Having left Coxsone the Ethiopians started recording at Dynamic Studios for the W.I.R.L. label releasing one of the all-time ska classics, the exhuberant 'Train to Skaville', which was their first success. In 1968 they recorded the song Everything Crash, their first big hit and a cry of criticism on the political situation in Jamaica at the time (water rationing and power cuts had been introduced leading to unrest, 31 people were shot by the police). Everything Crash was later covered by Prince Buster. 'The Whip' is another of their enduring songs from that period.
In 1969 they released the album Reggae Power and in 1970 the album Woman a Capture Man. In the period '70 - '75 the Ethiopians switched from producer to producer releasing several great songs like, no baptism, pirate and good ambition. In 1975 Stephen Taylor died in a car crash, Leonard Dillon continued to tour as the Ethiopian. In 1991 he recorded the album "On The Road Again".
There is also another band under the name as "ETHIOPIANS." They are a lo-fi band with a mix of garage rock and surf creating a unique atmospheric sound. Members of ETHIOPIANS are Marty Brass and Paul Ryan.
Train to Skaville
The Ethiopians Lyrics
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Train to Skaville
Chicke chicke chicke
Beep beep train to Skaville
Pick your seat
Everyone on board
Chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke
Psh
Beep beep
Free man free
Free as a bird in a tree
Beep beep
The Ethiopians' Train to Skaville is a catchy reggae tune that is layered with subtle commentary on the African experience. The lyrics declare freedom, possibly in reference to the end of colonisation in many African countries at the time the song was released in the 1960s. The opening lines "Train to Skaville, Chicke chicke chicke, Beep beep" evoke the hustle and bustle of a train station, creating an image of people hurrying and bustling to board the train. The repetition of "Chicke chicke chicke," drives home a sense of urgency, while the "Beep beep" sound is reminiscent of the train's whistle. Later lyrics "Everyone on board, Chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke, Psh, Beep beep" convey a sense of togetherness and unity of purpose among the people on the train.
The song's use of the phrase "Free man free" and its comparison to "free as a bird in a tree" is a nod to the relative freedom that Africans obtained after being liberated from colonial rule, albeit with a new set of challenges to face. The train ride can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey towards freedom, whether it be from slavery, oppression, or colonial rule. Overall, Train to Skaville is a testament to the resilience of the African spirit in the face of adversity, as the people on the train band together in pursuit of a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
Train to Skaville
We are about to embark on a journey to Skaville
Chicke chicke chicke
The train is starting its engine and getting ready to leave
Beep beep train to Skaville
The train is announcing its departure to Skaville
Pick your seat
Passengers must choose a place to sit before the train leaves
Everyone on board
All passengers are welcome to come aboard the train to Skaville
Chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke
The train is chugging along on its tracks
Psh
The train is speeding up
Beep beep
The train is announcing its presence on the tracks
Free man free
People on the train are expressing their freedom to travel and do as they please
Free as a bird in a tree
The passengers feel unrestrained and uninhibited on their way to Skaville
Beep beep
The train continues to announce its movement and presence
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: LEONARD WINSTON DILLON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind