This is Part II of a two part pancocojams series on Colin Lucas' 1991 classic Trinidadian and Tobagan Soca song "Dollar Wine".
This post showcases several YouTube videos of the song "Dollar Wine" and its cover songs entitled "One Cent, Five Cent, Ten Cent, Dollar".
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2024/03/colin-lucas-dollar-wine-part-i-video.html for Part I of this pancocojams series. That post showcases a video of Colin Lucas' original recording of "Dollar Wine" and includes that song's lyrics as well as an article excerpt about that song. Selected comments from a YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural and entertainment purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Colin Lucas and the other Caribbean artists who have recorded this song. Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
**** ADDITIONAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS
These videos are presented in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - Collin Lucas - Dollar Wine | Zumba Routine | Leofitt Choreography
Leon Brewster, Oct 1, 2022
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - Dollar Wine
FNM Killarney, Dec 13, 2008
Moms competing in a dance contest at The Annual Killarney
Kids Christmas Party -snip- Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread: @kareemahye, 2012 "LOL Bahamians dancin to Soca! Ah luv it lolol!"
**** SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - Dolla Wine
bkaSHAWTYY, Mar 8, 2008
enjoyy :) -snip- Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.
1. @azzhole05, 2008 "whoaa the man with one leg can wine good
yall did great haha"
** 2. @DatBelizeanGyal, 2009 "where's this school?"
This is Part I of a two part pancocojams series on Colin Lucas' 1991 classic Trinidadian and Tobagan Soca song "Dollar Wine".
This post showcases a video of Colin Lucas' original recording of "Dollar Wine" and includes that song's lyrics as well as an article excerpt about that song. Selected comments from a YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural and entertainment purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Colin Lucas for his musical legacy and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
**** LYRICS - DOLLAR WINE (Colin Lucas)
She love how ah moving meh body
When ah sing Oye
Oh yoye
You got to teach me Mister Trini How to get that swing Oye
wo yoye
With a cent piece in your left pocket
5 cent in your right
10 cent in yuh back pocket
Simply out a sight
In front under yuh vest Stick a dollar
Now count if yuh want to learn I explain to her
Cent, five cent, ten cent, dollar
Cent, five cent, ten cent dollar
Come again Cent, five cent, ten cent dollar
Cent, five cent, ten cent dollar
She say she doh like de pace
We going too slow
So she want me wok up me waist
And raise de tempo
Cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, dollar
Cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, dollar
Cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, dollar
Cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, dollar
When I thought she had enough and she Ciah stand de grind
She bawl Forget de small change
Gi me Big money wine
Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar Dollar, dollar, dollar,
dollar
Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar
Gime dollar, gime dollar Gime dollar, gime dollar
Gime dollar, gime dollar Gime dollar, gime dollar
Gime dollar, gime dollar Gime dollar, gime dollar
Gime dollar, gime dollar Gime dollar, dollar
Ah watch you whole night in de party
She said to me Oye, wo yoye
All de time you moving you body
Sweet and sexy Oye, wo yoye
Ah hear that your hip movement is Really call a wine
Ah doh mess wit' alcohol But that wine is fine
Ah love the way you sing
Throwing waist like rain
Right now, ah want to learn So show me again
Cent, five cent, ten cent, dollar
Cent, five cent, ten cent dollar, come again
Cent, five cent, ten cent dollar, hm hmm
Cent, five cent, ten cent dollar
She say she ciah take de pace
We going too slow
So she want me wuk up me waist
And raise de tempo
Cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, dollar!
Cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, dollar!
Cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, dollar!
Cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, dollar!
When I thought ah showing off and she Ciah stand de grind
She bawl Forget de small change, gi' me Big money wine
Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar Dollar,
dollar, dollar, dollar Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar
Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar
Gime dollar, gime dollar Gime dollar, gime dollar
Gime dollar, gime dollar
Gime dollar, gime dollar Gime dollar, gime dollar
Gime dollar, gime dollar Gime dollar,
gime dollar
Gime dollar, dollar Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar
Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar
Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar
Dollar, dollar, dollar, dollar
Throwback Thursdays: DJ Autograph on Colin Lucas’ “Dollar Wine”
November 10, 2011
Words by DJ Autograph
"The year was 1991. A pre-pubescent DJ Autograph, thinking
it would be fun, convinced his mom to let him participate in Jamaica Junior
Carnival. All my friends were doing it so, naturally, at that age I didn’t want
to be left out. Come road march day I was decked out in bicycle shorts,
headdress—all the trimmings. I was never really into soca or calypso music but
I had to become familiar with the hits of the year, especially since I’d be
marching to them (and dancing to them with females, I hoped). While I only
remember a couple songs from that year, among the most notable was “Dollar
Wine” by Colin Lucas, a song that is still among the best-known and
widely-played soca songs two decades later. The tune is itself a dance
tutorial, as Trinidadian singer Lucas instructs the listener to “put a cent
piece in yuh left pocket, five cent in yuh right, 10 cent in yuh back
pocket…under yuh belt stick a dollar.” Watching the video below of Lucas
performing “Dollar Wine” live (particularly the women’s reaction) one may see
why a pre-pubescent boy would remember this song. The suggestive nature of the
song coupled with the dance made the “Dollar Wine” Colin’s biggest hit.”…
**** SELECTED COMMENTS FROM A YOUTUBE VIDEO DISCUSSION THREAD
Collin Lucas - Dollar Wine (1991) CLASSIC [sound file] SocaDon TV, Jan 27, 2011
[Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.]
1. @rustee2007, 2011 "Big Money Wine dollar, dollar dollar dollar.......tuuuuune"
** 2. @lileithwhyte5032, 2016 "GIMMIE DOLLARS"
** 3. @aminahshabazz9905, 2016 "Hello! Ah reading allyuh comments and it true! De Soca Boys
and other copy cats did their versions from other countries, Jamaica, Bahamas,
etc. But REAL Soca Lovers KNOW this is ah Trinidadian original tune and Colin
is a Trini Man who mash up de world with Dollar Wine! De other versions will
never compare to de Trini fire and tempo! It's nice other countries remade it,
but sad cuz as a Trini we don't redo other countries songs just for we to like
them. It's clear dat TnT will always be de leaders of Calypso and Soca Music!
Trinidad did create it afterall! Respect!" -snip- The Bahamian group The Soca Boys' released their cover of Colin Lucas' "Dollar Wine" in 1998. That song, entitled "One Cent Five Cents, Dollar", is more popular than Colin Lucas' original song. Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cehv7TTFM6Q for a YouTube sound file of the Soca Boys' version of this song.
** Reply 4. @viewmaster2027, 2016 "Negative Trinidad did not solely created Calypso/Soca, it's
the Biggest LIE ever....
Soca/Calypso derived from Mento and Kaiso music forms and
each Island added a piece of their own ethnic sounds to the genre from
Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the Bahamas. In the late 1950's
when Trinidad Oil Explorations began taking off, the oil barrels were now used
as melodic synthesizers which played a major difference to it's sound....
Mento was a catalysts for Calypso music, as it was the
oldest pure form of music from slavery, taken from Jonkonnu music, which the
same base beat used in calypso that subsequently evolved into Soca.
Indians brought Chutney from Guyana which was also a major
addition to the sound of both Calypso and Soca...
Trinidad claimed of Calypso being their music created solely
by them in the 1950's caused a huge backlash from the above listed countries
included Jamaica who contested the early melodies of the genre derived from
Mento.
Bajans were even more outrage, because it was them who had
help coined the term "Soca" an off shoot from Calypso and were left
out of the creation process.
The earliest recording Calypso music were all recorded in
Jamaica, because that's were the first studios within the Anglo-Caribbean were
located. Meanwhile that's where Jamaican-America Harry Belafonte became the
first Calypso and only singer of that genre to sold platinum albums.
Jamaica saw what was going on the 1950's with Trinidad
claims and began to feverishly worked to create new genres of music for
themselves like Dub, Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae and Dancehall which influenced the
creation Hip Hop music, EDM Punk Rock, Reggaeton etc.
Calypso and Soca are the collective efforts of the entire
West Indies."
**
Reply
5. @wonderlust856, 2018 "well a trini person sang this one originally"
** Reply 6. @Gazacommandment, 2018 "@viewmaster2027 Lord Kitchener sang the first Mento"
** Reply 7. @viewmaster2027, 2018 "@Gazacommandment Sir Mento is Jamaica Folk Music created by
runaway slaves mainly maroons in the early 1700's.... The first recording
studios in the English Speaking Caribbean were all in Jamaica, as most early
Calypso Songs by Trinis were recorded and arranged in Kingston ......."
** Reply 8. @lorenzoabbott1442, 2019 "@viewmaster2027 stop talk sh-t* Trinidad is the creators and
the foundation of calypso, soca, and carnival...any major platform will attest
to that, and calypso was the first musical art form in the Caribbean before
mento.... Mento is a style of Jamaican folk music that predates and has greatly
influenced ska and reggae music. It is a fusion of African rhythmic elements
and European elements, which reached his peak popularity in the 1940s and
1950s...Calypso music was developed in Trinidad in the 17th century from the
West African Kaiso and canboulay music brought by African slaves imported to
that Caribbean island to work on sugar plantations. ... They used calypso to
mock the slave masters and to communicate with each other... do your history
the other islands only added their own twist to it... you can't and could never
prove what you're saying, because it's not true." -snip- *This word is fully spelled out in this comment.
** Reply 9. @lorenzoabbott1442, 2019 "Everyone is trying to take that away from Trinidad
history...but the broader world already knows it history its recorded, I even
heard someone saying the steeldrums wasn't originated from Trinidad smh....we
are all black African slaves that where brought to the Caribbean through
slavery and we are all known for our own unique traditions and Trinidad is the
known foundation for calypso, kaiso, limbo, steel drum, soca and
carnival....and this is not pride talking its facts. Prove wrong then!"
** Reply 10. @bojean9855,2024 "@viewmaster2027 Lies, you're talking nonsense with no
foundation or proof. Calypso was created in the '10s, more precisely in 1912,
and evolved into the Sokah created by calypsonian Garfield BLACKMAN.
In the early days of calypso, Jamaica had nothing musically
- no mento, no ska, no rocksteady, no reggae - but listened to a lot of calypso
imported from T&T."
** 11. @rosegee465, 2017 "First time I'm listening to the original and I automatically
love it more that Soca Boys version. This one is so much better."
** Reply 12. @dazzT.O. "Original....definitely"
** Reply 13. @roseanncampbell7294, 2022 "original is always the best sisteran! Xx"
** 14. @gerardhernandez1416,2019 "this mega dance hit by colin Lucas and taxi,took tnt by storm carnival 1991,came
2nd in the road March behind supa blue's'get something and wave',I remember the
late gene Anthony's ray,who played Leroy in the film and tv series fame,came
on,trinis would remember fondly community dateline in late 91,saying how he
loves the song he even did the dollar wine in studio.great memories."
** Reply 15. @shalonc1116, 2022 "I had forgotten about get something and wave"
** 16. @Msbeautifulll, 2022 "I haven’t heard this song since I was 8 years old until
today 98.7 played it this morning !!! Makes me feel so good and happy!!
Caribana2022"
**** This concludes Part I of this pancocojams series.
Harry Belafonte "The Baby Boy" on The Ed Sullivan Show, April 22, 1962
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of a choir singing the Trinidadian Christmas song "The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy" as well as a video of Harry Belafonte singing that song in 1962 on the nationally syndicated American television series "the Ed Sullivan show".
Information about that song and lyrics for that song are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer of that song and thanks to Trinidadian singer and collector Edric Conner, who collected this song in 1942 from James Bryce. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the choir and to Harry Belafonte who are featured in these embedded videos. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube. -snip- Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/12/black-christmas-songs-about-naming.html for a 2012 pancocojams post entitled "African American Christmas Songs About Naming Jesus (videos & lyrics). Another YouTube video of "The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy" is included in that post along with videos and lyrics of other Christmas songs.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy
Femi Ajayi, Nov. 23, 2017 -snip- In response to a question asked in 2018 about where and when this video was made, a commenter wrote in 2021 that is was filmed at the Hackney Empire in East London. I assume that it was filmed the same year that it was published on YouTube.
Here's some information about the Hackney Empire from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackney_Empire "Hackney Empire is a theatre on Mare Street, in Hackney in
the London Borough of Hackney. Originally designed by Frank Matcham it was
built in 1901 as a music hall, and expanded in 2001. Described by The Guardian
as "the most beautiful theatre in London"[1] it is an Arts Council
England National Portfolio Organisation".
****
BASIC LYRICS FOR "THE VIRGIN MARY HAD A BABY BOY" [composer unknown, collected in Trinidad in 1942]
The virgin Mary had a baby boy, The virgin Mary had a baby boy, The virgin Mary had a baby boy, And they say that his name was Jesus
He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom, He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom, Oh yes, believer! Oh yes, believer! He come from the glory, He come from the glorious kingdom
The angels sang when the baby born The angels sang when the baby born The angels sang when the baby born And proclaim him the Savior Jesus Chorus
The wise men went where the baby born, The wise men went where the baby born, The wise men went where the baby born, And they say that his name was Jesus
Chorus
(the soloist could improvise further verses, e.g., "The shepherds came when the baby born," "They left their gifts where the baby born," etc.)
From the Shorter New Oxford Book of Carols Source: The Edric Connor Collection of West Indian Spirituals (1945) Connor explains: ‘This, the only West Indian Negro carol I found, was taught me by James Bryce, whose parents and grandparents were in Trinidad before the abolition of slavery in 1834. I met Bryce in 1942, when he was ninety-four years of age, but he was still working, in rags, on a grapefruit plantation for one shilling, eightpence a day. He died September 13, 1943.’ The music of the verse is in a calypso idiom, but the refrain, which may predate it, has powerful echoes of Africa and has been harmonized accordingly.
**** INFORMATION AND COMMENTS ABOUT THIS SONG These excerpts and quotes are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
The calypso carol was first mentioned by Edric Connor (1913–1968) of Trinidad in his 1945 book West Indian Spirituals and Folk Tunes . As the editors of the Shorter New Oxford Book of Carols note, the refrain contains “powerful echoes from Africa.” [1]
There are numerous recordings and arrangements of the song. Harry Belafonte and the American folk group The Weavers, among others, recorded it."
1. "Both the Weavers and Harry Belafonte recorded the song although I don't recall if the Weavers version was before or after the "sabbatical" as they often referred to the blacklisting period. I also have an erxtended play "45" (Columbia B-9231) called "Calypso Christmas" performed by the DePaur Chorus. I contains 4 songs including a rather up temp arrangement of "De Virgin Mary Had Baby Boy". There is no year on it, but I presume it is sometime in the 1950's (can't just say 50's, Y2K you know). I am sure the recording was made to take advantage of the surge of interest in calypso at the time." -rich r, 27 Sept 98
** 2."To answer an earlier question - the version by The Weavers featured Erik Darling, so I assume that would put it after their blacklisting." -Brooklyn Jay, 28 November 23
This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube sound file of the 1950 (Trinidad) Calypso song "General Election" by Lord Beginner.
Information about Lord Beginner is included in this post along with the lyrics for this song and selected comments from this sound file's discussion thread
The content of this post is presented for information and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Lord Beginner for his musical legacy and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.
Born In: Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago
Died: 1981 (aged 77)
Egbert Moore (1904–1981) known as Lord Beginner, was a
popular Trinidadian calypsonian.
Moore was born in Port-of-Spain in Trinidad. According to
AllMusic: "After attracting attention with his soulful singing in Trinidad
and Tobago, Lord Beginner was sent by expatriate Portuguese businessman Edward
Sa Gomes to New York City, along with Attila The Hun and Growling Tiger, to
record for the Port-Of-Spain label in May 1934." These recordings by Moore
with other leading members of Trinidad's "Old Brigade" of calypsonians
helped to spark a renaissance of the calypso genre in the 1940s and '50s, and
introduce the music to the world.
In July 1948 Lord Beginner emigrated to England with fellow
calypsonians Lord Kitchener (Aldwyn Roberts) and Lord Woodbine (Harold Philips)
in 1948. They arrived near London on the Empire Windrush, the first of many
voyages conveying West Indians wishing to start a new life in Britain. Beginner
began playing clubs throughout London and was a success, recording for the
Parlophone label in 1950.
Lord Beginner signed a recording contract with Parlophone in
1950. Two of his more well known calypsos were "Victory Test Match"
(including the lyrics "Cricket, lovely cricket, at Lord's where I saw
it") and "General Election". The first was reputedly devised on
the spot following the West Indies cricket team's victory against England at
Lord's in 1950, inspiring Beginner and Lord Kitchener to begin a musical march
from the ground to Piccadilly followed by dancing spectators. "General
Election" was inspired by Clement Attlee's victory in the 1950 British
general election.
Version 3, edited by midlifefanclub on 22 June 2017"
**** LYRICS - GENERAL ELECTION (Lord Beginner)
This is a calypso about the General Election in Great
Britain
Me, Lord Beginner make this calypso in the style of the old
minor calypso
This is the sound file that is embedded in this pancocojams post.
Comments are numbered for referencing purposes only.
1. AinoJar, 2009 "Thanks a lot for posting this! Been looking for this
particular calypso ever since I saw Aki Kaurismäki s "Contract
Killer" in 93. The Rastas in Camden Town Market had never met a white
person who asked for this artist. They didn t have it. But they sold me great
vintage calypso recordings, all of them political. Authentic calypso from Trinidad/Tobago
is absolutely FANTASTIC!
Cheers Aino"
** Reply 2. calypzombie85, 2009 "I'm glad somebody likes it... I've been having some trouble
myself locating calypso so I figuerad I
would share some of what I have found."
** 3. TheRealDJGIBS, 2012 "Its based on an outsider‘s view of the events of 2-23-1950
at Piccadilly Circus.
The first Beginner/Kithcener/Blake Parlophone session was
Jan 30, 1950. In which they recorded in order; Nora, I Will Die A Bachelor, The
Underground Train and The Dollar & The Pound. Two subsequent sessions were
held in March 1950, in which they recorded; General Election, Iere, Glendeena
(unissued), Housewives and Man Smart Woman Smarter. Aside from Kitch, everyone
was from the Old Brigade, hence the old style"
** 4. TchikiSteph, 2012 "Not sure, but I think he says "in the style of the old
minor calypso" as lots of calypso hits used minor keys"
** 5. Siusaidh Chaimbeul, 2015 "Thanks TheRealDJGIBS for the context - slim re-election of
Labour (way down from 1945 victory). Shortly later Tories under Churchill would
be back."
From Lord Invaders Calypso in New York-snip- This Calypso is sung by Lord Invader and Mighty Dictator in the 1940s.
**** Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases a 1940s example of Calypso by Lord Invader and Mighty Dictator.
Information about Lord Invader is included in this post along with the lyrics for this Calypso and selected comments from the YouTube discussion thread for that sound file.
The content of this post is presented for historical and cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Lord Invader and Mighty Dictator for their musical legacies. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube. -snip- Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/05/calypso-war-lord-invader-macbeth-duke.html for a 2012 pancocojams post entitled "Lord Invader, Macbeth, & Duke Of Iron - "Calypso War" (with lyrics) My Intention Is War - Lord Invader, Macbeth, & Duke Of Iron (Lyrics)
That post showcases a 1946 sound file of Calypsonians Lord Invader, Macbeth, and Duke of Iron engaging in a extemporaneous Calypso battle.
**** INFORMATION ABOUT LORD INVADER From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Invader "Lord Invader (Rupert Westmore Grant; 13 December 1914 – 15
October 1961) was a prominent calypsonian with a very distinctive, gravelly
voice.
