Biography:
Campbell's singing career began in church, where his father was a preacher, and Al would sing to raise funds. He went to school with Lloyd James (aka Prince Jammy) and formed a vocal group with friends as a teenager, called The Thrillers, who recorded in the late 1960s for Studio One. After briefly joining up with Freddie McGregor and Ernest Wilson, he went on to work with Prince Lincoln Thompson's Royal Rasses, and the Mighty Cloud band. Campbell then embarked on a solo career (also contributing vocals to two Heptones albums), and was a popular roots reggae singer during the 1970s, recording for producers such as Phil Pratt, Bunny Lee, and Joe Gibbs, and recorded at Lee Perry's Black Ark studio. His "Gee Baby" was a big hit in 1975 in both Jamaica and the United Kingdom. He adapted successfully to the early dancehall and lovers rock styles in the late 1970s and 1980s, working with producers such as Linval Thompson. Campbell's recording of "Late Night Blues" (1980) became a staple of blues parties. Campbell performed with the Stur-Gav sound system in the early 1980s. More recently he has recorded for King Jammy, Philip "Fatis" Burrell, and Mafia & Fluxy.
Albums:
Gee Baby (1977) Phil Pratt/Sunshot
Ain't That Loving You (1978) Jamaica Sound (reissued 1994 as Sly & Robbie Presents The Soulful Al Campbell)
Loving Moods of Al Campbell (1978) Ital
Mr. Music Man (1978) Manic
No More Running (1978) Terminal
Showcase (1978) DEB
Rainy Days (1978) Hawkeye
Diamonds (1979) Burning Sounds
More Al Campbell Showcase (197?) Ethnic
Mr. Lovers Rock (1980) Sonic Sounds
Late Night Blues (1980) JB
The Other Side of Love (1981) Greensleeves
Dance Hall Stylee (1982) Narrows Enterprise
Bad Boy (1984) CSA
Freedom Street (1984) Londisc
Forward Natty (1985) Move
Shaggy Raggy (1985) Sampalu
Reggae '85 (1985) Blue Mountain
Fence Too Tall (1987) Live & Love
Bounce Back (1990) Reggae Road
The Soulful Al Campbell (1994) Rhino
Revival Selection (1998) Kickin'
22 Karat Solid Gold (1998) Reggae Road
22 Karat Gold Volume 2 (1998) Reggae Road
Rock On (1998) Charm
Hit Me With Music (1998) Hot Shot
Roots & Culture (1999) Jet Star
Deeper Roots (2001) Reggae Road
Higher Heights (2002) Reggae Road
Love From a Distance (2003) Cousins
Tribute to Clement Coxsone Dodd (2004) Reggae Road
Always In My Heart (200?) Artists Only
Today, Tomorrow, Forever (200?) Reggae Road
24/7 (2006) Reggae Road
Road Block (2007) Exterminator
Rasta Time Lagoon
Talk About Love Sonic Sounds
Take a Ride
Al Campbell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We can do just what you like
I want you seated by my side
Let me take you for a ride
Hey cutie, what's your name?
You're all alone and it's a shame, it's a shame
What's wrong? You look so sad
I got a plan to take your blues away, take them all away
For you to be good to you
So come along with me and ride
'Cause everything's gonna be all right
So let me take you for a ride
We can do just what you like
I want you seated by my side
Let me take you for a ride
So baby, take my hand
You gotta know that I will understand, baby, I'm your man
Just put your trust in me
Relax and don't you try to shy away, girl, let's fly away
Don't you think it's time
For you to be good to you
So come along with me and ride
'Cause everything's gonna be all right
So let me take you for a ride
We can do just what you like
I want you seated by my side
Let me take you for a ride
Where do you wanna go?
What do you wanna see? It's all up to you
Come take a ride with Joe
Be who you wanna be and your dreams'll come true
Let me take you for a ride
We can do just what you like
I want you seated by my side
Let me take you for a ride
Let me take you for a ride
We can do just what you like
I want you seated by my side
Let me take you for a ride
Let me take you for a ride
We can do just what you like
The song "Take a Ride" by Al Campbell is a soulful and funky tune that speaks of riding away from troubles and embracing new experiences. The song begins with the singer offering to take someone for a ride, promising to do whatever they like, and asking them to sit beside him. He then asks the person's name, noticing that they are alone and sad. He offers to take their blues away and insists that it's time for them to take care of themselves. He encourages the person to trust him and just relax, promising that everything will be okay. The song's chorus repeats several times, with the singer inviting the person to ride with him, promising to do whatever they want, and assuring them that everything will be fine.
