Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases two sound files of the Wailer's performing "Rastaman Chant".
The Addendum to this post presents information about the Wailer's 1973 Reggae album Burnin, and includes the lyrics to "Rastaman Chant" as sung by The Wailers.
The content of this post is presented for cultural and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to The Wailers for their musical and cultural legacies. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.
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SHOWCASE EXAMPLES
Example #1: Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Chant
Mango Cango, Published on Aug 11, 2008
Bob Marley & the Wailers - Rastaman Chant
Album: Burnin' (1973)
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Example #2: Bob Marley 4 76 Rastaman Chant & Lion of Judah
Tending the Wild, Published on Apr 25, 2014
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ADDENDUM:
INFORMATION ABOUT NYABINGHI DRUMS
From http://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2017/07/devotion-nyabinghi
..."Nyabinghi drumming takes its name from a form or “mansion” of Rastafari and created the rhythmic bedrock for ska, rocksteady and reggae, and therefore the myriad music that followed Jamaica’s golden era of dub. It’s a great example of how music with a devotional aspect can be enjoyable and meaningful even when divorced from an explicitly religious setting. The rhythms, pioneered and recorded on Wareika Hill by Count Ossie, and expanded on by artists like Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus, have a comparable influence to gospel, which famously also moved from sacred to secular; they are a percussive counterpart to gospel’s voice-led divinations."...
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/video-examples-of-jamaican-nyabinghi.html for a 2012 pancocojams post about Nyabinghi drums. That post showcases five videos of Nyabinghi drumming.
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE WAILERS' 1973 ALBUM BURNIN
"Burnin' is the sixth studio album by Jamaican reggae band The Wailers, released in October 1973. It was written mostly by bandleader Bob Marley and produced by Chris Blackwell. A commercial and critical success in the United States, Burnin' was certified Gold and later added to the National Recording Registry, with the Library of Congress deeming it historically and culturally significant.
Music and lyrics
The sixth album by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer (the last before Tosh and Bunny departed for solo careers and the band became known as Bob Marley and the Wailers), Burnin' opens with a signature song, the call to action "Get Up, Stand Up" and includes a more confrontational and militant tone than previous records, such as in another Marley standard turned into a number one hit by Eric Clapton, "I Shot the Sheriff"."...
[...]
Tracks
....side two
5."Rasta Man Chant" Traditional; arranged by Marley, Tosh, Livingston"
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LYRICS: RASTAMAN CHANT
I hear the words of the Rasta Man say
Babylon you throne gone dawn, gone down
Babylon you throne gone dawn
Said, I hear the words of the Higher Man
Say
Babylon you throne gone down, gone down
Babylon you throne gone down
And I hear the angel with the seven seals
Babylon your throne’s gone down, gone dawn
Babylon you throne gone dawn
I say fly away home to Zion
Fly away home
I say fly away to Zion
Fly away home
One bright morning when my work is over
Man will fly away home
One bright marning when my work is over
Man will fly away home
One bright morning when my work is over
Man will fly away home
One bright morning when my work is over
Man will fly away home
One bright morning when my work
Is over
Man will fly away home"
-snip-
Renditions of this song include words from (White American) Albert E. Brumley's 1924 Christian song "I'll Fly Away" (first published in 1932).
****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE WAILER'S SONG "RASTAMAN CHANT
From https://marley.fandom.com/wiki/Rastaman_Chant
"Rastaman Chant
Facts
Composed by: Traditional, arranged by Bob Marley
Lyrics by: Traditional
Year: 1973
Length: 3:48
Musical key: A major
Recorded at: Harry J. Studios, Kingston, Jamaica, April 1973
Released on following albums: Burnin' (1973), Burnin' Deluxe Edition (2004)
Released on following compilations:
Lineup:
Bob Marley, vocals, guitar
Peter Tosh, vocals, lead guitar, piano, organ
Bunny Wailer, vocals, congas, bongos
Aston Barrett, bass
Carlton Barrett, drums
Earl 'Wya' Lindo, keyboards
Alvin 'Seeco' Patterson, percussion
Period of performances: 1973 - 1976
[...]
the song has been performed during the first Rastaman Vibration Tour concerts as a part of the reggae gospel along with Lion Of Judah and Keep The Faith
****
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label the Wailers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the Wailers. Show all posts
Saturday, April 6, 2019
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
The Wailers (Peter Tosh lead singer) - "Go Tell It On The Mountain" (with lyrics)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part IV of a four part series about the song "Go Tell It On The Mountain". Part IV showcases a 1969 Reggae version of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" that is performed by the Wailers.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/12/early-lyrics-for-christmas-song-go-tell.html for Part I of this series. Part I provides information and comments about and lyric examples for early versions of the song "Go Tell It On The Mountain".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/12/three-examples-of-mahalia-jackson.html for Part II of this series.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/12/freedom-civil-rights-adaptations-of-go.html for Part III of this series. Part III provides information and comments about freedom (civil rights) adaptations of "Go Tell It On The Mountain". Lyrics and sound file examples of those adaptations are also included in that post.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of the freedom (civil rights) adaptations of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and thanks to the Wailers for their recording of this song. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.
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SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Go tell it on the Mountain- Peter Tosh (& The Wailers)
Tonesullock Uploaded on Jun 26, 2007
A traditional recording of "Go tell it on the Mountain" by Peter Tosh/ The Wailers/ Bob Marley & The Wailers or whomsoever it may be. Tosh singing lead.
