Army (Fritzmaurice Williams) was born and raised on St. Croix, Virgin Islan… Read Full Bio ↴Army (Fritzmaurice Williams) was born and raised on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He began his musical journey at the age of five as a member of the youth choir at the church his family attended. Little did he know that he was laying the foundation for what would become a very promising musical career. Determined to explore a variety of styles, he learned to play the saxophone, became a member of a jazz band and sang in various local bands. After relocating to the New York City, completing his education, and serving in the US Army (which is how he got his name), Army returned home and became deeply involved in the local reggae scene. In the early 70's, Jamaica was bubbling with an incredible amount of untapped musical and vocal talents. That same level of energy, enthusiasm and potential is present today in the Virgin Island of St. Croix. Army is to be counted among the many conscious singers and players of instruments from St. Croix who are worthy of international recognition. The voice of Army first surfaced several years ago on the famously vital (though obscure) compilation Eastbound. Soon after, Army contributed several selections to the Homegrown compilation album. In 2000, Army's first album -Yesterday's News - was released on Glamorous Records, with production provided by Dean Pond. In 2002, Army linked up with Dub Rise Records who released his second album, Struggler, along with a re-release of Yesterday's News. 2003 saw Army releasing the single Calling Jah Army, a powerful duet with Luciano. This year, Army's song, I Don't Know is included on Bambu Station's acclaimed compilation, Talkin' Roots II. With this solid foundation of tunes under his belt, Army embarked on the recording of his highly anticipated third album, Rasta Awake. Largely produced by legendary guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Tuff Lion (of Bambu Station), Rasta Awake is a masterpiece of all-live instrumentation roots reggae. The 13 tracks on the album capture Army at previously unseen creative heights. His poetic songwriting challenges and connects with the listener in a way that few other songwriters are able. Army's voice - while influenced by such artists as Nat King Cole, Dennis Brown and Freddie McGregor - is unique in all of contemporary reggae with its amazing ability to be both deeply soothing and intensely energizing. With a voice as invigorating and free as the wind, and with word sound utterances that penetrate hearts and minds, Army's mission is clear. He is firmly committed to using his music as a weapon in the war for spiritual renewal and justice for all peoples. As Army describes: I want to send positive universal messages to people through my music, without the commercialism we see so much today For me the music is a healing. I feel that the music healed me, took me to places where I could have not necessarily have been without it. I also feel that if someone could walk away with some type of healing, (that) they could be touched in some kind of way, they could associate themselves with some aspect of the music and then say 'wow,' maybe I'll make it after all. If I could shine some light some how, I would know that I have done something. Army continues to do something special for all those with ears to hear this unique and much-needed voice.

Rise Up
Army Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

There's a star in the East on Christmas morn,
Rise up shepherd and follow.
It will lead to the place where the Saviour's born,
Rise up shepherd and follow.
Follow, follow,
Rise up shepherd and follow.
Follow the star of Bethlehem.
Rise up shepherd and follow.

Leave your sheep and leave your lambs
Rise up shepherd and follow.
Leave you ewes and leave your rams.
Rise up shepherd and follow.
Follow, follow,
Rise up shepherd and follow.
Follow the star of Bethlehem.
Rise up shepherd and follow.
If you take good heed to the angel's words.
Rise up shepherd and follow.
You'll forget your flocks; you'll forget your herds.
Rise up shepherd and follow.
Follow, follow,
Rise up shepherd and follow.

Follow the star of Bethlehem.
Rise up shepherd and follow.

Overall Meaning

"Rise up" by Army is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the story of the shepherds who followed the star to find the birthplace of Jesus, the Saviour. The song is a call to action for the shepherds to leave their flocks and follow the star of Bethlehem.

The lyrics begin by describing the star in the East on Christmas morning, symbolizing the birth of Jesus. The shepherds are then urged to rise up and follow the star, as it will lead them to the place where the Saviour is born. The repetition of the phrase "Rise up shepherd and follow" emphasizes the urgency and importance of the message.

The second verse continues to reinforce the message, urging the shepherds to leave their sheep, lambs, ewes, and rams behind. The focus here is on the idea that following the star and finding Jesus is more important than any worldly possessions or responsibilities.

The final verse introduces the angel's words, suggesting that if the shepherds pay attention and follow the angel's guidance, they will forget about their flocks and herds. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for letting go of worldly attachments and embracing the spiritual significance of Jesus' birth.

Overall, "Rise up" conveys a powerful message of devotion, sacrifice, and the transformative power of faith. It encourages listeners to let go of earthly concerns and follow the guiding light of Christ.

Line by Line Meaning

There's a star in the East on Christmas morn
In the early morning of Christmas, a bright star shines in the eastern sky.

Rise up shepherd and follow
Shepherds, awaken and pursue the guiding light.

It will lead to the place where the Saviour's born
This star will lead you to the birthplace of the Savior.

Follow, follow
Continue to follow the star's path.

Rise up shepherd and follow
Shepherds, rise and diligently pursue the star's guidance.

Follow the star of Bethlehem
Direct your course by following the radiant star of Bethlehem.

Leave your sheep and leave your lambs
Shepherds, abandon your duties of tending to and protecting your sheep and lambs.

Rise up shepherd and follow
Awaken and follow the star's guidance, shepherds.

Leave your ewes and leave your rams
Shepherds, forsake caring for your female and male sheep.

If you take good heed to the angel's words
By paying close attention to the angel's message.

Rise up shepherd and follow
Shepherds, rise and obediently pursue the star's guidance.