Steel Pulse originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, Birmingham, and comprised David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals) and Ronnie McQueen (bass).
However, it is Hinds who, as songwriter, has always been the engine behind Steel Pulse, from their early days establishing themselves in the Birmingham club scene onwards. Formed in 1975, their debut release, 'Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku" arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. They followed it with 'Nyah Love' for Anchor.
Surprisingly, they were initially refused live dates in Caribbean venues in the Midlands because of their Rastafarian beliefs. Aligning themselves closely with the Rock Against Racism 1 organisation, they chose to tour instead with sympathetic elements of the punk movement, including the Stranglers, XTC etc.: "Punks had a way of enjoying themselves - throw hordes at you, beer, spit at you, that kind of thing".
Eventually they found a more natural home in support slots for Burning Spear, which brought them to the attention of Island Records. Their first release for Island was the 'Ku Klux Klan' 45 rpm, a considered tilt at the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage.
By this time their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown (keyboards), Steve 'Grizzly' Nesbitt (drums), Fonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Michael Riley (vocals). Handsworth Revolution was an accomplished long playing debut and one of the major landmarks in the evolution of British reggae.
However, despite critical and moderate commercial success over three albums, the relationship with Island had soured by the advent of Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever). They switched to Elektra, and unveiled their most consistent collection of songs since their debut with True Democracy, distinguished by the Garveyeulogising 'Rally Around' cut.
A further definitive set arrived in Earth Crisis. Unfortunately, Elektra chose to take a leaf out of Island's book in trying to coerce Steel Pulse into a more mainstream vein, asking them to emulate the pop-reggae stance of Eddy Grant. Babylon Bandit was consequently weakened, but did contain the anthemic 'Not King james Version', which was a powerful indictment on the omission of black people and history from certain versions of the Bible.
Their next move was id Hinds of Steel Pulse to MCA for State Of Emergency, which retained some of the synthesized dance elements of its predecessor. Though it was a significantly happier compromise, it still paled before any of their earlier albums.
Rastafari Centennial was recorded live at the Elysee Montmarte in Paris, and dedicated to the hundred year anniversary of the birth of Haile Selassie. It was the first recording since the defection of Fonso Martin, leaving the trio of David Hinds, Steve Nisbett and Selwyn Brown.
While they still faced inverted snobbery at the hands of British reggae fans, in America their reputation was growing, becoming the first ever reggae band to appear on the Tonight television show. Their profile was raised further when, in 1992, Hinds challenged the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission in the Supreme High Court, asserting that their cab drivers discriminated against black people in general and Rastas in particular.
Drummer Steve "Grizzly" Nisbett (15 March 1948 – 18 January 2018) died in 2018.
The band are still recording and touring.
Bootstraps
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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Forward ever
Backward never
Stick together
And last forever
The race is not for the swift but
For those who endure
We've been tried and tested
And know the score
CHORUS
So pick up your bootstraps and backside
We moving forward no backslide
Wow now, wow now
Stop your fighting back away back biting
Let's unite now
Not dividing
These are things that I can't stand
Says we're acting like crabs in a can now
Nuff a fe we youth dem turn to
Drugs and crime
Come lets save the rest cause we are
Loosing time now
CHORUS
So pick up your bootstraps and backside
We moving forward no backslide
We moving forward
We moving forward Heh!
We moving forward no backslide
Wow now, Wow now
REBEL RAP
CHORUS
So pick up your bootstraps and backside
We moving forward no backslide
Are you ready for this message
Seize the time to be progressive
Take you stance now and be counted
It's now or never
Blessed are those who are struggling
In a JAH name
Iniquity workers bow their
Heads in shame yeh
CHORUS
So pick up your bootstraps and backside
We moving forward no backslide
We moving forward
We moving forward Heh
We moving forward no backslide
Wow now, Wow now
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's song Bootstraps speak of unity, perseverance, and progress. The opening lines, "Forward ever, backward never, stick together and last forever," illustrate the band's commitment to moving steadily forward in the face of adversity while emphasizing the need for unity and solidarity. The following line, "The race is not for the swift but for those who endure," underscores the importance of perseverance in achieving one's goals. The band notes that they have been tried and tested and, therefore, understand the score.
The chorus, "So pick up your bootstraps and backside, we moving forward no backslide," encourages listeners to take action, be proactive, and push ahead, leaving obstacles behind. The verse "Stop your fighting back, away back biting, let's unite now, not dividing," presents a call for people to let go of their petty differences, stop fighting one another, and instead come together to build a better tomorrow. The band likens these divisive tendencies to crabs in a can, suggesting that they only serve to hold us back and hinder progress. The band acknowledges the troubling trends involving youth turning to drugs and crime, and implores listeners to take action before it is too late.
Overall, the song's lyrics convey a sense of urgency and implore listeners to take personal responsibility for creating a better future. They emphasize the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of challenging times, and the need to curtail the divisiveness and destructive tendencies that prevent progress.
Line by Line Meaning
Forward ever
Always move forward
Backward never
Never go backwards
Stick together
Stay united
And last forever
Forever remain united
The race is not for the swift but
Success is not guaranteed to those who are fastest
For those who endure
Success is guaranteed for those who persevere
We've been tried and tested
We've faced challenges and overcome them
And know the score
And have experience from our challenges
So pick up your bootstraps and backside
So get ready to act and work hard
We moving forward no backslide
We are only moving forward, not backward
Stop your fighting back away back biting
Stop fighting and criticizing each other
Let's unite now
Let's come together now
Not dividing
Instead of separating
These are things that I can't stand
These are things that I find unbearable
Says we're acting like crabs in a can now
We're behaving badly towards each other like crabs in a can
Nuff a fe we youth dem turn to
Many of our young people are
Drugs and crime
using drugs and committing crimes
Come lets save the rest cause we are
Let's save the remaining young people who haven't turned to drugs and crime because
Loosing time now
We are running out of time
Are you ready for this message
Are you prepared to hear this truth
Seize the time to be progressive
Take advantage of the opportunity to make progress
Take you stance now and be counted
Take your position now and be recognized
It's now or never
It's the perfect time or we may never have another opportunity
Blessed are those who are struggling
Those who struggle are blessed
In a JAH name
In the name of God
Iniquity workers bow their
Those who commit evil acts bow their
Heads in shame yeh
Head down in shame
We moving forward
We are moving forward
We moving forward Heh
We are moving forward with energy
Wow now, Wow now
Excitement and enthusiasm about moving forward
Lyrics © Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind