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
Girl
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That girl has got to know
Know that all life's riches cannot be found in vanity
I check for you once little girl
I check for you once little girl
But I never knew the ways you 're showing now little girl
I check for you once litte girl
But not with that manicure face
That girl has got to know
That girl has got to know
Know that all life's riches cannot be found in vanity
So set not your heart little girl
In material things little girl
For material things my love must turn to dust
Set not your heart little girl
In a fools dream little girl
For it is fragile and like a bubble
It will burst little girl
It's them same thing you should ignore them are the same things
You should looking for
And the wanting not helpings
Any more we're not like we used to be before
That girl has got to know
That girl has got to know
Know that all life's riches cannot be found in vanity
Or diamonds or pearls
Or gold or jewellery
All those twinkling ornaments
They shall turn to dust and blow away
The song "Girl" by Aswad talks about the fleeting nature of material possessions and how they cannot bring true happiness and fulfillment. The lyrics urge the girl to recognize that all of life's riches cannot be found in vanity, which is highlighted through the repetition of the line "that girl has got to know." The singer mentions that he used to check for the girl, but didn't know the ways she is showing now, suggesting that she has become more focused on her appearance and material possessions. He then advises her to come in a natural state and not set her heart on material things, as they will ultimately turn to dust.
The repetition of the phrase "that girl has got to know" emphasizes the importance of the message that the singer is conveying. The line "set not your heart little girl in a fools dream" acknowledges that material things can be alluring but ultimately lack substance. The use of the term "manicure face" highlights how women can become preoccupied with their appearance, which can lead to neglecting their true selves. The song stresses the importance of looking beyond material possessions and focusing on the more meaningful things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
That girl has got to know
It is important for the girl to understand
Know that all life's riches cannot be found in vanity
The girl should realize that true riches don't come from material things
I check for you once little girl
I cared about you before
But I never knew the ways you 're showing now little girl
I don't recognize the person you've become
But not with that manicure face
But not with that fake, manufactured appearance
Oh oh girl can't you come in a natural state
Can't you be yourself and natural?
So set not your heart little girl
Don't focus on
In material things little girl
Material possessions
For material things my love must turn to dust
Because material possessions don't last
In a fools dream little girl
In unrealistic and foolish goals
For it is fragile and like a bubble
Because these things are temporary and can easily disappear
It will burst little girl
They will not sustain you forever and will eventually fade away
It's them same thing you should ignore them are the same things
The things you should avoid are the same things
You should looking for
You should be looking for
And the wanting not helpings
Material possessions won't bring true happiness
Any more we're not like we used to be before
Things have changed between us
Or diamonds or pearls
Material possessions like expensive jewelry
Or gold or jewellery
Or other forms of luxury goods
All those twinkling ornaments
All of those shiny, expensive objects
They shall turn to dust and blow away
They will not last forever and will eventually disappear
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANGUS GAYE, BRINSLEY FORDE, DENNIS BIDDY, TONY ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
George lippitt
This bring back great memories when i played my reggae in my bedroom at home. And my poor old dad shouting ( turn the bloody bass down)
Goncalo Menezes
fantastic tune , but not the best version of it . Try to watch the bbc sessions by aswad , man they rock this
Lea
I've got the BBC Sessions CD and it rocks x
Goncalo Menezes
massive massive tune !
satij
Aswad boom band yes I back in 80s....
razteka619
that girls got to know
tvorchay
make sure to add &fmt=18 to the end of the URL to hear in high quality! For some reason, there's no option on the video... But trust me, there's a great difference!
satij
Brindsley.....drummie... Tony......