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Tall, dreadlocked Junior Kelly is a devout Rastafarian and its Bobo Shanti mansion, on a serious musical mission which is manifested through the quality of his contemplative lyrics, the diversity of his substantial subject matter and his inspirational delivery. "Rasta Should Be Deeper". His “If love So Nice (Why Do It Hurt So Bad)” took a detour through Europe along its route to the top of the Jamaican charts, a position which it securely held for 15 weeks, Born in St Thomas, Jamaica 1970, Junior was raised in nearby Spanish Town. Throughout his childhood, he was surrounded by music, his grandfather and father both played banjo, his mother sang in the Church and his oldest brother Jim was a popular Deejay[rapper] with the Kilamanjaro Sound
There was a sense of comfort and security within the family; Despite their poor economic status they were rich in other ways. “If it’s soup today, we’re happy, if it’s crackers tomorrow, we’re still happy,” relates Junior, “because we knew we had each other to lean on.”
The family was plummeted into depression with the murder of junior’s oldest brother Jim. A part time caterer, Jim was the family’s principal breadwinner and a role model for Junior ; Jim regularly practiced his lyrical toasts in the family living room, greatly influencing the career path of his youngest brother.
After Jim’s death, to help support his family Junior followed soundsystems all over the island just for the opportunity to demonstrate his vocal and lyrical talents. He also began auditioning for several of the Producers comprising Kingston’s crowded music circuit, attempting to record songs. Adhering to his principled Rastafarian lifestyle, he refused to compromise his lyrical content by writing lewd lyrics or songs disrespecting women.
Junior’s career pace accelerated in late 1995 with appearances at major Jamaican stage shows including Reggae Sunsplash and Sting as well as shows in several northeastern American cities. While in America, he also recorded two songs, “Hungry Days” and “Good Tidings” for Willie Carson’s Front Page label. He returned to Jamaica to concentrate on his song writing and met Michael Stanford of M Rush Records for whom he recorded several singles including “Black Woman” and “If Love So Nice”.
“If love So Nice” took a detour through Europe along its route to the top of the Jamaican charts, a position which it securely held for 15 weeks, making it the longest charting number one tune on the island for the year 2000.
“If love so Nice”, one of, if not the most impressive Reggae song, impacted upon Jamaica with a force not experienced since hurricane Gilbert, posing a question every man and woman has asked at least once in a lifetime: “If love so nice, tell me why it hurt so bad?” Utilizing the forceful bass line played by Aston “Familyman” Barrett” on Bob Marley’s timeless tune “Stir It Up” gave “If Love So Nice” a familiar underpinning even though the vocalist Junior Kelly, delivering classic Jamaican blend of precision deejay timing and lovers rock crooning, was unknown to most Reggae fans.
Despite his seemingly sudden rise to success, Junior Kelly, also the writer of “If Love So Nice”, has been assiduously toiling in the music industry since 1985. “Some say this is a lucky break, I say no, it’s a result of hard work,” explains the affable sing-jay Kelly who cut his first single “Over Her Body” in 1985 for Neco Records. “Some say that culture in the music is a dying art form but it’s not. You have artists like myself who try to uplift the nation with words you can live by, there’s just less attention given to us by radio disc jockeys.”
Despite the attention ‘ IF LOVE SO NICE” has deservingly received, Junior Kelly is more than a one hit wonder ; A listen to his Jet Star albums ‘Rise” and “Juvenile”, not to mention his VP Records debut album of the same name “If love so nice”
Rasta Should Be Deeper
Junior Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
You must care about the people
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
I'm my brothers keeper
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
Got to wear Khaki and turban everyday
It's more than the turban, more than the robe and more
Then the natty hair
It's much, much more than to say Selassie Marcus I
Me no do this fi image, me no mimic me na do this fi
Fame
Go and tell them Kelly him na do this material game
Never call them self Rasta they should be ashamed
Call king Selassie name in vain tell them it's no game
Dem a wolf, dem a wolf so mi si dem spiraling down
Kelly a rock of Gibraltar standing firm on solid ground
Ever so humble mi na groumble mi so satisfied
With the little gift that Jah-Jah give to I&I
Heights, green and gold Jah in control
Promised land is there for I, beauty behold
So Rasta dont you differ, stand firm and don?t you
Quiver
King Sellasie I almighty will deliver
Touch not along the night and dont you defy
And your work must be pure in Jah-Jahs eyes
You see di elders dem said it must be turning im dem
Grave
Just to see how dem a younger Ras behave
Jah will shout til dem deaf who do most is left
Remember I said the road to zion is one way
Some live in a glass house and still throwing stones
All dem boys and liars Rasta broke it down
As long as the king sit upon the throne Rastaman is
Never on his own
In Junior Kelly's song "Rasta Should Be Deeper," the singer emphasizes the importance of deeper spiritual connections and social responsibility among Rastafarians. The lyrics critique those who focus on external appearances - the turban, robe, and natty hair - instead of actively seeking to care for the people. Kelly urges Rastafarians to avoid using the movement for fame, vanity, or material gain, and instead honor their faith and culture by focusing on compassionate actions guided by Jah-Jah.
