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
Judgement Day
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Step away, step away from here)
Sadness and sorrows everywhere, oh yeah
Down here in Babylon, the youths will only suffer
I and I know it's only a matter of time
Constant police brutality
Brutatlity is an everyday reality
Down here in Babylon
I and I know Jah is on I and I side
What you gonna do when the Judgement day comes?
Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?
What you gonna do when the Judgement day comes?
Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?
(.)
They're trying to see I and I cut down
(I and I nah go down)
Trying to push I on the ground
Jah He is wonderful
He will nah let his sheep be slaughtered
Love Jah, thy brethren and thyself
And Jah will see you through
What you gonna do when the Judgement day comes?
Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?
What you gonna do when the Judgement day comes?
Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?
What you gonna do when the Judgement day comes?
Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?
What you gonna do when the Judgement day comes?
Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?
Whoa-oh, oh. what you gonna do?
What you gonna do, wicked men?
What you gonna do, wicked men?
Gonna do, gonna do, gonna do, gonna do, gonna do
Gonna do, gonna do, gonna do, gonna do
Gonna do, gonna do, gonna do, gonna do.
Oh whoa-oh, what you gonna do?
What you gonna do, wicked men?
What you gonna do, wicked men
The lyrics to Aswad's song "Judgement Day" convey themes of struggle, violence, and social oppression, and suggest that moments of reckoning are imminent. Throughout the song, the band underscores the gravity of the reality that the people of Babylon face, highlighting the scars of abuse and the pervasive nature of police brutality. The sentiment of sadness and sorrow permeates in the lyrics, "Sadness and sorrows everywhere, oh yeah". The chorus questions our preparedness to face judgement day, questioning the listeners on where they will run and where they will hide.
The phrase "Down here in Babylon" serves as a metaphor for the struggles and suffering of everyday life, forcing listeners to confront the innumerable afflictions they face. However, the lyrics also suggest that there is a spiritual way out, that despite the obstacles we face, faith and love will prevail. The song’s repeated phrases, "Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?" is perhaps intended to evoke a sense of urgency, imploring the listeners to confront the oppressors and face judgement day head on.
Line by Line Meaning
We've got to step away from here
We must move away from this place
(Step away, step away from here)
Repeat of the above line
Sadness and sorrows everywhere, oh yeah
This place is full of sadness and pain
Down here in Babylon, the youths will only suffer
This place is like Babylon, where young people only experience suffering
I and I know it's only a matter of time
I am aware that there is a limited time before things get worse
Constant police brutality
The police are always brutal
Brutality is an everyday reality
The reality of everyday life is brutal
Down here in Babylon
repetition of the earlier line, describing the area as Babylon
We can't walk on the streets in peace oh no
We cannot walk the streets without fear
I and I know Jah is on I and I side
I believe that Jah is on my side
What you gonna do when the Judgement day comes?
What will you do when Judgement Day arrives?
Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?
When Judgement Day arrives, where will you hide?
They're trying to see I and I cut down
They want to see me defeated
(I and I nah go down)
Repeat of the previous line, indicating that the singer will not be defeated
Trying to push I on the ground
They are attempting to bring me down
Jah He is wonderful
Jah is amazing
He will nah let his sheep be slaughtered
Jah will not allow his followers to be killed
Love Jah, thy brethren and thyself
Love Jah, love your neighbors, and love yourself
And Jah will see you through
Jah will help you during difficult times
What you gonna do when the Judgement day comes?
What will you do when Judgement Day arrives?
Where you gonna run, where you gonna hide?
When Judgement Day arrives, where will you hide?
Whoa-oh, oh. what you gonna do?
Repeating the question of what they will do when Judgement Day arrives
What you gonna do, wicked men?
Asking what the wicked will do when Judgement Day arrives
Gonna do, gonna do, gonna do, gonna do, gonna do
Repeating 'gonna do' multiple times for emphasis
Oh whoa-oh, what you gonna do?
Repeating the question once more
What you gonna do, wicked men?
Repeating the question for the wicked men
Writer(s): SAMMY HAGAR, ALEX VAN HALEN, MICHAEL ANTHONY, EDWARD VAN HALEN
Contributed by Jeremiah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mohamed A. Turay
on Old Fire Stick
WICKED TRUTH! JUST FOR YOU!