-snip-
Here are two selected comments from this sound file's discussion thread:
BiblicalRastafari, 2009
"This song was recorded and performed by the original Wailers.
However, as is the case with the song Downpressorman, Peter Tosh takes over lead vocals.
Bob Marley and Peter Tosh along with Bunny Livingston all had their songs, it just so happens that Bob really took ahold of the band and the singing/songwriting.
Dont get mad brotherman
Get glad
Now Go and Tell It on the Mountain
Zion Reigns
Rastafari"
**
roflpopz1, 2009
"Its from the Peter Tosh & Friends Album, Black Dignity, and its indeed Peter Tosh & the wailers, i have exact the same recording =)"
****
LYRICS: GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
(The Wailers, lead singer Peter Tosh)
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in red
Set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in red
Set my people free
Who's that yonder dressed in red
Must be the children that Moses led
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Set my people free
Who's there yonder full dressed in white
Set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Must be the children of the Israelites
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Mmm mmm mmm mmm
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Must be the children of the Israelites
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Source: https://www.justsomelyrics.com/213063/bob-marley-go-tell-it-on-the-mountain-lyrics.html
-snip-
Here's a brief statement about the Wailers' recording of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" from http://www.furious.com/perfect/petertosh.html
"...by early 1969, the Wailers were recording for Leslie Kong. Peter Tosh contributed three numbers: a remake of "Can't You See", "Stop That Train" and a version of "Go Tell It On The Mountain," which shows again Tosh's love of spirituals. On that recording, his voice is loud and clear and his tenor soars effortlessly over the musical backing."
-snip-
The Wailers' recording of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is a cover of American recordings that adapted that Spiritual (or early Gospel) song for civil rights/protest purposes. Those freedom (civil rights) versions of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" were first performed in the early 1960s by either African American civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer or by American folk singers Peter, Paul, and Mary. There's some uncertainty as to who composed this adaptation of that early Gospel song. Frannie Lou Hamer's versions of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and Peter Paul and Mary's version borrow heavily from the older African American Spiritual "Wade In The Water".
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part IV of a four part series about the song "Go Tell It On The Mountain". Part IV showcases a 1969 Reggae version of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" that is performed by the Wailers.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/12/early-lyrics-for-christmas-song-go-tell.html for Part I of this series. Part I provides information and comments about and lyric examples for early versions of the song "Go Tell It On The Mountain".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/12/three-examples-of-mahalia-jackson.html for Part II of this series.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/12/freedom-civil-rights-adaptations-of-go.html for Part III of this series. Part III provides information and comments about freedom (civil rights) adaptations of "Go Tell It On The Mountain". Lyrics and sound file examples of those adaptations are also included in that post.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, historical, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of the freedom (civil rights) adaptations of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and thanks to the Wailers for their recording of this song. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Go tell it on the Mountain- Peter Tosh (& The Wailers)
Tonesullock Uploaded on Jun 26, 2007
A traditional recording of "Go tell it on the Mountain" by Peter Tosh/ The Wailers/ Bob Marley & The Wailers or whomsoever it may be. Tosh singing lead.
-snip-
Here are two selected comments from this sound file's discussion thread:
BiblicalRastafari, 2009
"This song was recorded and performed by the original Wailers.
However, as is the case with the song Downpressorman, Peter Tosh takes over lead vocals.
Bob Marley and Peter Tosh along with Bunny Livingston all had their songs, it just so happens that Bob really took ahold of the band and the singing/songwriting.
Dont get mad brotherman
Get glad
Now Go and Tell It on the Mountain
Zion Reigns
Rastafari"
**
roflpopz1, 2009
"Its from the Peter Tosh & Friends Album, Black Dignity, and its indeed Peter Tosh & the wailers, i have exact the same recording =)"
****
LYRICS: GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN
(The Wailers, lead singer Peter Tosh)
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in red
Set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in red
Set my people free
Who's that yonder dressed in red
Must be the children that Moses led
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Set my people free
Who's there yonder full dressed in white
Set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Must be the children of the Israelites
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Mmm mmm mmm mmm
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Set my people free
Who's there yonder dressed in white
Must be the children of the Israelites
Go tell it on the mountain
To set my people free
Source: https://www.justsomelyrics.com/213063/bob-marley-go-tell-it-on-the-mountain-lyrics.html
-snip-
Here's a brief statement about the Wailers' recording of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" from http://www.furious.com/perfect/petertosh.html
"...by early 1969, the Wailers were recording for Leslie Kong. Peter Tosh contributed three numbers: a remake of "Can't You See", "Stop That Train" and a version of "Go Tell It On The Mountain," which shows again Tosh's love of spirituals. On that recording, his voice is loud and clear and his tenor soars effortlessly over the musical backing."
-snip-
The Wailers' recording of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" is a cover of American recordings that adapted that Spiritual (or early Gospel) song for civil rights/protest purposes. Those freedom (civil rights) versions of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" were first performed in the early 1960s by either African American civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer or by American folk singers Peter, Paul, and Mary. There's some uncertainty as to who composed this adaptation of that early Gospel song. Frannie Lou Hamer's versions of "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and Peter Paul and Mary's version borrow heavily from the older African American Spiritual "Wade In The Water".
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
"Bad Mind People" - Jamaican Folk Song & The Wailer's Recording
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases the lyrics for the Jamaican folk song "Bad Mind People" (given without a standard American "translation") and a sound file of the Wailer's recording with that title (given without a transcription).
