogatory and offensive by most Rastafari, who, being highly critical of "isms" (which they see as a typical part of "Babylon culture"), dislike being labelled as an "ism" themselves."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rastafari_movement

**giddion (Gideon) "Amagideon/Gideon is a Rasta theological concept meaning the general state the entire world is in now, and has been getting progressively deeper in since 1930, and especially since 1974. This is a slight mutation of Armageddon, a name appearing in Revelation." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyaric [hereafter given as Wikipedia: Iyaric]

***Haili = Haile - The Dread talk word "ily" ("iley", "illy") comes from that name.

"ILY/ILLY/ILEY: From the Emperors name Haile, also meaning Ganja Herbs."
From http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
-snip-
Update: October 9, 2014
"Ily", "illy", iley is also defined as "holy".

"Iley" -in all of its spellings- is pronounced "i-LAY" [as heard in other Jah Boukes videos].

A pancocojams post on the Rasta word "iley" will be published ASAP. A related post on comments using Dread talk in the Jah Bouks video "Angola" and in other Jah Bouks videos will also be published ASAP.
-end of Update-

****"Babylon" = 1. the corrupt establishment, the "system," Church and State 2. the police, a policeman
http://niceup.com/patois.html; Also read the definition for Babylon in Wikipedia: Iyaric.

*****binji man = probably from the word "Niyabinghi"

Niyabinghi is one of the mansions (branches) of Rastafari.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mansions_of_Rastafari

Also ""NIYAMEN" is a name for Rastas referring to Niyabinghi warriors of East Africa" http://www.assatashakur.org/forum/rastafarian-reasoning/34526-dread-dictionary-rasta-words-expressions-slang.html

ADDED October 8, 2014: "When Rastafari come together to drum and chant it is called Nyahbinghi, and is one of the most important form of worship or prayer within this faith.
Reggae music is based on Nyahbinghi, and is used by many Rastafari to sing about their beliefs and the social conditions they live in. Many Rastafari believe that reggae is divine music, while other Rastafari do not"...
From https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS185075.pdf "The Rastafarian community In Scouting"
Note: Compared with most on-line sites, this article provides in-depth information about Rastafari history, beliefs, and culture, including festivals
-snip-
Update: October 11, 2014
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkdxQ3TiWLE "Justice Sound. Jamaican Nyahbinghi Churchical Chant & hymns, Sabbatical Order. Jamaican Gospel"
[justicedagreat (the video uploader's) comment]:
"Nyahbingi as a Rastafarian lifestyle, In Rasta overstanding, Nyahbingi is the mystical power of the Most High to mete
justice throughout the universe. Although the genuine origin of the word that means "she possesses many things" is Ugandan, as a
concept and theology, Nyahbingi has come down to the Rastaman to signify "death to the oppressors, both black and white". Therefore, it is through prayer, music and biblical
reasonings that the Rastaman chants bingi, calling on the forces of nature to destroy the powers of wickedness."...
end of update
-snip-
I'm particularly curious about the meaning of the line "Opressah Marlon Gayle". Does the word "oppressah" = oppressor? I thought that word wasn't used in Dread-talk. And is the word "Oppressah" in Jah Bouks' "Angola" song a continuation of the preceding line so that that line actually reads "Oh mi nah get scared fi defend di square, Opressah".

Intially I thought that "Marlon Gayle" was a referent for the African American Soul singer Marvin Gaye. But that referent makes no sense in the context of that Angola song. I googled that name and came across a 2012 article about a Jamaican man named Marlon Gayle who is "a former middle distance runner turned coach, has been the quiet unassuming force behind the rise of the throwing dynamo that the Edwin Allen High School track and field programme has become." http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Marlon-Gayle--the-man-behind-Edwin-Allen-s-rise-in-the-throwing-events

I wonder is this the Marlon Gayle that Jah Bouks' meant? Is the name "Marlon Gayle" a short hand way of saying that there are other guiet unassumig forces that can be successfully brought to bear in overthrowing babylon?

I hope that someone who knows this culture adds to these comments.

****
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Visitor comments are welcome.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Burning Spear "I Stand Strong" - Lyrics, Video, Information

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the song "I Stand Strong" by Jamaican Reggae singer/composer Burning Spear.

This song is showcased for its historical, folkloric, aesthetic, and inspirational values.

VIDEO
Burning spear I stand strong



keddist3, Published on Nov 21, 2013
-snip-
Update: January 17, 2019- This sound file replaces one that is no longer available.

****

LYRICS

I STAND STRONG
(Burning Spear)

I Stand Strong
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon

I didn't do no wrong
I didn't do no wrong
I didn't do no wrong
I didn't do no wrong

His Majesty big Marcus Garvey
His Majesty big Martin Luther King

I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon

I am the master of my fate
I am the capton of my soul
I am the master of my fate
I am the capton of my soul

His Majesty big Marcus Garvey
His Majesty big Martin Luther King

I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon

I will watch my footsteps
I will watch them in a Babylon
I will watch my footsteps
I will watch them in a Babylon

Watch your back in a Babylon
Watch your back
Check your move in a Babylon
Check your move

I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon
I stand strong in a Babylon

Online source http://www.lyricstime.com/burning-spear-i-stand-strong-lyrics.html

****
INFORMATION
From
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burning_Spear

Winston Rodney, OD* (born 1 March 1945), also known as Burning Spear, is a Jamaican roots reggae singer and musician. Burning Spear is known for his Rastafari movement messages...
Rodney was born in Saint Ann's Bay, Saint Ann, Jamaica, as were reggae singer Bob Marley and political activist Marcus Garvey who both had a great influence on Rodney's life: Garvey in his philosophy, which Burning Spear greatly took to, and Marley in directly helping Burning Spear get started in the music industry (by some accounts) by introducing him to Clement Dodd.

*"OD" "The Order of Distinction in Jamaica is the fifth in order of precedence of the Orders of Societies of Honour, which were instituted by an Act of Parliament – The National Honours and Awards Act in 1968.

The Motto of the Order is "Distinction Through Service
"Order of Distinction"
Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Distinction

****
From http://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/dbardfield.html

The popular use of the word"Babylon" can be definitively traced to Marcus Garvey's teachings, which liken the Afro-Caribs in the West to the Jews Exile into Babylon. The institution of slavery created tremendous suffering for those that were enslavedin both of these cases. Many people in Jamaica are still suffering, due to the successor of slavery, which is racism and poverty. The Bible contains many stories of slavery that describe the hardship that was endured in ancient times, as well as the eventual emancipation from the hardship. Rastas have found much applicable meaning from within the Bible, and it is only natural that they identify with the Jews in Babylon, who faced much of the same obstacles that they themselves face. By labeling the source of their own oppression as "Babylon", the Rastas shed more light on the fact that oppression is in fact taking place. This definitive name gives the oppression that they face a center, or a heart, which can be targeted easier. Instead of saying "Injustice must fall", "Poverty must be alleviated", or" Jamaican legislation must represent its people", a Rasta need only say "Babylon must fall". When this centralized, encompassing word is used, it provides the Rasta with a target to be passionately against, and increases his sense of unity with his people.

The word Babylon is by no means an arbritary word that is used to describe oppression. Babylon was one of the first cities to ever stand on Earth. It is quite clear that there is much to be learned about this mythical city that will help us to better understand the modern"Babylon system". I believe that the modern definition of Babylon describes a type of mentality that is common to all the institutions that are labeled as being "Babylon". However, the essence of what this midframe is can be most closely encountered through the study of the real Babylon as it grew, prospered and fell thousands of years ago.

*This excerpt is re-posted with corrected typographical errors

RELATED LINK
http://www.burningspear.net/home

**
http://www.amazon.com/World-Should-Know-Burning-Spear/dp/B00000042O

****
My thanks to composer,vocalist, activist Burning Spears. My thanks also to the musicians featured in this video, and to this video's uploader.

Thank you for visiting this page.

Viewer comments are welcome.