He was born in San Fernando, Trinidad. He became active in
calypso in the mid-1930s, and was considered a country bumpkin by his
contemporaries, because of his humble beginning. It was Grant's tailor who gave
him his moniker by commenting, "I tell you, Rupert, you should call
yourself Lord Invader so when you go up to the city you be invadin' the
capital." With a new name, in 1937 he went to the capital city of Port of
Spain and began his career in earnest.
He competed in many calypso competitions (including the very
first Calypso King competition) and recorded for RCA Bluebird. Lured by Decca
Records, he travelled to New York City in 1941 with other calypsonians such as
Roaring Lion and Atilla the Hun to make records and promote calypso music. He
wrote many calypsos; his most famous lyrics, "Rum and Coca-Cola",
were plagiarised by Morey Amsterdam and became a hit for the Andrews Sisters.
Invader travelled to New York and sued, eventually winning compensation,
although the final settlement allowed Amsterdam to retain his copyright. In the
early 1940s, radio stations in the USA refused to play his own version on the
grounds of its using the trademarked name, Coca-Cola, and its references to
prostitution and alcohol. He stayed in New York for a few years because of the
lengthy court case. During his tenure in New York City, he became a fixture in
the local calypso scene and recorded many tracks for Moses Asch. Eventually, he
won his court case, but did not receive his settlement check for seven years,
so he returned to Trinidad in the meantime. He opened a calypso club there and
penned and recorded many original songs.
He is often credited with writing "Zombie
Jamboree", although the song was actually written by Lord Intruder
(Winston O'Conner), who released it on the B-side of his 1953 single
"Disaster with Police". It was covered by Conrad Eugene Mauge Jr,[1]
who recorded it in 1959 and was also often credited for writing it. The
confusion probably stems from the introduction of the version by the Kingston
Trio, which mentions "Lord Invader and his Twelve Penetrators". At
long last, Invader collected his money from his court case, and began to tour
the U.S., later expanding to Britain and Europe. In the last half of 1958, he
returned to New York City and continued recording for Moses Asch. He continued
to return to his homeland for business and pleasure, although he had, with
Wilmoth Houdini, made himself one of America's most successful calypsonians. On
15 October 1961, Lord Invader died at a Brooklyn, New York hospital."
**** LYRICS: MY INTENTION IS WAR (Lord Invader and Mighty Dictator )
Lord Invader:
Yes, my mother dead and my father disown me / What am I to
do? / My mother died and my father disown me / What am I to do? / I am livin'
in this world, I ain't got nobody / Not a brother, sister, nor cousin, family /
War and rebellion when I meet calypsonian / My intention is war.
Dictator, you insolent boobie, delirious mule / Audacious
slum monger, you're out of rule / Your abnormal expressions worth no while in
hearing / Descend at once, Dictator, and stop your sneering / You gabilous
squabbler, illiterate ape / Now you are in a terrible scrape / Dictator, you
resemble Manuel Gogo / A fowl thief from Tobago / My intention is war.
Mighty Dictator:
Now Lord Invader, why you pick on me? / Remember that I was
near your family / Take it from me in calypso / Remember me once in San
Fernando / Now believe I can give you the score / Remember, you were sleeping
on the floor / I used to mash your head / Going to sleep on my bed / My
intention is war.
Invader:
Now calypso singing is such a technical thing / It was not
made for one and every to sing / How by the heavens can this songster win? /
Except by necromancy, that is a sin / My head is like a book that is well
compact / My tongue is like a gun that never yet snap / And I'm sorry,
Dictator, / If he molest with Invader / My intention is war.
Dictator:
Now Lord Invader, fighting makes no sense / Why not say
something of eloquence? / Talk about the boys playing the music / And with
that, please do not do any trick / Remember that I am a Lord / And on the bass,
we have Mr. Ford / The Duke Of Iron of calypso / The master playing the piano.
Invader:
Now Dictator, what a boobie / You're a calypsonian [ain't?]
/ To sing this verse I give you satisfaction / Hear the gentleman there, he's
sitting up there / Sitting there, without any fear / Rhyme a verse
extemporaneously / As to prove your singing ability / And if you give me
satisfaction / You're known as the champion / My intention is war.
Dictator:
To sing on the gentleman, I'll take the choice / He's my
friend, his name is Lawrence / He's a very great guitar player / And you can
take this tip from the Dictator / On him I have to make no attack / He's
sitting there all dressed in black / And I'll tell you why, he's a chap / He's
wearing a red tie / My intention is war.
Invader:
I think we goin' out.
Now Mighty Dictator, put your hands in mine / That verse
that you sung is well, superfine / You know that I know you in Trinidad / And
you are king in singing calypso ballad.
Dictator:
Now Invader, you too are really great / And my statement no
one can adjudicate / Put your hand in mine / Let our friendship remain sublime.
Invader:
War, war, war, war, war -- la da day, la da doy / La da day,
la da day, la da doy.
lyrics published by MrQwerty88, 2021 in the discussion thread for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qD_l2OVVQsc -snip- Here are some more comments from that discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only)
1. Masaru kun, 2015 "this is one of the oldest 'hip hop' songs ive heard"
** Reply 2. aka allen pain, 2015 "early battle rap"
** Reply 3. PL M, 2016 "Lord Invader was a famous Calypsonian who practised Xtempo
Lyric battles back in the 30s and 40s in Trinidad and England , a lotof you
young fools listen to this should learn how these guys used imagination
and good english , not a bunch of N word
BS and disrespecting women"
** Reply 4. PL M, 2017 "Elijah Dash Who us You!You have no home training, talking
pure sh-t*,This classic Caiso, you don't know dis na boy" -snip- *This word is fully spelled out in this comment.
** Reply 5. Richard Hansen, 2017 "This track is indeed not hip hop but calypso. But the
singing got so much to it that anticipates all the rhythmic qualities in rap.
There's no need to insult people and to me your message about the "n
word" shows that your opinion may be based on your superficial impression
and general dislike of rap. If untrue, at least that's what your rude sentences
resemble."
** Reply 6. Chris Benson, 2019 "PL M i cannot believe it this does actually sound like rap."
** 7. machel john, 2022 "Real extempo" -snip- "extempo" is an abbreviation of "extemporaneous" meaning that the words were spoken without preparation.
This is the second in a multi-post pancocojams series on the name "Dorothy" in Calypso songs.
This post quotes a pdf on Caribbean music about how women with the name "Dorothy" were usually portrayed in Calypso songs.
This pancocojams post also presents full or partial transcriptions of several Calypso songs that feature a woman with the name "Dorothy".