One possible interpretation of the song is that the singer is offering to take someone away from their problems and show them a good time. He notices that they are alone and sad, and he wants to help them feel better. He urges them to take care of themselves and promises to do whatever they want. The song's message is one of hope and optimism, suggesting that things can get better if you just let someone else help you.
Overall, "Take a Ride" is a fun and uplifting song that celebrates the power of connection and the joy of new experiences. The singer invites the listener to let go of their worries and ride with him, promising to show them a good time and make everything alright.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me take you for a ride
I want to take you on a journey with me
We can do just what you like
We can have fun doing whatever you enjoy
I want you seated by my side
I want to be close to you and share this experience with you
Hey cutie, what's your name?
I'm interested in getting to know you
You're all alone and it's a shame, it's a shame
I feel bad that you're alone and want to make you feel better
What's wrong? You look so sad
I can see that something is bothering you and I want to help
I got a plan to take your blues away, take them all away
I have a plan to cheer you up and make you happy again
Don't you think it's time
For you to be good to you
You deserve to have some fun and enjoy yourself
So come along with me and ride
'Cause everything's gonna be all right
Trust me and come with me, everything will be fine
So baby, take my hand
You gotta know that I will understand, baby, I'm your man
Trust me and let me guide you, I care about you and will be there for you
Just put your trust in me
Relax and don't you try to shy away, girl, let's fly away
Believe in me and let yourself go, let's have an adventure
Where do you wanna go?
What do you wanna see? It's all up to you
Come take a ride with Joe
Be who you wanna be and your dreams'll come true
You have the power to choose where we go and what we do, let's explore together and make your dreams a reality
Let me take you for a ride
We can do just what you like
I want you seated by my side
Let's have some fun together, I want to be close to you
Let me take you for a ride
We can do just what you like
I want you seated by my side
Let me take you for a ride
Let me take you for a ride
We can do just what you like
I really want to take you on this adventure and make you happy
Contributed by Samuel B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@pf6109
Take a ride, my bredren, take a ride,
Take a ride on a prophetic land,
Take a ride, my bredren, take a ride
Try to see what you can be sad
If you can't get with unity ;
Don't never trust mis-unity,
Try to see something that is right
Then you will know-o-o-o-o
Never let the sad things get over you !
Don't allow the deadly thoughts to capture you !
Won't you try to make a different move,
Just to see what you can prove
Then you'll feel the touch of something new,
And behold-o-o-o-yeah
Never let the sad things get over you !
Don't allow the deadly thoughts to capture you !
Won't you try to make a different move,
Just to see what you can prove
Then you'll feel the touch of something new,
And behold-o-o-o-yeah
@reggaeone
this riddim has echoed in my mind since became familiar with reggae music. Crucial Riddim. Classic organ.
@pf6109
Take a ride, my bredren, take a ride,
Take a ride on a prophetic land,
Take a ride, my bredren, take a ride
Try to see what you can be sad
If you can't get with unity ;
Don't never trust mis-unity,
Try to see something that is right
Then you will know-o-o-o-o
Never let the sad things get over you !
Don't allow the deadly thoughts to capture you !
Won't you try to make a different move,
Just to see what you can prove
Then you'll feel the touch of something new,
And behold-o-o-o-yeah
Never let the sad things get over you !
Don't allow the deadly thoughts to capture you !
Won't you try to make a different move,
Just to see what you can prove
Then you'll feel the touch of something new,
And behold-o-o-o-yeah
@djalgoriddim
"Try to see something that is right"
@djalgoriddim
"Don't allow the deadly thoughts to capture you"
@djalgoriddim
"Never let the sad things get over you"
@user-vu6wy1so6o
Awesome - love the version - takes you to the studio!Β Thanks for sharing.
@lucaspereira1723
me acalma e relaxa
@freddysnrwilliams4168
Big tune a play π₯π₯π₯π₯π―
@rickym.v24
This is real to me...Greetings from Brazil to all reggae lovers
@HiddeRoorda
Aaaahhh that is great! I was googling some of the original Riddims from Truths & Rights. Amazing record.