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
Reality
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes life impossible can't seem to get nothing done
Every move you make something always in your way now
You try a little harder they'll be a brand new day
I see my brothers crying and no one helps them Lord
And just as it was written father now against son
He's turned out on the street now his dreadlocks start growing
You've got to stand up now and face reality
You've got to stand up now and face reality
Sometimes life so hard but don't give up you can win
Sometimes life impossible can't seem to get nothing done
Every move you make something blocking your way now
Try a little harder they'll be a brand new day
I see my sisters crying no one helps her Lord
It's just as it was written many years ago
She turned out on the street now her belly is showing and
You've got to stand up now and face reality
You've got to stand up now and face reality
You've got to stand up now and face reality
Sometimes life so hard but don't give up you can win
Sometimes life incredible can't seem to get nothing done
And every move you make something always in your way
You try a little harder they'll be a brand new day
I'm talking to you it's you and you
I'm talking to you and you right now
There ain't no parciality in this reality
So I'm talking to you and you and you right now
The song "Reality" by Aswad addresses the struggles and hardships of life, but encourages listeners to persevere and not give up in the face of adversity. The lyrics acknowledge that sometimes life can seem impossible and that obstacles often stand in the way of success, but the key is to keep pushing and trying harder. The song speaks to the harsh realities faced by many individuals, particularly those who are marginalized and oppressed, who are often ignored and left to suffer without any help or support. The references to brothers and sisters crying and turning to the streets highlight the social injustices and inequalities that exist within society.
The chorus "You've got to stand up now and face reality" serves as a call-to-action for listeners to take charge of their lives and confront the challenges they may be facing. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and accepting one's circumstances, rather than ignoring or denying them. The song also stresses the idea of unity and collective action, as the lyrics address "you and you and you" and the need for everyone to come together in order to face reality.
Overall, "Reality" is a powerful and uplifting song that offers a message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. It encourages listeners to stand up for themselves and each other and to never give up, no matter how hard life may seem.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes life so hard but don't give up you can win
Life can be difficult, but it's important to persevere and not give up. Success is achievable with determination and effort.
Sometimes life impossible can't seem to get nothing done
At times, life can feel insurmountable and unproductive. It's important to keep trying in order to overcome the obstacles.
Every move you make something always in your way now
Challenges and setbacks seem to appear at every turn, making progress seem difficult.
You try a little harder they'll be a brand new day
By persevering and not giving up, success may be just around the corner with a fresh start waiting for you.
I see my brothers crying and no one helps them Lord
The singer sees men facing hardships and struggling alone without assistance from others.
And just as it was written father now against son
The struggles faced by people are often generations-old and can cause familial rifts and divides.
He's turned out on the street now his dreadlocks start growing
The hardships faced can cause people to be displaced and have their appearance change as they are forced to adapt to their circumstances.
You've got to stand up now and face reality
It's important to confront the difficulties and hardships of life head-on and not try to avoid them.
I see my sisters crying no one helps her Lord
The singer sees women facing hardships and struggling alone without assistance from others.
It's just as it was written many years ago
The difficulties faced by people are not new, and have been present in society for a long time.
She turned out on the street now her belly is showing and
The hardships faced can cause people to be displaced and have their physical well-being affected, such as with pregnancy.
Sometimes life incredible can't seem to get nothing done
At times, life can seem so amazing and full of opportunities, yet still feel unproductive and unfulfilling.
And every move you make something always in your way
Just like before, challenges and setbacks can feel constant and hinder progress.
I'm talking to you it's you and you
The singer is directly addressing the listener, imploring them to listen closely to the message.
There ain't no parciality in this reality
The hardships and struggles of life can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
So I'm talking to you and you and you right now
The singer is emphasizing the importance of taking action and facing reality, and is directly addressing multiple people to encourage them to do so.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANGUS GAYE, BRINSLEY FORDE, DENNIS BIDDY, TONY ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mohamed A. Turay
on Old Fire Stick
WICKED TRUTH! JUST FOR YOU!