Please add to this post by sharing the lyrics of some Calypso songs that you know which include the name "Dorothy", regardless of how "Dorothy" is depicted in that song. Thanks in advance.
Click the tag "the name Dorothy in Calypso music" for additional posts in this series.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all of the Calypsonians for their musical legacies*. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to GUEST,Tony for his transcription of "My Troubles With Dorothy" and thirteen other old Calypso songs on the Mudcat folk music forum discussion thread whose link is given in this pancocojams post.
-snip-
It's important to me that I make it clear that I don't agree with or condone the anti-women lyrics of many of Calypso songs with or without the name "Dorothy".
****
QUOTE ABOUT HOW WOMEN NAMED "DOROTHY" ARE DEPICTED IN MANY CALYPSO SONGS
From pdf "Historical Culture of Gender and Hetero/Sexual Violence in Calypso in Trinidad: Treat ‘Em Rough" By Maude Dikobe [This link is found immediately below this section.]
"Calypso’s overwhelming endorsement of violence against women cannot be overstated. Stereotypical representation in calypso of women as sexually forward, cheats, unhygienic, and so on, helps to control them. One has only to recall “Dorothy” a sexual archetype about whom countless calypsos have been written:2 Dorothy personifies many of the worst stereotypes about women in Trinidad: She is “a stuckup slut whose only positive aspect is her seductive availability.” Given her immodesty and deceitfulness, she deserves to be “controlled.”
****
TEXT EXAMPLES OF SOME CALYPSO SONGS THAT INCLUDE THE NAME "DOROTHY"
These songs are given in no particular order. A link to the source of these transcriptions is before the song's title.
Excerpt of “Love Me or Leave Me,” Lady Iere
"You got to love me or leave me
Or live with Miss Dorothy
This time is too hard
For me to mind a man that is bad"
**
Excerpt of "My Darling Dorothy" (c. 1944) by Roaring Lion
"Good Lord since I marry Dorothy she had me going crazy
(x2)
When is good I can’t stand the pressure
She want me to commit murder
She has a sailor man
She has a Chinee man
Then she left a Chinee man
To come with a police man
Then she left the yankee man
And go pick up the steel band man"
****
Transcriptions by GUEST, Tony 05 Jul 14 in https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=154911 Lyr Add: Woopsin - The Lion (calypso)
-snip-
This guest shared these two transcriptions and twelve additional transcriptions of old Calypso songs. He added this comment to his "post":
"Here's my entire collection of Calypso lyrics, full of mistakes, in case it's of any use to you or to anyone else reading your posts."
"My Troubles with Dorothy" by Philip Garcia, aka Lord Executor (rec Port-of-Spain 2/26/38)
"I was weak an' broken down,
all my nerve shattered an' gone.
Who cause dat cruelty to me,
nobody but de woman called Dorothy.
Now, Dorothy, a nice high brown,
weighing two hundred and sixteen pound,
An' I, the Executor, the feather-weight,
she made me tremble like an earthquake.
Now Dorothy would sit on my knee,
an' feed me wid de vitamins of quality,
An' all the time she would say to me,
"Executor, you losing vitality."
De D an' de O an' de R an' de A,
and de T an' de H an' de Y, dey say.
Now, Dorothy darling, you made me tame.
You wan' Executor to lose his name.
She had a habit an' a way to sit on my back,
to ride me as a race-horse upon de track,
Leavin' me in sorrow, pain an' disgrace,
jus' like Campbell riding a race.
I met her, it was in T rou Macacq.
In translated word means the monkey track.
It was there I tol' her ____ ____,
an' she tol' me, "_____ _____ you're imbecile."
She tol' me "Executor, you mus' stay with me,
brutalize me, you can even beat me.
Do what you like, you can tear up me clothes.
But, you know, I'm a woman dat love your blows."
**
"One Morning" by Lord Beginner (rec New York 3/15/35)
"I went on a spree (one morning).
I went to see Dorothy.
I met in a collision.
Was me an' a policeman.
'Fore day mornin', one mornin'
I knock the door without any fear.
I said "Dorothy, darling, are you here?"
But I put myself in a calaloo.
The police was knocking the back door too.
I even called her by her sweet name, Dee.
I said "Mommy, open de door for me."
And, when I peep through the jalousie,
I saw the craf was awaitin' me.
She got right up an' she turn de lock.
But at de back door was a different knock.
In walk up the branch of the law, an' told me,
"Mister, what you come for?"
I said, "I came here to cut my shine."
Said, "But you come here for what is mine."
I had to appeal to sweet Dorothy.
She said, "Tonight, let us sleep in peace."
I said, "My boy, don't you contemplate.
For Dorothy is a heavyweight.
And if you are strong you can win de fight,
but I'm going to box like Dempsey tonight."
The night was so cold I couldn't even sleep.
Under the blanket I had to creep.
I stole a chance and I cuff de craf,
an' de policeman shout out, "Beginner half!"
'Fore day mornin', one mornin', roll if you're rollin'.
I went in a dream at de middle of the night,
as if something was holdin' me tight.
I got up an' I make her with a caress,
and I found my head on the police chest."
comment by Larry Marsden, 2014
"Miss Dorothy went to bathe and the catfish made a raid, and Dorothy bawl 'ah me' catfish gone with my Lignum Vitae"(tree of life)
This is the first in a multi-post pancocojams series on the name "Dorothy" in Calypso songs.
This post includes an excerpt of a pdf on Caribbean music that provides information about how women with the name "Dorothy" were usually portrayed in Calypso songs.
This pancocojams post also includes a transcription of the 1938 song "My Troubles With Dorothy" by the Lord Executor as well as YouTube sound file of that song.
Click the tag "the name Dorothy in Calypso music" for additional posts in this series.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Philip Garcia (Lord Executor) for his musical legacy*. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to GUEST,Tony for his transcription of "My Troubles With Dorothy" and thirteen other old Calypso songs on the Mudcat folk music forum discussion thread whose link is given in this pancocojams post. Thanks also to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.
-snip-
It's important to me that I make it clear that I don't agree with or condone the anti-women lyrics of many of Calypso songs with or without the name "Dorothy".
****
THE CHARACTERIZATION OF FEMALES NAMED "DOROTHY" IN CALYPSO SONGS
From http://genderlinks.org.za/wp-content/uploads/imported/articles/attachments/historical_culture_of_gender_hetersexual_violence_maude_dikobe.pdf "Historical Culture of Gender and Hetero/Sexual Violence in Calypso in Trinidad: Treat ‘Em Rough" By Maude Dikobe [in] GENDER & MEDIA DIVERSITY JOURNAL [page 117-125] (2007?)