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this (or these) songs and thanks to the Wailers for their musical legacy. Thanks also to the transcriber of this folk song and the publishers of this sound file on YouTube.
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LYRICS FOR JAMAICAN FOLK SONG "BAD MIND PEOPLE"
Chorus: I don’t know, I don’t know why some people bad minded so
I don’t know, I don’t know why some people bad minded so
If you hol’ yuh head in de air dem sey you fasty and fresh me dear
And if yu friendly wid dem mi love, dem sey a dry yaws yu waan fi scrub
If yu got nuff money fe spen, dem sey a tief yu tief it an den,
If yu bruk and out a yu luck, dem sey a witless whey mek yu bruk
If yu single and by yu self, bad minded people sey yu pan shelf
And if yu married yu mek big catch, or else de two a oono no match
If yu fat an yu looking well, bad minded people sey yu da swell
An if yu maga and looking t’in, dey sey consumption a ride yu skin
If yu dress up and wear good clothes, bad minded people sey yu a pose
And if one day yu no change yu frok, dem call yu poting and naked back
If yu go church a Sunday time, dem sey a axe yu da try fe grind
And if yu stay home an take a rest, dem sey poor hypocrite im a confess
Chorus: I don’t know, I don’t know why some people bad minded so
I don’t know, I don’t know why some people bad minded so
Source: http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/best-jamaican-folk-songs-a-to-d-of-golden-collection.html
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SHOWCASE SOUND FILE
The Wailers bad mind people live
solnascenteroot, Uploaded on Jul 26, 2009
-snip--
This song is included on the album The Wailers Band - Majestic Warriors
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This post showcases the lyrics for the Jamaican folk song "Bad Mind People" (given without a standard American "translation") and a sound file of the Wailer's recording with that title (given without a transcription).
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to the composer/s of this (or these) songs and thanks to the Wailers for their musical legacy. Thanks also to the transcriber of this folk song and the publishers of this sound file on YouTube.
****
LYRICS FOR JAMAICAN FOLK SONG "BAD MIND PEOPLE"
Chorus: I don’t know, I don’t know why some people bad minded so
I don’t know, I don’t know why some people bad minded so
If you hol’ yuh head in de air dem sey you fasty and fresh me dear
And if yu friendly wid dem mi love, dem sey a dry yaws yu waan fi scrub
If yu got nuff money fe spen, dem sey a tief yu tief it an den,
If yu bruk and out a yu luck, dem sey a witless whey mek yu bruk
If yu single and by yu self, bad minded people sey yu pan shelf
And if yu married yu mek big catch, or else de two a oono no match
If yu fat an yu looking well, bad minded people sey yu da swell
An if yu maga and looking t’in, dey sey consumption a ride yu skin
If yu dress up and wear good clothes, bad minded people sey yu a pose
And if one day yu no change yu frok, dem call yu poting and naked back
If yu go church a Sunday time, dem sey a axe yu da try fe grind
And if yu stay home an take a rest, dem sey poor hypocrite im a confess
Chorus: I don’t know, I don’t know why some people bad minded so
I don’t know, I don’t know why some people bad minded so
Source: http://www.my-island-jamaica.com/best-jamaican-folk-songs-a-to-d-of-golden-collection.html
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SHOWCASE SOUND FILE
The Wailers bad mind people live
solnascenteroot, Uploaded on Jul 26, 2009
-snip--
This song is included on the album The Wailers Band - Majestic Warriors
****
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
The Wailers - "Rude Boy" (sound file & comments)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post provides a sound file & the lyrics to the Wailers' 1965 song "Rude Boy", along with explanations about the meaning of those lyrics.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
This post is a spin off of http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/wheel-and-turn-phrase-in-two-jamaican.html. That post focuses on the phrase "wheel and turn" in the Jamaican Mento songs "One Solja Man" and "This Long Time Gal" and contrasts that meaning with the use of that phrase in the Wailers' Ska song "Rude Boy".
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to The Wailers for their musical legacy. Thanks also all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.
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SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: The Wailers - Rude Boy
Short and Sweet, Uploaded on Jul 29, 2008
An early Jamaican hit for the Wailers when they were with the legendary Studio One. Bunny Wailer sings lead. Bob redid it later as Rebel's Hop and again as Walk the Proud Land. This last version was also re-recorded by Bunny.
***
LYRICS: RUDE BOY
(The Wailers, 1965)
Why? (x4)
Walk the proud land my friend, with me! (x4)
Now waan u come wheel an tun me (x3)
Fi go lick mi head pon yuh tambourine! I've got to keep on movin (x5)
Wanti wanti caan getti, an getti getti nuh wanti! (x2)
Gimmi likkle soul, oh Lord (x6)
Rude boy rub, rude boy scrub (x2)
I've got to keep on movin (x5)
Skank quadrille (x4)
Gimme little while (x5)
-transcription posted by Rebelman19, 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nhgb9hC7UI [hereafter given as "The Wailers: Rude Boy sound file comments"]
-snip-
These lyrics have been reformatted for this post.
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COMMENTS ABOUT THE TITLE OF THE SONG "RUDE BOYS"
"Rude boy" = "bad boy" ; "Rude boys" is a Jamaican referent for sharp dressing young men who hang out in the streets and are known for their violent, anti-social behavior.