Kelly emphasizes the importance of humility and contentment with what Jah-Jah has given to each individual. He speaks of Jah's control over the promised land and encourages Rastafarians not to deviate from the path. The song also highlights the importance of elders and their guidance, as well as the importance of respect for King Selassie's name in Rastafarianism. Kelly reminds listeners that Rastafarians are united in their faith and that they must work to support each other as they navigate a world that can be hostile to their way of life.
Overall, "Rasta Should Be Deeper" is a song that calls on Rastafarians to live up to their spiritual ideals and to engage meaningfully with the world around them rather than focusing on external symbols of their faith. It is a reminder that true faith requires action and a commitment to social justice.
Line by Line Meaning
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
The philosophy of Rasta should go beyond surface level and delve into a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
You must care about the people
To truly follow the Rasta philosophy, one must have compassion and empathy for others.
I'm my brothers keeper
Rastafarians have a duty to look out for and take care of their fellow brethren.
Got to wear Khaki and turban everyday
It's not enough to simply dress the part of a Rastafarian, true adherence to the philosophy involves a commitment to living its principles.
It's more than the turban, more than the robe and more
Then the natty hair
The outward appearance of a Rastafarian doesn't define their level of commitment to the philosophy, it runs much deeper than that.
It's much, much more than to say Selassie Marcus I
Me no do this fi image, me no mimic me na do this fi
Fame
The Rastafari belief in Haile Selassie goes far beyond simply saying his name, and those who follow it don't do so for the sake of image or popularity.
Go and tell them Kelly him na do this material game
Never call them self Rasta they should be ashamed
Junior Kelly doesn't participate in the purely materialistic side of Rastafarianism, and feels those who call themselves Rastafarians simply for show should be ashamed.
Call king Selassie name in vain tell them it's no game
Dem a wolf, dem a wolf so mi si dem spiraling down
Using the name of Haile Selassie in vain shows a lack of understanding and respect for the Rastafari philosophy, and those who do so are headed for a downward spiral.
Kelly a rock of Gibraltar standing firm on solid ground
Junior Kelly is steadfast in his commitment to the Rasta philosophy and won't be swayed from its principles.
Ever so humble mi na groumble mi so satisfied
With the little gift that Jah-Jah give to I&I
Despite having little, Junior Kelly is content and grateful for the blessings bestowed upon him by Jah.
Heights, green and gold Jah in control
Promised land is there for I, beauty behold
Jah has power over all things and will guide Rastafarians to their promised land of peace and beauty.
So Rasta dont you differ, stand firm and don?t you
Quiver
King Sellasie I almighty will deliver
Rastafarians should stay united and steadfast in their beliefs, trusting in Haile Selassie to lead them.
Touch not along the night and dont you defy
And your work must be pure in Jah-Jahs eyes
Rastafarians shouldn't engage in harmful or disrespectful behavior, and their actions should reflect their dedication to the Rasta philosophy.
You see di elders dem said it must be turning im dem
Grave
Just to see how dem a younger Ras behave
The older generation of Rastafarians believes that the younger generation is not fully committed to the philosophy, and it pains them to see their behavior.
Jah will shout til dem deaf who do most is left
Remember I said the road to zion is one way
Jah will recognize and reward those who live the Rasta philosophy to the fullest, and there's no going back once one starts down the path to (metaphorical) Zion.
Some live in a glass house and still throwing stones
All dem boys and liars Rasta broke it down
Some people who claim to be Rastafarians are hypocritical and preach contradictory beliefs.
As long as the king sit upon the throne Rastaman is
Never on his own
As long as Haile Selassie remains an important figure in the lives of Rastafarians, they will always feel like they have a community of like-minded individuals to support them.
Lyrics © THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network
Written by: K. WESTERBERG, KEITH MORGAN, P. PALSSON, K Westerberg, P Palsson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cristian Valderas
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
You must care about the people
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
I'm my brothers keeper
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
Got to wear Khaki and turban everyday
It's more than the turban, more than the robe and more
Then the natty hair
It's much, much more than to say Selassie Marcus I
Me no do this fi image, me no mimic me na do this fi
Fame
Go and tell them Kelly him na do this material game
Never call them self Rasta they should be ashamed
Call king Selassie name in vain tell them it's no game
Dem a wolf, dem a wolf so mi si dem spiraling down
Kelly a rock of Gibraltar standing firm on solid ground
Ever so humble mi na groumble mi so satisfied
With the little gift that Jah-Jah give to I&I
Heights, green and gold Jah in control
Promised land is there for I, beauty behold
So Rasta dont you differ, stand firm and don?t you
Quiver
King Sellasie I almighty will deliver
Touch not along the night and dont you defy
And your work must be pure in Jah-Jahs eyes
You see di elders dem said it must be turning im dem
Grave
Just to see how dem a younger Ras behave
Jah will shout til dem deaf who do most is left
Remember I said the road to zion is one way
Some live in a glass house and still throwing stones
All dem boys and liars Rasta broke it down
As long as the king sit upon the throne Rastaman is
Never on his own
Jah Music Mansion #WhereRealReggaeResides
Cristian Valderas your lyrics need a little revision(not much).