..."Calypso’s overwhelming endorsement of violence against women cannot be overstated. Stereotypical representation in calypso of women as sexually forward, cheats, unhygienic, and so on, helps to control them. One has only to recall “Dorothy” a sexual archetype about whom countless calypsos have been written:2 Dorothy personifies many of the worst stereotypes about women in Trinidad: She is “a stuckup slut whose only positive aspect is her seductive availability.” Given her immodesty and deceitfulness, she deserves to be “controlled.” ..
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2020/01/excerpt-from-pdf-entitled-historical.html for a pancocojams post entitled "Excerpts From The Pdf Entitled "Historical Culture of Gender and Hetero/Sexual Violence in Calypso in Trinidad: Treat ‘Em Rough".
That post includes more excerpts of this pdf.
****
LYRICS: "MY TROUBLES WITH DOROTHY"
My Troubles with Dorothy by Philip Garcia, aka Lord Executor (rec Port-of-Spain 2/26/38)
I was weak an' broken down,
all my nerve shattered an' gone.
Who cause dat cruelty to me,
nobody but de woman called Dorothy.
Now, Dorothy, a nice high brown,
weighing two hundred and sixteen pound,
An' I, the Executor, the feather-weight,
she made me tremble like an earthquake.
Now Dorothy would sit on my knee,
an' feed me wid de vitamins of quality,
An' all the time she would say to me,
"Executor, you losing vitality."
De D an' de O an' de R an' de A,
and de T an' de H an' de Y, dey say.
Now, Dorothy darling, you made me tame.
You wan' Executor to lose his name.
She had a habit an' a way to sit on my back,
to ride me as a race-horse upon de track,
Leavin' me in sorrow, pain an' disgrace,
jus' like Campbell riding a race.
I met her, it was in T rou Macacq.
In translated word means the monkey track.
It was there I tol' her ____ ____,
an' she tol' me, "_____ _____ you're imbecile."
She tol' me "Executor, you mus' stay with me,
brutalize me, you can even beat me.
Do what you like, you can tear up me clothes.
But, you know, I'm a woman dat love your blows."
-transcription by GUEST, Tony 05 Jul 14 in https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=154911 Lyr Add: Woopsin - The Lion (calypso)
-snip-
This guest shared this transcription and thirteen other transcriptions of old Calypso songs-including another song that featured the name "Dorothy". He added this comment to his "post":
"Here's my entire collection of Calypso lyrics, full of mistakes, in case it's of any use to you or to anyone else reading your posts."
****
SHOWCASE SOUND FILE: Lord Executor - My Troubles With Dorothy
Arnaud Future, Nov 30, 2014
From My Intention Is War : Trinidad Calypsos 1928-1948
This pancocojams post provides information about Trinidad & Tobagan Calypsonian Calypso Rose and showcases her song "Calypso Queen".
Selected comments from this YouTube video's discussion thread are also included in this post.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Calypso Rose for her musical legacy. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
Special thanks to the transcriber of this song as found in the subtitles for the example given below as Example #video given below as Example #1.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT CALYPSO ROSE
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calypso_Rose https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calypso_Rose
"Calypso Rose (born 27 April 1940, Bethel Village, Tobago) is a calypsonian. She began writing songs at the age of 15,[1] turned professional in 1964[2] and has written more than 800 songs and recorded more than 20 albums.
Born Linda McCartha Monica Sandy-Lewis, her father was a leader with the Spiritual Shouter Baptists. Her family was very traditional and opposed her singing in Carnival Tents.[2] She composed her first Calypso in 1955 after seeing a man steal the spectacles off of a lady's face in the Croisée, San Juan. In the song, she advises Tobagonians to stay at home, because Trinidad was no place for them. Originally she used Crusoe Kid as her stage name, the name "Calypso Rose" was given to her by the Spoiler, and tent members Piggy and Spike.[2]
Travelling outside of Trinidad and Tobago for the first time in 1963, Rose covered the islands from Grenada to St. Thomas. She won the Calypso King contest and the Roadmarch in St. Thomas with her first recording, Cooperation. In 1966 she wrote the song "Fire in Me Wire", the first calypso ever sung two years running at the Trinidad carnival, in 1966 and 1967.[3]
In the mid-1970s, as well as dominating the race for the title of "Calypso Queen", a title she won five years running from 1972-76,[2] Rose had major hits with Constable Rose and Do Dem Back which became her first gold disc. She was the first female to win the Trinidad Road March competition in 1977 with her song "Gimme More Tempo". The following year she took the title again with "Come Leh We Jam". That same year, she won the competition, the first time a woman had received the award. The competition's title was changed to Calypso Monarch in her honour.[3]
Rose has lived in New York since 1983”...
****
LYRICS- CALYPSO QUEEN
(as sung by Calypso Rose)
They say that I reign* too long
Forgetting that my constitution is strong.
Instead of respecting my long long reign
They making plot to take down my name.
I’ve been breaking down walls.
Ever since I was small.
They could stand up strong and tall
Like a wrecking ball I could knock them down.
They say that I reign* too long
Forgetting that my constitution is strong.
Instead of respecting my long long reign
They making plot to take down my name.
The one and only Calypso Queen
No man alive or dead
Could come and take the crown off my head.
[instrumental]
Them foolish and petty men
I don’t worry about them.
They been trying to take me down
But till then I retain my* crown
They say that I reigning too long
Forgetting that my constitution is strong.
Instead of respecting my long long reign
They making plot to take down my name.
They used to call me small island girl.
And now I travel the world.
Anywhere they go they know.
I am Calypso Rose, Queen of Calypso.
[Instrumental]
I am the daughter of a warrior.
No time to rest or retire.
Others have come and gone.
But Calypso Rose is still singing on.
They say that I reigning too long
Forgetting that my constitution is strong.
Instead of respecting my long long reign
They making plot to take down my name.
[Instrumental]
[video clip of interview:
Calypso Rose speaking. “He said “Nah nah nah. Nah.*** We are going to change your name from today.
We are going to call you “Calypso Rose”. Which means rose is the mother of all flowers”.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Calypso Rose - Calypso Queen (Official Video)
Calypso Rose, Published on May 19, 2016
Calypso Rose new Album ‘Far From Home’ available on May 27th here : http://po.st/CalypsoRoseFFHome
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's viewer discussion thread:
Dominique Keller, June 2016
"Surnommée la Miriam Makeba des Caraïbes, Linda McCartha Monica Sandy-Lewis, aka Calypso Rose, incarne depuis 1955 à Trinidad & Tobago la légende du calypso, dont cette énergique mamie de 76 printemps amadoue les rythmes chaloupés, nés entre Afrique, Venezuela et Caraïbes, pour stigmatiser injustice sociale et violences conjugales, et instiller la joie au cœur, à l'instar d'un dernier album (Far From Home, 03/06) signé avec Manu Chao, et promis à être beaucoup, beaucoup dansé cet été."
-snip-
Google translate from French to English:
"Dubbed the Miriam Makeba Caribbean Linda McCartha Monica Sandy Lewis, aka Calypso Rose embodies since 1955 in Trinidad & Tobago legend calypso, which this energetic grandmother of 76 spring coaxes the swaying rhythms, born between Africa, Venezuela and the Caribbean, to stigmatize social injustice and domestic violence, and instill the joy in the heart, like a new album (far from Home, 03/06) signed with Manu Chao, and promised to be much, much dancing this summer."
**
Mike Andrews, June 2016
"Congratulations to Her Majesty..the one and only Calypso Queen, and to all the musicians and production team on this project. Beautiful music. Proud to see Rose still blooming."
**
Christian Godart, June 2016
"Exceptionnelle qui dit mieux ? Et si on dansait ? Calypso Rose c'est aussi une véritable parade musicale caribéenne, avec de nombreux changements de rythmes. Calypso classique, ska, soca, ragga, chants de paix et toujours des paroles engagées pour défendre la condition de la femme et dénoncer les injustices sociales. Mille bravos, j'adore !! Maryanna Chanteuse.."
-snip-
Google translate from French to English
"Exceptional who says better? Shall we Dance ? Calypso Rose is also a true Caribbean musical parade, with many changes of rhythm. classic calypso, ska, soca, reggae, peace songs and lyrics always committed to defend the status of women and denounce social injustices. Mille bravos, I love !! Maryanna Chanteuse.."
This pancocojams post showcases two examples of Singing Sandra's classic 1999 Calypso song "Voices From The Ghetto". Information about Singing Sarah is included in this post along with that song's lyrics, and comments.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, inspirational, and aesthetic purposes.
Thanks to Singing Sandra for her musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post, and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT SINGING SANDRA
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing_Sandra
"Sandra DesVignes-Millington (born 1957), better known as Singing Sandra, is a Trinidadian calypsonian who won the Calypso Monarch title at the 1999 and 2003 carnivals.
Born in East Dry River, and raised in Morvant, DesVignes sang and acted as a child, including performances in 'Best Village' productions.[1] She left school at the age of fifteen, taking on a succession of low-paid jobs.[1]
She was approached in 1984 by calypsonian Dr. Zhivago to perform two of his songs, and the following year was recruited to Mighty Sparrow's Youth Brigade tent at the carnival.[1] She won the National Calypso Queen title in 1987.[1] She went on to win the Carifesta Monarch and Calypso Queen of the World titles in 1992.[1]
She performed at the Reggae Sunsplash festival in 1992, and subsequently formed the group United Sisters along with Lady B, Tigress, and Marvellous Marva.[1][2] Sandra continued to perform as a solo artist and won the 'Best Nation Building Song' award, along with a $5,000 prize, at the 1997 carnival for the song "One Destiny One Heart".[1]
She became only the second woman to win Trinidad's Calypso Monarch title, winning in 1999 with the songs "Song for Healing" and "Voices from the Ghetto".[1][3] She finished in third place in 2000 and fifth in 2001.[1] In 2003 she won the title for a second time, with "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Ancient Rhythm", winning a Honda Civic car and a $70,000 cash prize, becoming the first female calypsonian to win the title twice.[4] She placed third in 2005 and second in 2006.[5]"
****
LYRICS: VOICES FROM THE GHETTO
(Singing Sandra)
The sun rises slowly over the hills,
Everywhere is golden sunlight but still
Most nights with sad tales are crowded
Their days with dark clouds are shrouded
They don't smile and they never will,
Only vultures get their fill.
Empty promises is what they hear
No running water from year to year
Hearts that know one desire -
That if there is a Messiah,
Someday He'd hear their whispered prayer.
Cupboard always bare and scanty
Ten people in a one-bedroom shanty
Forced to sell on the pavement
No vacancies, no employment
Can't tell firecracker from gunshot
Blood does flow when things get hot
Ah 'fraid to look out mih window
To hear voices from the ghetto...
[Crying,] crying [crying] ay Lord, Lord [crying] crying, voices from the ghetto
[Crying,] crying [crying] Lord, Lord, Lord [crying] aye ay, voices from the ghetto
Help us Father! Oh, Lord!
Mothers does just hold their head and bawl
And them woman stronger than a wall
A big pusher eyeing she daughter,
Son in jail for manslaughter
Too bad for he, he ain't named Brad Boyce,
No bail, that's the back man's choice
Like Shadow say, "Poverty is Hell",
She little girl child belly start to swell
Some say life is a cycle
But don't draw she no circle
Where will it all end, only time could tell.
Outside the siren keep howling,
Inside your belly real growling
Police raid very often,
Simpson's measuring a coffin
One night in bed you sleeping,
Next night is a wake that you keeping
So you praying to win the Lotto,
Not to hear voices from the ghetto
[Crying,] crying [crying] ay Lord, Lord [crying] crying, voices from the ghetto
[Crying,] crying [crying] Lord, Lord, Lord [crying] aye ay, voices from the ghetto
Help us Father! Oh, Lord!
Mothers does just hold their head and bawl
And them woman stronger than a wall
A big pusher eyeing she daughter,
Son in jail for manslaughter
Too bad for he, he ain't named Brad Boyce,
No bail, that's the back man's choice
Like Shadow say, "Poverty is Hell",
She little girl child belly start to swell
Some say life is a cycle
But don't draw she no circle
Where will it all end, only time could tell.
Outside the siren keep howling,
Inside your belly real growling
Police raid very often,
Simpson's measuring a coffin
One night in bed you sleeping,
Next night is a wake that you keeping
So you praying to win the Lotto,
Not to hear voices from the ghetto...
[Crying,] crying [crying] ay, crying, crying, crying, voices from the ghetto
[Crying,] crying [crying] Lord, hear them pleading [crying] ay, ay, ay, voices from the ghetto
Stretch forth a hand to us, Lord! We are not a forgotten people. Hear our cry.
With dented pride they soldier on
Revolutions' base, politicians' pawn
And often their tragic story brings a journalist glory
No wonder they view the world with scorn
From since the day they born
Some call them rebels without a cause,
These social victims of unjust laws
But yet they christen their heroes,
"Renegades," "Desperados"
Forever knocking on Heaven's doors...Hear me!
Steelband music shatters the silence,
Harmony to conquer the violence
Big men run when cops approach,
Fighting for scraps with the cockroach
Young turks, their turf protecting,
Almost every young girl expecting
So tomorrow, beg, steal or borrow,
There will be another voice from the ghetto...
[Crying,] Lord [crying] oh, oh, oh [crying] ay, ay, voices from the ghetto
[Crying,] Oh----- Mama [crying] Oh ----- Papa [crying] voices from the ghetto.
Social amenities, Lord, Heaven knows
Opportunities, well them always closed
Can't get work once it white collar
So if you can't stretch your dollar
Is later for you, crapaud smoke yuh pipe
You sure to dead from gripe
Life does rape dignity and pride
'Til there's only bitterness left inside
And everyday is a hustle,
Arguments are settled with muscle
'Til you six feet deep by three feet wide.
Children through life keep on drifting
Is something they smoking or sniffing
Maybe they trying to forget
This life of misery and regret
No one to come to their rescue
Except Capleton and Buju
So their boom boxes they leggo
To drown out voices from the ghetto...
[Crying] crying [crying] yeah, Lord, lord, lord [crying] ay, ay, voices from the ghetto
[Crying,] crying crying [crying] crying, crying [crying] crying, yeah eh, voices from the ghetto
[Crying,] I was born and bred in the ghetto [crying] I know what I talking about, you know [crying] ay, ay, I from the ghetto
[Crying] crying....
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLES
Example #1: singing sandra crying
Andy wong kee, Uploaded on Sep 25, 2008
Music
-snip-
Selected comments from this sound file's discussion thread:
socadiva0, 2009
"This Song Calls: Voices from the Ghetto"
-snip-
This song is called “Voices From The Ghetto”
**
Daryl Richardson, 2009
"a true soldier in the persuit of social justice for all. heaven continue to bless ur beautiful soul sis."
**
wayne hut, 2009
"yes she is an extraordinary woman indeed! while she usually sing thought provoking songs ,i think this one is the most heartfelt in terms of projecting a grim reality."
**
TheBitterWeed, 2010
"I love this woman.
She owns.
That is all."
**
Shara Beharry, 2010
"Powerful song ! it truly makes the listener connect with all the harshness and unjust ways that people are forced to live."
**
Huming Bird, 2011
"for real ....dis is real life with real feelings...music breathes life and these words not make you think otherwise.... i love u Ms. De Vignes...."
**
Never-Underestimate The-Sound, 2011
"BIG BIG BIG ONE!
FIRE!!!!!!!!!
holla..."
**
chiefcrook, 2013
"in my opinion, the greatest calypso ever written"
**
Euston Davis, 2013
"Music is poweful, I grew up hearing my parents play this song and back then it didn't mean much but as I grew older I found myself drawn to what I was exposed to as a child and the messages are so powerful."
**
clayton Jackson, 2013
"Worked with singing Sandra in the calypso tent during the ''donkey era'' a true honor. Great artist indeed"
**
NorthsideRasta Rogers, 2014
"Beautiful singing,riddim,&lyrics...Another branch of the African Diaspora Music Tree."
**
Miley Willy, 2014
"Even though this song has such a powerful and serious message I cannot sit still while listening to it!!! I''m rocking the hell out!! Caribbean rocks!
Why songs like these are so unrated?"
**
D Dougan, 2014
"No matter how old her songs are always a message to be learned"
**
trudy black, 2014
"That sing is reality everything is revealing in that song today good song my Tobago sister."
**
KBK Pryor, 2014
"I love this chune and Singing Sandra. I spent some time with her during the last black out in New York. BIG UP, Sandra!"
**
g2andrew, 2015
"Probably the realest story ever told... Big up laventille, carenage, belmont, maloney, la horquetta and all de rest who could relate... Str8! Love ya Sandra"
Lyrics for all of these songs except "Jah Bless" are also included in these posts.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
This is only a sampling of songs that include "Who Jah bless, no man curse'" etc. or "Who God bless, no man curse".
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to I-Sasha for his musical legacy. Thanks also to the publisher of these sound files on YouTube, the transcriber of these lyrics, and all those who are quoted in this post.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE
ISASHA WHO JAH BLESS [HD] (W/TH LYRICS)
Reggae Direc, Published on Jan 5, 2012
(Verse 1)
Remember Eliejah, who stood up in the chariot of fire,
Remember Daniel, who sit up in ah lions den,
Somebody, Somebody
Remember Solomon, who tell him he will walk as ah wise man,
And King David, Remember who comeout ah babylon,
tell them,tell them,tell them say
(Chorus 1)
Who Jah bless, tell them meh say no man curse,
Doh matter how hard things get, almighty pass me through the worse
Yea Yea
Well who Jah bless, tell them meh say no man curse,
Doh matter how hard things get, well jah jah carry me through the worse
Remember
(Verse 2)
Well Jah Jah never give me more than, more than i can carry,
And though my journey is so raggy, and the burden is so heavy, yeah yeah yeah
But through life experience, and little people at ah distance, doh matter how d enemys response,
Salasie ah mi guide an mi guidance,
(Chorus 2)
Who Jah bless, tell them meh say no man curse,
Doh matter how the wicked dem get, almighty pass me through the worse
Yea Yea
Well who Jah bless, tell them meh say no man curse,
Doh matter how hard things get, well jah jah pass me through the worse
Yea Yea Yea
(Verse 3)
Well mi know life so hard hard,
Mi know bout the struggle tell dem down inna d yard yard,
And even when things get so bad bad,
Is only one man give mi my reward ward, dats God,
Mah mamma always tell me,
Stay away from trouble daily,
And keep away from bad company,
And anything yuh want 2 ask d almighty
(Chorus 1)
(Verse 1)
Remember Eliejah, who stood up in the chariot of fire,
Remember Daniel, who sit up in ah lions den,
Yea Yea Yea
Remember King Solomon, who walk up on this earth as ah wise man,
Remember King David, one day we chant out ah babylon,
Yea Yea Yea
(Chorus)
lyrics from http://lyricsdirect.blog.com/2012/01/
-snip-
Biographical information about I-sasha from http://www.pauzeradio.com/jah-reggae-artist-i_sasha.php indicates that this singer's birth name is Brendon Young. Here's a brief excerpt from that article:
"The name "I-sasha" is a symbol of Young's sprirituality. Issachar is historically known as one of the 12 tribes of Israel and the young singer adapted the spelling of that name. Though I-sasha sports dreadlocks, he says he doesn't conform to Rastafarianism, but follows the teachings of the Gospel, "believing in God of Israel, of many tribes, including Judah, Asher, Issachar, God the father of Jesus Christ."...
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WHAT "WHO JAH BLESS NO MAN CURSE" MEANS
"Who Jah bless, no man curse" ("Who God bless, no man curse") means that no one can successfully curse (do evil toward) anyone who Jah (God) blesses (is treated very favorably by God) because that person is under God's protection.
