Aswad ("Black" in Arabic) are a long-lasting British reggae group, noted fo… Read Full Bio ↴Aswad ("Black" in Arabic) are a long-lasting British reggae group, noted for adding strong R&B, soul, and soca influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the early 1970s, and have released a total of twenty-one albums.

As naturalised children of immigrants from the Caribbean, part of the aftermath of World War II, the children were moved to London. They attended a local high school near Ladbroke Grove, and various junior schools as Tan Tan children of immigrants from the Caribbean around West London in 1975. Vocalist Brinsley Forde had a brief career on television on the British children's television series "Here Come the Double Deckers" in 1970-71.

The original members of Aswad were Brinsley Forde, George Oban, Drummie Zeb, and Donald Griffiths. Courtney Hemmings was a frequent contributor in the 1970s, including as part of the backing band on Burning Spear's 1979 Live album, recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London.

They became one the U.K.'s top reggae bands with songs, typical of the time, about the oppression of black youth, such as "Three Babylon" and "It's Not Our Wish", and the powerful jazz-influenced instrumental "Warrior Charge".

The band gained a wider audience with the New Chapter album (1981). "Fire", the opening track gained wide recognition when it was used as the backing rhythm for Dennis Brown's "Promised Land."

Among Aswad's catalogue of hits is "Don't Turn Around", a pop hit in 1988. This track was originally a B-side to Tina Turner's hit "Typical Male", which was later covered by Ace of Base; and a reggae flavoured rendition of "Best of My Love", first popularised and written by The Eagles. Their next hit, Shine, was released in 1994. Another track was the upbeat 1998 remake of The Police's "Invisible Sun", performed with Sting.

The band also hold the distinction of having played with each one of the ex-Wailers.

Band members

* Martin Augustine aka "Tatta" - Lead guitar
* Brinsley Forde aka "Dan" (born 16 October 1952, Guyana) - Vocals, Rhythm guitar
* Drummie Zeb aka Angus Gaye (born 1959, London, United Kingdom) - Vocals, Drums
* Donald Griffiths (born 1954, Jamaica)
* Jimmy Haynes aka "Senyah" - Lead guitar, Acoustic guitar
* Clifton Morrison aka "Bigga" - Vocals, Keyboards, Melodica
* George Oban - Left in 1980 - Bass guitar
* Tony Gad - real name Dennis Anthony Robinson, born 11 November 1957, London. Joined in 1980 - Vocals, Bass guitar

Discography

* 1976: Aswad - Mango Records
* 1978: Hulet - Mango Records
* 1981: New Chapter - Columbia Records
* 1981: Showcase - Mango Records
* 1982: A New Chapter of Dub - Mango Records
* 1982: Not Satisfied - Columbia Records
* 1983: Live and Direct - Mango Records
* 1984: Rebel Souls - Mango Records
* 1986: To the Top - Simba
* 1988: Jah Shaka Meets Aswad in Addis Ababa Studio - Jah Shaka
* 1988: Distant Thunder - Mango Records
* 1988: Renaissance - 20 Crucial Tracks - Stylus
* 1989: Aswad: Crucial Tracks
* 1990: Next to You - Alex
* 1990: Too Wicked - Mango Records
* 1993: Firesticks - Alex
* 1994: Rise and Shine - Rhino Entertainment
* 1995: Rise and Shine Again! - Mesa
* 1995: Dub: The Next Frontier - Mesa
* 1997: Big Up - Atlantic Records
* 1999: Roots Revival - Ark 21
* 2002: Cool Summer Reggae

No No No
Aswad Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Feelin' better
Now that we're through.
Feelin' better, 'cause I'm over you.
I learned my lesson. It left a scar.
But, now I see how you really are.

[Chorus]
You're no good, you're no good, you're no good

Baby, you're no good.
I'm gonna say it again.
You're no good, you're no good, you're no good
Baby, you're no good.

I broke a heart that was gentle and true.
Well, I broke a heart over someone like you.
I'll beg his forgiveness on bended knee.
But I wouldn't blame him if he said to me,

[Chorus]

I'm tellin' you, now baby and I'm going my way.
Forget about you baby, 'cause I'm leavin' to stay.

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song No No No by Aswad revolve around the theme of moving on and overcoming heartbreak. The opening lines, "Feelin' better, now that we're through. Feelin' better, 'cause I'm over you" indicate that the singer has ended a toxic relationship that has caused them pain and heartache. Despite the pain, the singer has learned a lesson that has left them scarred but wiser.

In the chorus, the singer addresses their former partner, calling them "no good" repeatedly. This repetition emphasizes the singer's anger and resentment towards their partner. The line "I broke a heart that was gentle and true. Well, I broke a heart over someone like you" reveals that the singer is aware of their own mistakes in the relationship, but also acknowledges that their partner was not a good person to be with. The final lines, "Forget about you baby, 'cause I'm leavin' to stay," indicate the singer's determination to move on and start a new life without their former partner.

Overall, the lyrics of No No No convey a sense of strength and resilience in the face of heartbreak. The singer has experienced pain, but they have learned from their experiences and are ready to move forward with their life.

Line by Line Meaning

Feelin' better
I am better now

Now that we're through.
Now that we have ended our relationship

Feelin' better, 'cause I'm over you.
I am happy now that I have moved on from you

I learned my lesson. It left a scar.
I learned from our past relationship and it hurt me

But, now I see how you really are.
I understand your true nature now

[Chorus]
Refrain

You're no good, you're no good, you're no good
You are a terrible person

Baby, you're no good.
You are an awful partner

I'm gonna say it again.
I will reiterate:

You're no good, you're no good, you're no good
You are a terrible person

Baby, you're no good.
You are an awful partner

I broke a heart that was gentle and true.
I broke the heart of a kind person

Well, I broke a heart over someone like you.
I ended a relationship because of you

I'll beg his forgiveness on bended knee.
I will apologize and ask for forgiveness humbly

But I wouldn't blame him if he said to me,
I would not be surprised if he rejected my apology

[Chorus]
Refrain

I'm tellin' you, now baby and I'm going my way.
I am leaving and moving on with my life

Forget about you baby, 'cause I'm leavin' to stay.
I will forget about you and never come back

[Chorus]
Refrain

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LOUISE BASILIEN, KATTY BESNARD, MARINE NEUILLY, JAKE SINCLAIR, ANOUSHKA VANDEVYVERE, BUTCH WALKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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