Born in Cuba of mixed Cuban and Jamaican descent, Aitken and his family settled in Jamaica in 1938. After an early career working for the Jamaican Tourist Board singing mento songs for visitors arriving at Kingston Harbour, he became a popular nightclub entertainer. His first recordings in the late 1950s were mento tunes such as "Nebuchnezer", "Sweet Chariot" (aka the gospel classic "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot") and "Baba Kill Me Goat". Aitken's 1958 single "Boogie in My Bones"/"Little Sheila" was one of the first records produced by Chris Blackwell and the first Jamaican popular music record to be released in the United Kingdom. Other more Jamaican rhythm and blues orientated singles from this period include "Low Down Dirty Girl" and "More Whisky" both produced by Duke Reid.
Aitken moved to Brixton, London, in 1960 and recorded for the Blue Beat label, releasing fifteen singles before returning to Jamaica in 1963. He recorded for Duke Reid, with backing from the Skatalites on tracks such as "Zion" and "Weary Wanderer", before returning to the UK, where he began working with Pama Records. He recorded hits such as "Fire in Mi Wire" and "Landlord and Tenants", which led to a wider recognition outside of Jamaica and the UK. This cemented his position as one of ska's leading artists and earned him the nicknames The Godfather of Ska, and later Boss Skinhead. He gained a loyal following not only among the West Indian community, but also among mods, skinheads and other ska fans. He had hit records in the United Kingdom and other countries in the 1950s through to the 1970s on labels such as Blue Beat, Pama, Trojan, Rio, Dr. Bird, Nu-Beat, Ska-Beat,Hot Lead and Dice. Some of his singles featured B-sides credited to his brother, guitarist Bobby Aitken. Aitken also recorded a few talk-over/deejay tracks under the guise of 'King Horror', such as "Loch Ness Monster", "Dracula, Prince of Darkness", and "The Hole". Aitken settled in Leicester with his wife in 1970. His output slowed in the 1970s and during this period he worked as an entertainer in nightclubs and restaurants in the area including the popular 'Costa Brava Restaurant' in Leicester under his real name Lorenzo. In 1980, with ska enjoying a resurgence in the wake of the 2 Tone movement, Aitken had his only success in the UK Singles Chart with "Rudi Got Married" (#60) released on I-Spy Records (the label created and managed by Secret Affair. Aitken's career took in mento/calypso, R&B, ska, rock steady, and reggae, and in the 1990s he even turned his talents to dancehall. He performed occasional concerts almost until his death from a heart attack in 2005. After a long campaign, a blue plaque in his honour was put up at his Leicester home in 2007. Punk band Rancid cover's Aitken's Everybody Suffering on their 2014 LP Honor Is All We Know
Laurel Aitken (April 22, 1927 - July 17, 2005) became famous as one of the originators of Jamaican ska music in the late 1950s.
Aitken was born as Lorenzo Aitken in Cuba, and is the brother of singer Bobby Aitken. He moved to England in the 1960s, and had a loyal following among Skinheads and other ska fans. He had massive hits in the 1950s through 1970s, while recording for Blue Beat Records, Pama Records and Trojan Records. He recorded one of the earliest ska records, the double A-sided Boogie in My Bones / Little Sheila (1958). It was the first record on producer Chris Blackwell's Island Records label.
Aitken, who is known as "The Godfather of Ska", made his home in Leicester UK and performed live almost until his death. He suffered from a serious illness following a heart attack about a year before he died. He died from a heart attack in Leicester, UK on July 17, 2005.
Boogie In My Bones
Laurel Aitken Lyrics
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Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
Can't you see that baby, you keep me jumping all the time
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
Can't you see that baby, you keep me jumping all the time
Come on baby, let's do the boogie, boogie shuffle
Come on baby, let's do the boogie, boogie shuffle
Can't you see that baby, you keep me jumping all the time
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
Can't you see that baby, you keep me jumping all the time
The lyrics of Laurel Aitken's "Boogie In My Bones" express a feeling of intense happiness and excitement, conveyed through the metaphor of having the "boogie" in one's bones. The boogie, a term used to describe a lively and rhythmic dance, is said to be present within the singer's very being, causing him to feel good all over. The repetition of this phrase throughout the song emphasizes the strength of this feeling and its ability to overpower all else.
The song addresses a lover or dance partner, encouraging them to join in and experience the joy of the boogie shuffle. The lyrics suggest that the singer's partner is responsible for his state of elation, as they keep him "jumping all the time". The upbeat and lively rhythm of the song, along with the repetitive and catchy chorus, creates a sense of urgency and excitement that encourages the listener to join in and dance along.
Overall, "Boogie In My Bones" is an energetic and lighthearted celebration of the joy and excitement of dance, and the powerful ability it has to lift one's mood and bring people together.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
I am feeling ecstatic and full of energy
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
I am feeling ecstatic and full of energy
Can't you see that baby, you keep me jumping all the time
You are the reason that I am so happy and full of life
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
I am feeling ecstatic and full of energy
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
I am feeling ecstatic and full of energy
Can't you see that baby, you keep me jumping all the time
You are the reason that I am so happy and full of life
Come on baby, let's do the boogie, boogie shuffle
Let us dance and have a good time together
Come on baby, let's do the boogie, boogie shuffle
Let us dance and have a good time together
Can't you see that baby, you keep me jumping all the time
You are the reason that I am so happy and full of life
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
I am feeling ecstatic and full of energy
Well I feel so good, I've got the boogie in my bones
I am feeling ecstatic and full of energy
Can't you see that baby, you keep me jumping all the time
You are the reason that I am so happy and full of life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LAUREL AITKEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind