Ellis started his career in 1959 as part of the duo Alton & Eddie with Eddie Perkins. Ellis and Perkins recorded for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One before Perkins moved to the United States. Duke Reid took Ellis to his Treasure Isle label in 1962. By the mid 1960s, ska was moving on and the beat was slowing down and becoming associated with the rude boy subculture in Jamaican dancehalls. Recording with a backing trio, The Flames (consisting of his brother Leslie Ellis, David "Baby G" Gordon and a musician called Ronnie), Ellis scored big with the hits "Girl I've Got a Date", "Cry Tough" and "Rock Steady", which lent its name to the newer genre. As rocksteady dominated the Jamaican airwaves for the next two years, Ellis continued to score hits for Treasure Isle, working with artists such as Lloyd Charmers, Phyllis Dillon and The Heptones.
Ellis has lived in England since the 1970s, and is still active on the reggae scene. In December 2007, he was admitted to hospital in London for treatment of cancer of the lymph glands.
He is the elder brother of the late Hortense Ellis, and the father of Noel Ellis and Christopher Ellis, who are reggae singers.
How Can I
Alton Ellis & The Flames Lyrics
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How Can I
Yo
Whoa
Aye
How Can I
How Can I
Be real all the time aye
How can I
How can I
How can I
Why would I lie
How can I
How can I
How can I
Waste all my time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Be real all the time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Put trust in a dime na na na
How can I
How can I
How can I
Why would I lie
How can I
How can I
How can I
Waste all my time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Be real all the time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Put trust in a dime
How was I blind for so long aye
Why was I down for so long aye
The hate in the air and it's strong
Had to pay attention fuck if we close
Cause when I broke niggas got ghost
As soon as I rose hands out
But better I know
More clever keep my enemies close
United we stand but that drac knock you off
Play yo position if you aint a boss
Truth be told you aint the realist I know
You niggas be hoes aye
Never will I let you trick me out the streets
You hoes be plotting yo whole team weak
Sucking a fucking for a new pair of shoes aye
But they aint Christian Loubs aye
I know how to move aye
How can I
How can I
How can I
Why would I lie
How can I
How can I
How can I
Waste all my time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Be real all the time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Put trust in a dime
How can I
How can I
How can I
Why would I lie
How can I
How can I
How can I
Waste all my time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Be real all the time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Put trust in a dime
How can I trust you like this
Showin' my love and this what I get
Showin' my heart my pain and my scars
All of the time before all of the fraud
We was trappin' breakin' into them cars
Adolescent chances gettin' it yea
Fuck it
I need that cash in advance
I need that cash for my Benz
Don't slip cause I drip when I'm in
All in my feelings cause my niggas switchin'
I know when you lying' it's my intuition
We both gettin' money so stick to the mission
M.O.B
Money over these bitches
Real everyday I ain't neva' eva' switching
I could get it hot I stay in the kitchen
Bet next summer Ima slide in that Fisker
How can I lie
How can I
How can I
How can I
Why would I lie
How can I
How can I
How can I
Waste all my time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Be real all the time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Put trust in a dime
How can I
How can I
How can I
Why would I lie
How can I
How can I
How can I
Waste all my time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Be real all the time
How can I
How can I
How can I
Put trust in a dime
The lyrics of "How Can I" by Alton Ellis & The Flames touch upon themes of honesty, integrity, and trust in relationships. The repetition of "How can I" throughout the song emphasizes the internal struggle of the singer as they navigate through situations that test their authenticity and loyalty. The lyrics express a desire to be real and genuine, questioning why one would choose to lie or waste time. These questions highlight a sense of self-reflection and a commitment to staying true to oneself amidst external pressures.
The verses delve into deeper complexities of trust and betrayal. The lines "How was I blind for so long" and "Why was I down for so long" suggest a realization of past mistakes and questioning one's previous naivety. The singer acknowledges instances of deceit and disloyalty, recognizing the hate and negativity that can cloud relationships. There is a sense of caution and introspection as the singer learns from past experiences and aims to protect themselves from further harm.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of resilience and self-preservation. The lines referencing broken trust and deception in personal relationships convey a sense of disillusionment and a need to guard one's heart. The singer expresses a determination to not be manipulated or taken advantage of, recognizing the importance of discernment and vigilance in dealing with others who may not have their best interests at heart.
The final verses bring a sense of empowerment and determination to the song. The singer asserts their independence and self-worth, refusing to be swayed by external influences or materialistic temptations. The lyrics speak to a sense of self-assurance and a commitment to personal growth and success. Overall, "How Can I" encapsulates a journey of introspection, resilience, and empowerment as the singer navigates the complexities of relationships and personal integrity.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Jasarius Allen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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