Blair grew up in rural Clarks Town in the northwestern parish of Trelawny. His deeply religious family life (his mother was a Seventh-day Adventist and his grandmother a Revivalist) imbued him with a profound spirituality. During his youth, his favorite singers were reggae legends Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, musicians who strongly influenced his own style. Peter Tosh's influence can definitely be heard in Anthony B's vocal delivery and revolutionary stance.
Anthony B adopted Rastafarian beliefs as a teenager, a decision which was not well-received by his family. The stubborn and determined Anthony B refused to give up his new religion and his dreadlocks and moved to the home of his aunt and uncle in the Kingston suburb, Portmore.
While attending high school, Anthony B debuted as a deejay for the local sound system, Shaggy Hi-Power. In 1988, he befriended reggae artists such as Determine, Mega Banton, Ricky General and Terror Fabulous.
At this point in the reggae industry, singing "slack" songs about women was the popular thing to do. Anthony B did not believe in degrading women and chose to pen politically-slanted songs rather than so-called "gyal chunes." He hooked up with Little Devon the Half Pint sound-a-like singer he made his debut single "The Living is Hard" on the Wizard label in 1993. Anthony B tried many different producers but found that none of them fit his style of music. Finally, Anthony B teamed up with Richard "Bello" Bell, creating hits such as Fire Pon Rome, Raid Di Barn, Rumour, and Repentance Time. Anthony B's 1996 debut album Real Revolutionary was highly acclaimed in the reggae community. In late 1997, Anthony B released Universal Struggle which showed that Anthony B had a consistent, high-calibre talent. Anthony B has released a large number of albums since that time including 1999's Seven Seals and 2004's Untouchable which featured collaborations with artists including Wyclef Jean.
Anthony B tours extensively in Europe and North America and is known for his fiery, high-energy performances.
Anthony B is a member of the Bobo Ashanti branch of the Rastafarian movement. "Bobo Dreads", as they are known, are recognizable by their long robes and turbans. The strong Afrocentric pride and the other Rastafarian beliefs (or "overstandings" as Rastafarians prefer to call them) which Anthony B holds are reflected in his songs.
Discography
* Predator & Prey (1996, Alpha Enterprises)
* Real Revolutionary / So Many Things (1996, Greensleeves)
* Universal Struggle (1997, VP Records)
* Seven Seals (1999, VP Records)
* That's Life (2001, VP Records)
* More Love (2001, AO ! Records)
* Live On The Battlefield (2002, Jahmin' Records)
* Reggae Max (2002, Jet Star)
* Street Knowledge (2003, Nocturne)
* Judgment Time (2003, 2B1 Records)
* Smoke Free (2003, Bogalusa Records)
* Voice Of Jamaica vol. 2 (2003, Nocturne)
* Wise Man Chant (2004, Black Scorpio)
* Justice Fight (2004, Nocturne)
* Untouchable (2004, Togetherness Records)
* Power Of Creation (2004, Nocturne)
* Black Star (2005, Greensleeves)
* My Hope (2005, AL.TA.FA.AN. / Minor 7 Flat 5)
Chant
Anthony B Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seh everything a go go right despite these dreadful times
Chant we ah chant again a million times
Good ova evil shall come quick overnight
I keep a smile on my face
cl when the rain touch my roof
Cause I live by book Cause I lay by the truth
From my born
From me a youth
Me just suffer for people
cnd I preaching 3 words
Good over evil
Nah tired out me self
Chanting the message
Carrying it across
Between barriers and edges
Unify Jah Jah people
With no limitations
The tuffer we get
The more they can't brake us
Nature no perfect
Me a no perfect
God maybe perfect
God a me medicine
God a me Zyrtec
He's like my medication
While I'm hurting
Cause the pain of the world affect me meditation
clborosie Mellow Mood
c play in every station
I and I ah chant with tears in I eyes
Chant we ah chant again a million times
Good ova evil shall come quick overnight
cnd that's why we say
Cry mama cry for we
Cry papa cry for we
Singing it loud like a symphony
Fed up of di world leaders dem weh lie to we
Yuh nuh see ah war dem ah spend pon
Dem got no love fi di human race
That's why we ask dis question
Weh dem ago say when dem see di Most High face
We nuh waan no more shedding of blood
That's why we ah say to spread love spread love
No more hate and grudge
That's why we ah say fi spread love spread love
cnd sing some songs of redemption
No matta di hour and di time and place
Time fi change di vibration
cnd put a smile pon di people dem face
Suh wah
In the lyrics of Anthony B's song "Chant," there is a profound sense of resilience and hope that permeates the themes of struggle and determination in the face of adversity. The recurring line “I and I ah chant with tears in I eyes” signifies a deep emotional connection to the human condition, highlighting how suffering and sorrow coexist with an unyielding commitment to positivity and change. The artist acknowledges that despite the "dreadful times," there is still a belief in the ultimate triumph of goodness over evil. This duality reflects an understanding that while challenges are present, the power of collective chanting—or communal hope—stands as a critical act of defiance against despair. The insistence that "Good ova evil shall come quick overnight" embodies a faith in the potential for rapid transformation, suggesting that the tide can turn when people come together with a unified will for good.
The next stanzas shed light on Anthony B’s personal philosophy of resilience, depicted through his insistence on maintaining a smile even in difficult circumstances. “Cause I live by book / Cause I lay by the truth” implies a steadfast commitment to moral integrity and adherence to universal principles that govern good behavior. The idea that he has suffered for others and is dedicated to preaching the mantra of “Good over evil” speaks to the selflessness inherent in his mission. He recognizes both his imperfections and the imperfections of the world—"Nature no perfect, Me a no perfect”—but he also believes in a higher power, referring to God as “me medicine,” providing him comfort and guidance amid his struggles. This intertwining of personal suffering with a higher purpose reinforces the notion that through love and faith in a greater purpose, individuals can emerge stronger and more united.
The repeated call for social change – “Cry mama cry for we / Cry papa cry for we” – illustrates a collective plea for justice and compassion, resonating with those who feel the burden of societal inequality and injustice. By addressing the disillusionment with world leaders, he critiques systemic issues that perpetuate suffering and conflict. This line brings forth a sense of urgency, as the artist expresses frustration with political figures who prioritize warfare over humanitarian needs. The series of rhetorical questions and the contemplation of what leaders will say when confronted by a higher power recalls a call to accountability and a challenge to societal norms where greed and disregard for human life prevail. His message here resonates with a desire for transparency and genuine care for the “human race,” suggesting that true leadership should focus on fostering community and love rather than division and animosity.
In the concluding verses, Anthony B channels a vision of redemption and healing, urging humanity to "spread love" as a counter-response to hatred and grudges. His call to action is potent and aligns with the broader theme of transforming negative energies into uplifting vibrations. The emphasis on singing songs of redemption signifies a collective catharsis and a way to elevate societal consciousness—illustrating music’s role as a powerful tool for unification and healing. By stating “Time fi change di vibration,” he advocates for a paradigm shift towards positivity, determination, and community solidarity that recognizes the plight of those suffering while simultaneously pushing for a brighter, more loving future. In this vision, there is not only hope but also a responsibility to foster joy and resilience within society, ultimately striving for a world where peace and love prevail over conflict and despair.
Line by Line Meaning
I and I ah chant with tears in I eyes
With deep emotion, I express my heartfelt beliefs, sharing both joy and sorrow.
Seh everything a go go right despite these dreadful times
Affirming that positive outcomes will emerge even in the face of adversity.
Chant we ah chant again a million times
Reiterating our powerful message tirelessly, without cease.
Good ova evil shall come quick overnight
The triumph of righteousness over malevolence is imminent and transformative.
I keep a smile on my face
I maintain a positive demeanor regardless of circumstances.
cl when the rain touch my roof
Even during difficult moments, I find resilience.
Cause I live by book
My life is guided by principles and wisdom.
Cause I lay by the truth
I choose to build my existence upon honesty and integrity.
From my born
Since the moment of my birth, my journey has been shaped.
From me a youth
From my childhood, my experiences have been influential.
Me just suffer for people
I empathize with the struggles of others, feeling their pain as my own.
cnd I preaching 3 words
I passionately advocate for a fundamental message.
Good over evil
The core belief in the supremacy of goodness.
Nah tired out me self
I refuse to exhaust my spirit despite the challenges.
Chanting the message
I continuously vocalize this important truth.
Carrying it across
I spread this message beyond barriers.
Between barriers and edges
Navigating the divisions that separate us.
Unify Jah Jah people
Bringing together all of God’s children in harmony.
With no limitations
Emphasizing inclusivity and breaking all social restrictions.
The tuffer we get
The stronger and more resilient we become.
The more they can't brake us
Our unity makes us invulnerable to external pressures.
Nature no perfect
Acknowledging the flaws inherent in the world and life itself.
Me a no perfect
Recognizing my own imperfections and humanity.
God maybe perfect
God embodies absolute perfection and goodness.
God a me medicine
Divine presence serves as my source of healing.
God a me Zyrtec
God provides me with relief from life's hardships, much like medication.
He's like my medication
My spiritual beliefs soothe my struggles and pains.
While I'm hurting
In my times of suffering, I turn to this source of comfort.
Cause the pain of the world affect me meditation
The suffering I see in the world deeply impacts my peace of mind.
clborosie Mellow Mood
The soothing music of my culture provides solace and relaxation.
c play in every station
These uplifting sounds resonate everywhere, reaching many hearts.
I and I ah chant with tears in I eyes
Once more, I express my heartfelt convictions, moving between sadness and hope.
Seh everything a go go right despite these dreadful times
Reiterating the belief that optimism and justice will prevail even in trials.
Chant we ah chant again a million times
Our commitment to this message is unwavering, consistently reinforced.
Good ova evil shall come quick overnight
The inevitable victory of right over wrong is approaching swiftly.
cnd that's why we say
This is the rationale behind our collective cry for change.
Cry mama cry for we
We call upon our mothers to share in our tribulations.
Cry papa cry for we
Inviting our fathers to express solidarity in our pain.
Singing it loud like a symphony
Our voices rise together in harmony, echoing a strong message.
Fed up of di world leaders dem weh lie to we
We are tired of the deceit perpetuated by those in power.
Yuh nuh see ah war dem ah spend pon
Can you not see the resources squandered on conflict?
Dem got no love fi di human race
Those in authority show indifference to the suffering humanity faces.
That's why we ask dis question
This situation leads us to seek understanding and answers.
Weh dem ago say when dem see di Most High face
What defense will they offer when faced with divine judgment?
We nuh waan no more shedding of blood
We desire an end to violence and suffering.
That's why we ah say to spread love spread love
We advocate for love to be our guiding principle.
No more hate and grudge
We reject animosity and resentment in favor of harmony.
That's why we ah say fi spread love spread love
Reiterating the importance of fostering compassion and kindness.
cnd sing some songs of redemption
Let us celebrate the themes of forgiveness and healing in our music.
No matta di hour and di time and place
Regardless of circumstances, this message remains crucial.
Time fi change di vibration
It's time to elevate our collective energy and consciousness.
cnd put a smile pon di people dem face
Our goal is to bring joy and positivity to everyone.
Suh wah
So what now? These are the reflections and intentions we hold.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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