From http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/may/24/rude-boys-jamaican-subculture-photography-exhibition "Rude boys: Shanty Town to Savile Row":
"It was towards the end of 1963 that the Wailers released their first single, Simmer Down, on the legendary Studio One label in Jamaica. The song was written and sung by an 18-year-old Bob Marley, the lyrics intended to placate his mother, Cedella, who was worried about the company her son was keeping in the Trench Town ghetto of the Jamaican capital, Kingston, where they lived. Simmer Down was aimed directly at the often sharply dressed young men locally known as "rude boys", who were making headlines in the then newly independent island with their violent and antisocial behavior/"
-snip-
Note that 'rude boy"-now often given as "rude bwoy" may be a complimentary referent. http://jamaicanpatwah.com/term/Rude-bwoy/1078#.U8apCI1OVv4
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COMMENTS ABOUT VARIOUS LINES IN THE WAILERS' SKA SONG "RUDE BOY"
This discussion focuses on certain lines in The Wailer's "Rude Boy". For referencing purposes I've numbered the lines being discussed.
1. Why = question about why the world is like it is; why is there injustice, inequality etc.
2. Walk the proud land my friend, with me! - encouraging people to walk in their homeland (and in the world) with pride
3. Now waan u come wheel an tun me
and
4. Fi go lick mi head pon yuh tambourine!
"Wheel and turn" refers to a dance move in which dancers spin as fast as they can to the beat (wheel), then stop and spin in the opposite direction (turn)*.
*Source: "Part Admin/Part Tour Guide", self-described as Jamaican, in 2010 in response to the question "Jamaicans what does "wheel and turn me" mean?", https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100707150927AA7b8ed
The phrase "wheel and turn" is found in a number of Jamaican Mento songs, including "One Solja Man (also known as "Wheel And Turn Me") and "This Long Time Gal". The "wheel and turn" dance move can be seen in the Kumina [religious] dance and in other Jamaican folk dances.
The "wheel and turn....lick my head" lines in The Wailers' "Rude Boy" are adaptations of a verse in the Mento song "One Solja Man". That song is included in the 1951 collection Folk Songs of Jamaica editor Tom Murray (Oxford University Press), but it's s probably much older than that. In "One Solja Man" the lines are:
A weh yuh dah weel an' tun me,
A weh yuh dah weel an' tun me,
Yuh mussa wan' me fe go fall dung,"
An' lick me belly pon tambourina.
-snip-
That song is about a woman's complaint about a soldier who likes her, but who she doesn't like. That particular verse the woman complains about the way the soldier dances with her, and her complaint that his wheeling and turning her around might make her hit her belly on a tambourine player (i.e. crash into a member of the band). Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/07/caribbean-song-one-solja-man.html for a pancocojams post about this song.
However, the line "Now waan u come wheel an tun me" in the Wailers' "Rude Boy" song doesn't refer to a dance movement. I think that the "wheel and turn, hit my head lines" in the Wailers' song is an analogy to how rude boys are moving around at a fast pace in one direction and then another only to crash into (hit one's head) against the tambourine (player). In the context of that song the tune that is being played and the tambourine player herself (or himself) symbolizes the System (Babylon)*.
I think the point of those lines is that the rude boys are hurting themselves because they are dancing to Babylon's tune (or will get hurt if they continue moving one way and then another the way that Babylon wants them to).
*" “Babylon” refers to the system built on slavery i.e. the global free market/globalization system" http://islandpen.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/what-does-babylon-mean-in-reggae/
5. I've got to keep on movin - This line isn't about dancing, but about moving through the world using your own free will, moving when and how you want to move. As such, this line is in contrast to the "wheel and turn...hit my head on your tambourine" lines. And "how" the singer encourages people to move refers back to line #1 "Walk the proud land my friend"
6. Wanti wanti caan getti, an getti getti nuh wanti! = (x2) Want it want it can't get it and get it get it dont want it.
A amaican proverb, included in http://niceup.com/patois.html#proverbs
""Wanti wanti can't get it, getti getti no want it", i.e., the Have-nots covet what the Haves take for granted."
-end of quote>
A commenter in The Wailers' "Rude Boy" sound file's comment thread offered this meaning of that proverb in response to another commenter's query about that song:
"@djangophile Walk the proud land my friend. Want it want it can't get it and get it get it dont want it. which i interpret to mean. "If you can't get what you want don't worry about it. That's just life. But keep your pride." Its a collection of sayings that come together to say stay proud as a common threme through all of them."
-snip-
While I think that the first meaning of the proverb fits that song better, I would also suggest that the song is also questioning the value of that which is coveted. Instead, in the subsequent line the Wailers indicate what they value more.
7. Gimmi likkle soul, oh Lord (x6) = This line, in standard American English "Give me a little soul, oh Lord" is not just a religious prayer, but also for the spirit, energy, power, energy, perseverance, and creativity that is embodied in "soul" culture (black culture).
8. Rude boy rub, rude boy scrub
Rub/scrub may just be a creative way of saying that the life of rude boys is one of engaging in sexual pleasures and working hard. However, I wonder if this line (also) alludes to the Caribbean folk music genre of "rake and scrap" (ripsaw music) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_the_Bahamas
If that allusion was what was meant by the rub/scrub rhyme, I believe that lines continue the statement about "soul" and also suggest that rude boys need to take their creativity energy and apply it to the work of making the world a better place.
