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
I can see clearly Now
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun shiny day
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun shiny day
Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun shiny day
The song "I Can See Clearly Now" by Aswad is all about hope, positivity, and newfound clarity. The lyrics describe a person who has been going through a tough time, represented by a metaphorical rainstorm. But now they can see clearly, and all of the obstacles that were previously in their way are no longer blocking their path. The dark clouds that obscured their vision have also disappeared, and been replaced by a bright and sunny day. The pain that they were feeling has also dissipated, and all of the negative emotions that once weighed them down are now gone.
The chorus of the song, which repeats twice, emphasizes the bright future that lies ahead for the singer. They feel confident that they can make it through anything, now that they can see everything clearly. The song is ultimately a message of reassurance and hope, reminding listeners that even when things seem bleak, there is always the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I have gained clarity and can now see through obstacles that were previously hindered by difficult circumstances.
I can see all obstacles in my way
My focus is clear and I can now see all of the challenges that confront me.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
Difficult moments have passed and I can see the positive potential of my present and future.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) Sun shiny day
The future looks bright and there are good things to come.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
I have the confidence that I will be able to overcome any difficulties and pain I've been experiencing.
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Negative feelings and emotions are no longer present as a hindrance to my success.
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
My prayers for hope and positivity have been answered.
Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
The world is full of new opportunities and good things waiting to be discovered.
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies
I am confident in my journey forward and the future looks bright and positive.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) Sun shiny day
The future looks bright and there are good things to come.
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright) Sun shiny day
The future looks bright and there are good things to come.
Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mohamed A. Turay
on Old Fire Stick
WICKED TRUTH! JUST FOR YOU!