Thanks for the effort.
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
You must care about the people
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
I'm my brothers keeper
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
Got to wear Khaki and turban everyday
It's more than the turban, more than the robe and more
Then the natty hair
It's much, much more than to say Selassie Marcus I
Me no do this fi image, me no mimic me na do this fi
Fame
Go and tell them Kelly him na do this material gain
Never call them self Rasta they should be ashamed
Call king Selassie name in vain tell them it's no game
Dem a wolf, dem a wolf so mi si dem spiraling down
Kelly a rock of Gibraltar standing firm on solid ground
Ever so humble mi na groumble mi so satisfied
With the little gift that Jah-Jah give to I&I
Heights, green and gold Jah in control
Promised land is there for I, beauty behold
So Rasta dont you defer, stand firm and don?t you
Quiver
King Sellasie I almighty will deliver
Touch not the lord’s anointed and don’t you defile
And your work must be pure in Jah-Jahs eyes
You see di elders dem, seh dem must be turning im dem
Grave
Just to see how dem a younger Ras behave
Jah gwine shorten dem days uno mus Be slave
Remember I said the road to zion is one way
Some live in a glass house and still throwing stones
All dem wall & barriers Rasta bruk it down.
As long as the king sit upon the throne Rastaman is
Never on his own
Renata Oliveira
amo reggae💚💛❤️
🇯🇲 ♥🇧🇷
S Dotta
13 yrs later I still revisit this song. Timeless
Cristian Valderas
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
You must care about the people
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
I'm my brothers keeper
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
Got to wear Khaki and turban everyday
It's more than the turban, more than the robe and more
Then the natty hair
It's much, much more than to say Selassie Marcus I
Me no do this fi image, me no mimic me na do this fi
Fame
Go and tell them Kelly him na do this material game
Never call them self Rasta they should be ashamed
Call king Selassie name in vain tell them it's no game
Dem a wolf, dem a wolf so mi si dem spiraling down
Kelly a rock of Gibraltar standing firm on solid ground
Ever so humble mi na groumble mi so satisfied
With the little gift that Jah-Jah give to I&I
Heights, green and gold Jah in control
Promised land is there for I, beauty behold
So Rasta dont you differ, stand firm and don?t you
Quiver
King Sellasie I almighty will deliver
Touch not along the night and dont you defy
And your work must be pure in Jah-Jahs eyes
You see di elders dem said it must be turning im dem
Grave
Just to see how dem a younger Ras behave
Jah will shout til dem deaf who do most is left
Remember I said the road to zion is one way
Some live in a glass house and still throwing stones
All dem boys and liars Rasta broke it down
As long as the king sit upon the throne Rastaman is
Never on his own
Rayoutyf
TKs
Jah Music Mansion #WhereRealReggaeResides
Cristian Valderas your lyrics need a little revision(not much).
Thanks for the effort.
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
You must care about the people
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
I'm my brothers keeper
Deeper, Rasta should be deeper
Got to wear Khaki and turban everyday
It's more than the turban, more than the robe and more
Then the natty hair
It's much, much more than to say Selassie Marcus I
Me no do this fi image, me no mimic me na do this fi
Fame
Go and tell them Kelly him na do this material gain
Never call them self Rasta they should be ashamed
Call king Selassie name in vain tell them it's no game
Dem a wolf, dem a wolf so mi si dem spiraling down
Kelly a rock of Gibraltar standing firm on solid ground
Ever so humble mi na groumble mi so satisfied
With the little gift that Jah-Jah give to I&I
Heights, green and gold Jah in control
Promised land is there for I, beauty behold
So Rasta dont you defer, stand firm and don?t you
Quiver
King Sellasie I almighty will deliver
Touch not the lord’s anointed and don’t you defile
And your work must be pure in Jah-Jahs eyes
You see di elders dem, seh dem must be turning im dem
Grave
Just to see how dem a younger Ras behave
Jah gwine shorten dem days uno mus Be slave
Remember I said the road to zion is one way
Some live in a glass house and still throwing stones
All dem wall & barriers Rasta bruk it down.
As long as the king sit upon the throne Rastaman is
Never on his own
Romeo Smith
Can't get tired of this song!
Rios Rodrigues
Essa música foi amor a primeira audição. Coitados de meus vizinhos...!!
POPESCU CRISTIAN
Nice voice!
Nice rithem!
Gooooood!
Peace!
Stefan Grunwald
love this song
N B
My morning anthem. Rasta for life #Jah bless