I also wonder if the rub/scrub rhyming reference might be a reference to some cultural saying, or song. For instance, http://niceup.com/patois.html includes a definition for ketchy - chuby: "It can be a sexual term meaning the man throw it and the woman catch it! It can also mean a game - life's game, how to see through today to meet tomorrow and all the games of life as in "life is just a ketchy-chuby game." :-end of quote-
If that term was alluded to in that line, then it's probable the second meaning that was meant.
9. I've got to keep on movin - Read comment #5.
10. Skank quadrille - Continues the theme of adapting folk cultural creativity to remake contemporary society into a better place for all.
The Jamaican Patois word "skank" has a different meaning than the African American slang meaning of skank (a derogatory term for a usually younger female, implying that that female is trashy, lower-class, with no morals.
Here's the Jamaican Patois meaning of "skank" from http://members.tripod.com/~Livi_d/language/patois_dictionary.htm "Talk Jamaican"
Skank: "to dance to reggae music (1) to move with cunning, ulterior motives (2)
-end of quote-
Quadrille is an old time Jamaican dance, an adaptation of the European quadrille.
I believe that "Skank quadrille" means that that "Rude Boy" isn't just a Ska song with a great danceable beat- It's (also) a modern day folk song that has subversive intentions.
Read this exchange of comments about the over all theme of The Wailers' "Rude Boy" song :
Edward Cypher, 2012 from "The Wailers: Rude Boy sound file comments"
"I find it ironic that Marley sang songs that praised what was to become one of the most violent cultures in Jamaican history,the rude-boy and badman street-cultures,and then became a notorious figure associated with peace and unity musical pleads.
**
subg88, 2012 from "The Wailers: Rude Boy sound file comments"
in reply to Edward Cypher
I think the point of those songs anyway is not to praise the rude boy culture, but to tell the rude boys they are doing just what "The Man" wants them to do by committing senseless crime ending up in jail. You can't rule the land in jail, it's time to get serious. At least that's my interpretation
-snip-
For what it's worth, I agree with subg88's comment. I think that song means that, and more.
11. Gimme little while - In a little while time things will change for the better.
****
This concludes this post.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitors' comments are welcome.
This post provides a sound file & the lyrics to the Wailers' 1965 song "Rude Boy", along with explanations about the meaning of those lyrics.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
This post is a spin off of http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/wheel-and-turn-phrase-in-two-jamaican.html. That post focuses on the phrase "wheel and turn" in the Jamaican Mento songs "One Solja Man" and "This Long Time Gal" and contrasts that meaning with the use of that phrase in the Wailers' Ska song "Rude Boy".
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to The Wailers for their musical legacy. Thanks also all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks also to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: The Wailers - Rude Boy
Short and Sweet, Uploaded on Jul 29, 2008
An early Jamaican hit for the Wailers when they were with the legendary Studio One. Bunny Wailer sings lead. Bob redid it later as Rebel's Hop and again as Walk the Proud Land. This last version was also re-recorded by Bunny.
***
LYRICS: RUDE BOY
(The Wailers, 1965)
Why? (x4)
Walk the proud land my friend, with me! (x4)
Now waan u come wheel an tun me (x3)
Fi go lick mi head pon yuh tambourine! I've got to keep on movin (x5)
Wanti wanti caan getti, an getti getti nuh wanti! (x2)
Gimmi likkle soul, oh Lord (x6)
Rude boy rub, rude boy scrub (x2)
I've got to keep on movin (x5)
Skank quadrille (x4)
Gimme little while (x5)
-transcription posted by Rebelman19, 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nhgb9hC7UI [hereafter given as "The Wailers: Rude Boy sound file comments"]
-snip-
These lyrics have been reformatted for this post.
****
COMMENTS ABOUT THE TITLE OF THE SONG "RUDE BOYS"
"Rude boy" = "bad boy" ; "Rude boys" is a Jamaican referent for sharp dressing young men who hang out in the streets and are known for their violent, anti-social behavior.
From http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/may/24/rude-boys-jamaican-subculture-photography-exhibition "Rude boys: Shanty Town to Savile Row":
"It was towards the end of 1963 that the Wailers released their first single, Simmer Down, on the legendary Studio One label in Jamaica. The song was written and sung by an 18-year-old Bob Marley, the lyrics intended to placate his mother, Cedella, who was worried about the company her son was keeping in the Trench Town ghetto of the Jamaican capital, Kingston, where they lived. Simmer Down was aimed directly at the often sharply dressed young men locally known as "rude boys", who were making headlines in the then newly independent island with their violent and antisocial behavior/"
-snip-
Note that 'rude boy"-now often given as "rude bwoy" may be a complimentary referent. http://jamaicanpatwah.com/term/Rude-bwoy/1078#.U8apCI1OVv4
****
COMMENTS ABOUT VARIOUS LINES IN THE WAILERS' SKA SONG "RUDE BOY"
This discussion focuses on certain lines in The Wailer's "Rude Boy". For referencing purposes I've numbered the lines being discussed.
1. Why = question about why the world is like it is; why is there injustice, inequality etc.
2. Walk the proud land my friend, with me! - encouraging people to walk in their homeland (and in the world) with pride
3. Now waan u come wheel an tun me
and
4. Fi go lick mi head pon yuh tambourine!
"Wheel and turn" refers to a dance move in which dancers spin as fast as they can to the beat (wheel), then stop and spin in the opposite direction (turn)*.
*Source: "Part Admin/Part Tour Guide", self-described as Jamaican, in 2010 in response to the question "Jamaicans what does "wheel and turn me" mean?", https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100707150927AA7b8ed
The phrase "wheel and turn" is found in a number of Jamaican Mento songs, including "One Solja Man (also known as "Wheel And Turn Me") and "This Long Time Gal". The "wheel and turn" dance move can be seen in the Kumina [religious] dance and in other Jamaican folk dances.
The "wheel and turn....lick my head" lines in The Wailers' "Rude Boy" are adaptations of a verse in the Mento song "One Solja Man". That song is included in the 1951 collection Folk Songs of Jamaica editor Tom Murray (Oxford University Press), but it's s probably much older than that. In "One Solja Man" the lines are:
A weh yuh dah weel an' tun me,
A weh yuh dah weel an' tun me,
Yuh mussa wan' me fe go fall dung,"
An' lick me belly pon tambourina.
-snip-
That song is about a woman's complaint about a soldier who likes her, but who she doesn't like. That particular verse the woman complains about the way the soldier dances with her, and her complaint that his wheeling and turning her around might make her hit her belly on a tambourine player (i.e. crash into a member of the band). Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/07/caribbean-song-one-solja-man.html for a pancocojams post about this song.
However, the line "Now waan u come wheel an tun me" in the Wailers' "Rude Boy" song doesn't refer to a dance movement. I think that the "wheel and turn, hit my head lines" in the Wailers' song is an analogy to how rude boys are moving around at a fast pace in one direction and then another only to crash into (hit one's head) against the tambourine (player). In the context of that song the tune that is being played and the tambourine player herself (or himself) symbolizes the System (Babylon)*.
I think the point of those lines is that the rude boys are hurting themselves because they are dancing to Babylon's tune (or will get hurt if they continue moving one way and then another the way that Babylon wants them to).
*" “Babylon” refers to the system built on slavery i.e. the global free market/globalization system" http://islandpen.wordpress.com/2012/10/25/what-does-babylon-mean-in-reggae/
5. I've got to keep on movin - This line isn't about dancing, but about moving through the world using your own free will, moving when and how you want to move. As such, this line is in contrast to the "wheel and turn...hit my head on your tambourine" lines. And "how" the singer encourages people to move refers back to line #1 "Walk the proud land my friend"
6. Wanti wanti caan getti, an getti getti nuh wanti! = (x2) Want it want it can't get it and get it get it dont want it.
A amaican proverb, included in http://niceup.com/patois.html#proverbs
""Wanti wanti can't get it, getti getti no want it", i.e., the Have-nots covet what the Haves take for granted."
-end of quote>
A commenter in The Wailers' "Rude Boy" sound file's comment thread offered this meaning of that proverb in response to another commenter's query about that song:
"@djangophile Walk the proud land my friend. Want it want it can't get it and get it get it dont want it. which i interpret to mean. "If you can't get what you want don't worry about it. That's just life. But keep your pride." Its a collection of sayings that come together to say stay proud as a common threme through all of them."
-snip-
While I think that the first meaning of the proverb fits that song better, I would also suggest that the song is also questioning the value of that which is coveted. Instead, in the subsequent line the Wailers indicate what they value more.
7. Gimmi likkle soul, oh Lord (x6) = This line, in standard American English "Give me a little soul, oh Lord" is not just a religious prayer, but also for the spirit, energy, power, energy, perseverance, and creativity that is embodied in "soul" culture (black culture).
8. Rude boy rub, rude boy scrub
Rub/scrub may just be a creative way of saying that the life of rude boys is one of engaging in sexual pleasures and working hard. However, I wonder if this line (also) alludes to the Caribbean folk music genre of "rake and scrap" (ripsaw music) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_the_Bahamas
If that allusion was what was meant by the rub/scrub rhyme, I believe that lines continue the statement about "soul" and also suggest that rude boys need to take their creativity energy and apply it to the work of making the world a better place.
I also wonder if the rub/scrub rhyming reference might be a reference to some cultural saying, or song. For instance, http://niceup.com/patois.html includes a definition for ketchy - chuby: "It can be a sexual term meaning the man throw it and the woman catch it! It can also mean a game - life's game, how to see through today to meet tomorrow and all the games of life as in "life is just a ketchy-chuby game." :-end of quote-
If that term was alluded to in that line, then it's probable the second meaning that was meant.
9. I've got to keep on movin - Read comment #5.
10. Skank quadrille - Continues the theme of adapting folk cultural creativity to remake contemporary society into a better place for all.
The Jamaican Patois word "skank" has a different meaning than the African American slang meaning of skank (a derogatory term for a usually younger female, implying that that female is trashy, lower-class, with no morals.
Here's the Jamaican Patois meaning of "skank" from http://members.tripod.com/~Livi_d/language/patois_dictionary.htm "Talk Jamaican"
Skank: "to dance to reggae music (1) to move with cunning, ulterior motives (2)
-end of quote-
Quadrille is an old time Jamaican dance, an adaptation of the European quadrille.
I believe that "Skank quadrille" means that that "Rude Boy" isn't just a Ska song with a great danceable beat- It's (also) a modern day folk song that has subversive intentions.
Read this exchange of comments about the over all theme of The Wailers' "Rude Boy" song :
Edward Cypher, 2012 from "The Wailers: Rude Boy sound file comments"
"I find it ironic that Marley sang songs that praised what was to become one of the most violent cultures in Jamaican history,the rude-boy and badman street-cultures,and then became a notorious figure associated with peace and unity musical pleads.
