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
Not Guilty
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For getting in your way
While you're trying to steal the day
Not guilty
And I'm not here for the rest
I'm not trying to steal your vest.
I am not trying to be smart
I'm really sorry for your aging head
But like you heard me said
Not guilty.
Not guilty
For being on your street
Getting underneath your feet
Not guilty
No use handing me a writ
While I'm trying to do my bit.
I don't expect to take your heart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that you're underfed
But like you heard me said
Not guilty.
Not guilty
For looking like a freak
Making friends with every Sikh
Not guilty
For leading you astray
On the road to Mandalay.
I won't upset the apple cart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that you've been misled
But like you heard me said
Not guilty
The song "Not Guilty" by Aswad is a song about not feeling responsible for other people's problems or issues. The lyrics suggest that the singer is not trying to get in anyone's way, steal anything, or cause any harm. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "not guilty" as if to emphasize that the singer is not responsible for the things that others may blame him for.
The first verse suggests that the singer is not trying to steal anyone's thunder or prevent anyone from achieving their goals. The second verse suggests that the singer is not trying to cause any trouble or be a nuisance to anyone. The third verse suggests that the singer is not trying to conform to societal norms or expectations, and is therefore not guilty of any wrongdoing.
Overall, the song is a statement of innocence, with the singer insisting that he is not responsible for any of the problems or issues that others may accuse him of causing. The song has a light, upbeat tone, with a reggae beat and catchy melody.
Line by Line Meaning
Not guilty
I am not responsible for the things you accuse me of
For getting in your way
I'm sorry if I'm in your path, but it's not intentional
While you're trying to steal the day
I'm not trying to ruin your plans or take your opportunities
And I'm not here for the rest
I'm not involved in whatever else is going on
I'm not trying to steal your vest
I don't want to take anything from you
For being on your street
I'm not trespassing or causing trouble by being here
Getting underneath your feet
I'm sorry if I'm in your way, but it's not intentional
No use handing me a writ
Don't bother trying to sue me for something I haven't done
While I'm trying to do my bit
I'm just trying to get done whatever I need to do
For looking like a freak
I may not look like you, but that doesn't mean I'm doing anything wrong
Making friends with every Sikh
I'm not discriminating against anyone and not excluding anyone from my friendship
For leading you astray
I'm not trying to misguide anyone or manipulate anything for my own pleasure
On the road to Mandalay
I have enough on my plate already without adding more drama
I won't upset the apple cart
I'm not going to do anything that could upset things or ruin any progress
I only want what I can get
I'm not looking for anything extravagant, just enough for me to get by
I'm really sorry that you've been misled
I'm sorry if you've got the wrong idea about me, but I'm not doing anything wrong
But like you heard me said
I've told you before, and I'm telling you again
Not guilty
I am not responsible for the things you accuse me of
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: GEORGE HARRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gliddofglood
I have spun this vinyl so many time since the early 80s. It never loses its magic or power. One of the very best reggae albums ever. Got to love that massively trebly drum sound with huge reverb!
@angstgoose
Me too : ) Just love the drum solo in the medley and how it smoothly it all flows one into another
@angstgoose
Haha wrong tune but you know what I mean
@angstgoose
https://youtu.be/hvAL8FLV5Sk
@elywananda
When I first heard the album, the tinny drums annoyed me. But after a while it kinda just works!
@diegorafaelsanchez
rest in POWER the great Drummie Zeb. you will be missed. what great percussion, vocals and song writing! we are in eternal gratitude
@malwright5240
I was in Meanwhile Gardens for this concert. An exciting, beautiful, memorable evening.
@dirkpackwood6409
One of the best live albums ever
@stevieG.
Aswad's finest hour - without exception
@mirfieldcrew
R.I.P. DRUMMIE ZEB, ASWAD CAN'T NOW CONTINUE