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)
Don't Say
Anthony B Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ma girl seh she gonna leave me alone, cuz she don′t like the shit what's going down
She′s tired of being ma clown, and she ain't gonna do it this time around
I'm always on the road, so I never really spend no time at home
Jump in my ride to roll out my sound
Suddenly I get a call on my phone
"Don′t say what you′re about to say
You got to before you leave my life
Be sure before you close the door
(I gotta go x2) before you go..." (I gotta do my show... I gotta make my dough)
Baby I know it's the time of the year and every lover needs to have their loverneer
But you say I just don′t care or I'm too selfish and all about my career
Wanna be Michael Jordans, niggas only need the riches to prove they′re winners
It's all about their Benz or Bimmaz, they don′t the meaning of being good lovers. Yo!
I'm all about my G's, hustling, now move in peace
Making trip across sea, but this time I fell on my knees when she said:
"Don′t say what you′re about to say
You got to before you leave my life
(But I got to go)
Be sure before you close the door
(I gotta go x2) before you go..." (I gotta do my show... just remember I love you so)
I don't want to lose you or you lose me
But I didn′t choose the game, the game choose me
Remember I love you my cutie
But don't confuse a soldier and his duty
But yuh seh remember I′m a family man
First day we met that was both? of the plan
You are mi wife, I am your husband
So with itch? who's gonna hold your hand, So
"Don′t say what you're about to say
You got to before you leave my life
Be sure before you close the door
Before you go... Don't say"
Ma girl seh she gonna leave me alone, cuz she don′t like the shit what′s going down
She's tired of being ma clown, and she ain′t gonna do it this time around
I'm always on the road, so I never really spend no time at home
Jump in my ride to roll out my sound
Suddenly I get a call on my phone
"Don′t say what you're about to say
You got to before you leave my life
Be sure before you close the door
Before you go... Don′t say"
End
The lyrics to Anthony B's song "Don't Say" depict the struggles and conflicts within a relationship, particularly when one person's career and ambitions take precedence over their commitment to their partner. The song begins with the singer's girlfriend expressing her unhappiness with the current state of affairs and her reluctance to continue being his source of amusement. She is tired of playing the role of a clown and decides that she won't tolerate it anymore.
The singer, who is constantly on the road pursuing his music career, receives a call from his girlfriend while on his way to perform. She pleads with him not to say something that might forever change their relationship and urges him to think carefully before making any decisions. Despite acknowledging the importance of the relationship, the singer finds it challenging to balance his personal and professional life.
The second verse highlights the conflicts that arise when pursuing fame and success. The singer mentions how some people only strive for material wealth and recognition, not understanding the true essence of being a loving partner. He admits that his focus has been on his ambitions and financial gains, which has often caused the neglect of his relationship.
The chorus repeats the plea from the girlfriend, emphasizing that before any decisions are made, it is essential to consider the impact it will have on their relationship. The singer acknowledges his love for his girlfriend and expresses his desire to hold onto the relationship, but also reminds her not to misunderstand his passion for his career as neglecting his duty as a partner and family man.
Overall, "Don't Say" explores the struggles of maintaining a committed relationship while pursuing individual ambitions. It delves into the conflicts that arise from the singer's constant absence, lack of attention, and his girlfriend's feeling of neglect. The song ultimately serves as a plea for understanding and finding a balance between personal aspirations and a shared love.
Line by Line Meaning
Ma girl seh she gonna leave me alone, cuz she don′t like the shit what's going down
My girlfriend tells me she's going to leave me because she doesn't like the negative things happening in our relationship
She′s tired of being ma clown, and she ain't gonna do it this time around
She's exhausted from feeling like a joke in our relationship and she's determined not to tolerate it anymore
I'm always on the road, so I never really spend no time at home
I'm constantly traveling and never have the opportunity to be at home with her
Jump in my ride to roll out my sound
I get in my car to leave and continue pursuing my music career
Suddenly I get a call on my phone
Unexpectedly, my phone rings
"Don′t say what you′re about to say
You got to before you leave my life
(But I got to go)
Be sure before you close the door
(I gotta go x2) before you go..." (I gotta do my show... I gotta make my dough)
She pleads with me not to say something that may result in her leaving, but I remind her that I have commitments and responsibilities, like my show and earning money
Baby I know it's the time of the year and every lover needs to have their loverneer
I understand that this is the time of year when lovers should be together and celebrate their love
But you say I just don′t care or I'm too selfish and all about my career
However, she feels that I don't care about her or our relationship because I prioritize my career above everything else
Wanna be Michael Jordans, niggas only need the riches to prove they′re winners
It's all about their Benz or Bimmaz, they don′t the meaning of being good lovers. Yo!
Some people strive to be successful and crave material possessions like fancy cars, but they fail to understand the importance of being loving partners in a relationship
I'm all about my G's, hustling, now move in peace
Making trip across sea, but this time I fell on my knees when she said:
I'm fully focused on making money, hustling, and traveling, but this time her words hit me hard, leaving me in a vulnerable state
"Don′t say what you′re about to say
You got to before you leave my life
(But I got to go)
Be sure before you close the door
(I gotta go x2) before you go..." (I gotta do my show... just remember I love you so)
She repeats her request for me not to say something that could lead to her leaving, but I remind her that I have to fulfill my commitments while expressing my love for her
I don't want to lose you or you lose me
But I didn′t choose the game, the game choose me
I don't want us to break apart, but it's important to understand that I didn't actively choose this lifestyle, it was the music industry that chose me
Remember I love you my cutie
But don't confuse a soldier and his duty
I want her to remember that I genuinely love her, but she shouldn't mix up a committed person with their responsibilities
But yuh seh remember I'm a family man
First day we met that was both? of the plan
She reminds me that I should prioritize being a responsible family man, as that was an agreed intention when we first met
You are mi wife, I am your husband
So with itch? who's gonna hold your hand, So
We are married and committed to each other, so when I'm not there, who will be there to support and comfort her?
"Don′t say what you're about to say
You got to before you leave my life
Be sure before you close the door
Before you go... Don't say"
She repeats her request for me not to say anything that may lead to her leaving, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration before making any decisions
Ma girl seh she gonna leave me alone, cuz she don′t like the shit what′s going down
She's tired of being ma clown, and she ain′t gonna do it this time around
My girlfriend reiterates that she plans to leave me because she can't tolerate the negative aspects of our relationship anymore. She's tired of feeling like a joke and won't endure it again
I'm always on the road, so I never really spend no time at home
Jump in my ride to roll out my sound
Suddenly I get a call on my phone
Because I'm constantly traveling, I rarely spend time at home. As I start driving to continue pursuing my music career, I receive an unexpected phone call
"Don′t say what you're about to say
You got to before you leave my life
Be sure before you close the door
Before you go... Don′t say"
Once again, she pleads with me not to say something that may result in her leaving, stressing the importance of thoughtful decision-making
Writer(s): Unknown, Charles Von Wayne
Contributed by Maria P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
sky k
12years ago and I’m only hearing this now 😭😭😭🔥🔥🔥
Emma
bro same here thanks to tiktok
Taaroa Tokotini
@Emma haha this is oldaz
geoffrey mutabi
I have been looking for this jam since 2010
Isaac Cangco
Bruhhh✊🏽😭😂💛❤️🔥
Toloicake Alomeci Bola
Nice🤪😍
moonbunnycakes
Celine Dion sample in this, that's cool
murwien fedries
i love this song
Emanon J
What’s the Samoan version to this lmao
LuxMuthaFux
😂 "Mafaufau tasi" i think. But the original is "think twice" Celine Dion