**
subg88, 2012 from "The Wailers: Rude Boy sound file comments"
in reply to Edward Cypher
I think the point of those songs anyway is not to praise the rude boy culture, but to tell the rude boys they are doing just what "The Man" wants them to do by committing senseless crime ending up in jail. You can't rule the land in jail, it's time to get serious. At least that's my interpretation
-snip-
For what it's worth, I agree with subg88's comment. I think that song means that, and more.
11. Gimme little while - In a little while time things will change for the better.
****
This concludes this post.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitors' comments are welcome.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
The Wailers "Downpressor Man" and Peter Tosh "Downpressor Man" (with lyrics)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases a rendition of the song "Downpressor Man" by the Wailers (Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, and Bunny Wailer) and a later performance of that song by Peter Tosh. Information aboout this song and lyrics to those versions are also included in this post.
The song "Downpressor Man" are Jamaican versions of the African American Spiritual "Sinner Man". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/07/nina-simone-sinnerman-with-lyrics.html for a pancocojams post that provides information about "Sinner Man" and showcases a full version of Nina Simone's rendition of that song.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT "DOWNPRESSOR MAN"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinner_Man
"Peter Tosh and the Wailers versions
Sinner Man" has also been recorded as ska and reggae versions several times by the Wailers.
It was first recorded by the group at Studio One in Kingston, Jamaica in early 1966; Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer shared lead vocals.
A different version entitled "Downpressor" was recorded by Peter Tosh & The Wailers in 1970 ("downpressor" meaning "oppressor" in Rastafarian vocabulary). The song featured Tosh on lead vocals and Bunny Wailer on background. An instrumental version was also released. Songwriting credit for this version is sometimes given to Tosh.
Another version was recorded in 1971 as Oppressor Man. This version was billed as a Peter Tosh solo single, and the B Side of the single featured an instrumental version. It was one of the rarer songs from the period before being included, along with its version, on JAD's Black Dignity compilation in 2004.
Tosh recorded the song again as "Downpresser Man" for his 1977 solo album Equal Rights and released a live recording of the song in a medley with "Equal Rights" on his 1983 album Captured Live."
****
FEATURED EXAMPLES (with Lyrics)
Example #1: Downpressor Man - Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer
Vldmaiden, Uploaded on May 30, 2011
First recorded by the group at Studio One in Kingston, Jamaica in early 1966; Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer shared lead vocals. A later version was recorded by Peter Tosh & The Wailers in 1971 ("downpressor" meaning "oppressor" in Rastafarian vocabulary)
LYRICS
Mercy lord when judgement come
Mercy lord when judgement come ...
Mercy lord when judgement come
All on that day all on that day*
Downpressor man where you gonna run to
Tell me
Downpressor man where you gonna run to
Downpressor man where you gonna run to
All on that day, ...
You run to the rocks, rocks will be melting
You run to the rocks, rocks will be melting
When you run to the rocks, rocks will be melting
All on that day, sad day for you
And when you run to the sea, the sea will be boiling
When you run to the sea, the sea will be boiling
You run to the sea, the sea will be boiling
All on that day, ...
So you gonna run to the lord, lord will you hide me
Run to the lord, lord would you hide me
Run to the lord, lord would you hide me
All on that day, sad day for human
Mercy lord when judgement come
Mercy lord when judgement come
I said
Mercy lord when judgement come ...
All on that day
I wouln't like to be a flea in your collar man
I wouln't like to be a flea inna your collar man
I wouln't like to be a flea inna your collar man
All on that day
You can run but you can't hide (...)
You can run but you can't hide
Source: http://www.chartlyrics.com/DOGWwgoRA0Ged0e_67f7Lg/Downpresser.aspx
*That transcription gave this sentence as "all along that day". I changed it to conform with the words from the traditional African American Spiritual because I think that those are also the words that are sung in this song.
****
Example #2: Peter Tosh - Downpressor Man ( Live ) ( High Quality )
dreadlocke12, Uploaded on Apr 15, 2010
LYRICS - DOWNPRESSOR MAN
(Songwriter: Peter Tosh)
DownPresserMan
Downpresser man
Where you gonna run to
(3x)
All on that day
(CHORUS)
You gonna run to the sea
But the sea will be boiling
When you run to the sea
The sea will be boiling(2x)
All on that day
You gonna run to the rocks
The rocks will be melting
When you run to the rocks
The rocks will be melitng(2x)
All that day
So I said
CHORUS
You drink your big champagne and laugh(3x)
All on that day
I wouldn't like to be a flea
Under your collar man
(3x)
All on that day
You can run but you can't hide(3x)
Telling you all along that day
You gonna run to the Lord
Beggin' to hide you
(2x)
You gonna run to Jah
Beggin' to hide you
All, all along that day
And I said Downpresser Man
Where you gonna run to
Where you gonna run to Downpresser man
Where you gonna run to
I said all on
All on, on that day Downpresser man(4x)
Wait, Downpresser man
Where you gonna run to
Downpresser man
I don't know where you gonna run to
All on that day
Downpresser man
You can't run, you can't bribe Jah-Jah
Can't call him in a bar
Fe can drink some
Devil soup
Can't bribe him to run a car now
Can't test him faith
Downpresser man(5x)
Where you gonna run to
Downpresser man
You can't bribe no one
Them no want no money
Them run'f money
That money get funny
Downpresser Man...
S here"
Source: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/p/peter+tosh/downpressor+man_20191736.html
-snip-
Note: I changed "All along that day" to "All on that day".
*****
Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to the Wailers & Peter Tosh (soloist) for their musical legacy, including their renditions of this song. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, the transcribers of these lyrics, the publisher of the sound file, and the publisher of this video.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This post showcases a rendition of the song "Downpressor Man" by the Wailers (Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, and Bunny Wailer) and a later performance of that song by Peter Tosh. Information aboout this song and lyrics to those versions are also included in this post.
The song "Downpressor Man" are Jamaican versions of the African American Spiritual "Sinner Man". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/07/nina-simone-sinnerman-with-lyrics.html for a pancocojams post that provides information about "Sinner Man" and showcases a full version of Nina Simone's rendition of that song.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT "DOWNPRESSOR MAN"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinner_Man
"Peter Tosh and the Wailers versions
Sinner Man" has also been recorded as ska and reggae versions several times by the Wailers.
It was first recorded by the group at Studio One in Kingston, Jamaica in early 1966; Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer shared lead vocals.
A different version entitled "Downpressor" was recorded by Peter Tosh & The Wailers in 1970 ("downpressor" meaning "oppressor" in Rastafarian vocabulary). The song featured Tosh on lead vocals and Bunny Wailer on background. An instrumental version was also released. Songwriting credit for this version is sometimes given to Tosh.
Another version was recorded in 1971 as Oppressor Man. This version was billed as a Peter Tosh solo single, and the B Side of the single featured an instrumental version. It was one of the rarer songs from the period before being included, along with its version, on JAD's Black Dignity compilation in 2004.
Tosh recorded the song again as "Downpresser Man" for his 1977 solo album Equal Rights and released a live recording of the song in a medley with "Equal Rights" on his 1983 album Captured Live."
****
FEATURED EXAMPLES (with Lyrics)
Example #1: Downpressor Man - Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer
Vldmaiden, Uploaded on May 30, 2011
First recorded by the group at Studio One in Kingston, Jamaica in early 1966; Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer shared lead vocals. A later version was recorded by Peter Tosh & The Wailers in 1971 ("downpressor" meaning "oppressor" in Rastafarian vocabulary)
LYRICS
Mercy lord when judgement come
Mercy lord when judgement come ...
Mercy lord when judgement come
All on that day all on that day*
Downpressor man where you gonna run to
Tell me
Downpressor man where you gonna run to
Downpressor man where you gonna run to
All on that day, ...
You run to the rocks, rocks will be melting
You run to the rocks, rocks will be melting
When you run to the rocks, rocks will be melting
All on that day, sad day for you
And when you run to the sea, the sea will be boiling
When you run to the sea, the sea will be boiling
You run to the sea, the sea will be boiling
All on that day, ...
So you gonna run to the lord, lord will you hide me
Run to the lord, lord would you hide me
Run to the lord, lord would you hide me
All on that day, sad day for human
Mercy lord when judgement come
Mercy lord when judgement come
I said
Mercy lord when judgement come ...
All on that day
I wouln't like to be a flea in your collar man
I wouln't like to be a flea inna your collar man
I wouln't like to be a flea inna your collar man
All on that day
You can run but you can't hide (...)
You can run but you can't hide
Source: http://www.chartlyrics.com/DOGWwgoRA0Ged0e_67f7Lg/Downpresser.aspx
*That transcription gave this sentence as "all along that day". I changed it to conform with the words from the traditional African American Spiritual because I think that those are also the words that are sung in this song.
****
Example #2: Peter Tosh - Downpressor Man ( Live ) ( High Quality )
dreadlocke12, Uploaded on Apr 15, 2010
LYRICS - DOWNPRESSOR MAN
(Songwriter: Peter Tosh)
DownPresserMan
Downpresser man
Where you gonna run to
(3x)
All on that day
(CHORUS)
You gonna run to the sea
But the sea will be boiling
When you run to the sea
The sea will be boiling(2x)
All on that day
You gonna run to the rocks
The rocks will be melting
When you run to the rocks
The rocks will be melitng(2x)
All that day
So I said
CHORUS
You drink your big champagne and laugh(3x)
All on that day
I wouldn't like to be a flea
Under your collar man
(3x)
All on that day
You can run but you can't hide(3x)
Telling you all along that day
You gonna run to the Lord
Beggin' to hide you
(2x)
You gonna run to Jah
Beggin' to hide you
All, all along that day
And I said Downpresser Man
Where you gonna run to
Where you gonna run to Downpresser man
Where you gonna run to
I said all on
All on, on that day Downpresser man(4x)
Wait, Downpresser man
Where you gonna run to
Downpresser man
I don't know where you gonna run to
All on that day
Downpresser man
You can't run, you can't bribe Jah-Jah
Can't call him in a bar
Fe can drink some
Devil soup
Can't bribe him to run a car now
Can't test him faith
Downpresser man(5x)
Where you gonna run to
Downpresser man
You can't bribe no one
Them no want no money
Them run'f money
That money get funny
Downpresser Man...
S here"
Source: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/p/peter+tosh/downpressor+man_20191736.html
-snip-
Note: I changed "All along that day" to "All on that day".
*****
Thanks to the composer/s of this song and thanks to the Wailers & Peter Tosh (soloist) for their musical legacy, including their renditions of this song. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, the transcribers of these lyrics, the publisher of the sound file, and the publisher of this video.
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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