Aswad ("Black" in Arabic) are a long-lasting British reggae group, noted fo… Read Full Bio ↴Aswad ("Black" in Arabic) are a long-lasting British reggae group, noted for adding strong R&B, soul, and soca influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the early 1970s, and have released a total of twenty-one albums.

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

Roots Rocking
Aswad Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Roots...
Roots rocking everyday

I and a Zion daughter is rocking to the dance tonight
Step and do it alright(?)

Roots rocking
Roots rocking

Roots rocking
Roots rocking

Oh no, you'll never let the music stop
I want just one more dance with you
So let the music play on and on, on and on and on
I say I feel vibrations
I wanna know, are you feeling the same way too
Oh little woman, are you?

It's so nice
I wanna feel the same thing twice
It's so nice
I wanna feel the same thing twice

Zion daughters
Roots rocking to the roots reggae
Zion daughters
Roots rocking to the roots reggae

Where ever we go we know the trouble will find us
So pick us above, now woman a leave your worries behind you
Dance to the music, 'cause you know that is fine
Even know a culture though they trying to hide

In day only knew I would feel a when we dance to Jah music
One thing I know is they would love to feel it too
Tonight the feeling is fine
Tonight the feeling alright

So Mr.DJ don't stop the music
I said we're going on the way and we don't want no bus
Morning time comes we'll just get on that fast
No trouble no fuss, I and I

Zion daughters
Roots rocking to the roots reggae
Zion daughters
Roots rocking to the roots reggae

Roots rocking
Roots rocking
Roots rocking
Roots rocking

Roots...
Roots rocking everyday
No matter what they say

Roots...

Roots rocking everyday
No matter what them say

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Aswad's song "Roots Rocking" is all about celebrating and enjoying the culture of reggae music. The song opens up with the singer talking about a Zion daughter and himself getting ready to go out and dance to the reggae music. The lyrics repeat twice that roots are rocking every day. The chorus of the song also repeats repeatedly, says that the music will never stop and that the singer wants just one more dance.

The song then goes on to explain the troubles the couple faces in life and how reggae music helps them forget the worries and enjoy life. The song encourages people to dance to the music, even though their culture is trying to hide it. The singer believes that everyone would love the feeling of dancing to "Jah music," which is the genre of reggae music. The song ends with the singer not wanting the music to stop, and they don't want any trouble or fuss, and they will keep on dancing.

Line by Line Meaning

Roots...
Celebrating and paying tribute to one's cultural and ancestral heritage

Roots rocking everyday
Expressing the desire to incorporate cultural roots into everyday life

I and a Zion daughter is rocking to the dance tonight
Me and my female partner, who shares my cultural roots, are going to be dancing tonight

Step and do it alright(?)
Encouraging oneself or one's partner to dance well

Roots rocking
Continuing the celebration of cultural roots through music and dance

Oh no, you'll never let the music stop
Expressing the desire for the music and celebration of culture to continue indefinitely

I want just one more dance with you
Requesting another opportunity to dance and celebrate with one's partner

So let the music play on and on, on and on and on
Urging the DJ to keep the music going and the energy high

I say I feel vibrations
Noting the strong emotional energy and connection that the music and celebration of culture inspire

I wanna know, are you feeling the same way too
Asking one's partner if they are also feeling the powerful connection and energy

Oh little woman, are you?
Addressing one's female partner and seeking her input and response

It's so nice
Expressing pleasure and enjoyment at the celebration of cultural roots

I wanna feel the same thing twice
Desiring to experience the positive emotions and energy of the celebration again

Zion daughters
Referencing women who share cultural roots and ancestry

Roots rocking to the roots reggae
Continuing to celebrate and dance to roots reggae music in honor of cultural heritage

Where ever we go we know the trouble will find us
Despite the inevitability of facing problems and challenges, one chooses to continue celebrating cultural roots through dance and music

So pick us above, now woman a leave your worries behind you
Encouraging one's female partner to focus on the positive energy of the celebration and leave worries behind

Dance to the music, 'cause you know that is fine
Encouraging all to enjoy the music and energy of the celebration

Even know a culture though they trying to hide
Acknowledging attempts by others to suppress cultural roots and traditions

In day only knew I would feel a when we dance to Jah music
Reflecting on the pleasure and connection one feels when celebrating cultural roots through music

One thing I know is they would love to feel it too
Expressing the belief that others, if given the opportunity, would also appreciate the powerful emotion and energy that comes with celebrating cultural roots through music

Tonight the feeling is fine
Acknowledging that the current celebration and moment feels particularly enjoyable and significant

Tonight the feeling alright
Confirming that one feels happy and content with the current celebration

So Mr.DJ don't stop the music
Urging the DJ to keep playing music and keeping the positive energy high

I said we're going on the way and we don't want no bus
Affirming the decision to continue celebrating and traveling further, metaphorically referring to leaving negative energy or influence behind

Morning time comes we'll just get on that fast
Looking forward to continuing the celebration and journey in the future

No trouble no fuss, I and I
Expressing the importance of ease and harmony in the celebration and journey, and affirming the sense of community and togetherness felt among cultural roots

No matter what they say
Declaring that the celebration and commitment to cultural roots and heritage will continue despite criticism or obstacles

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ANGUS GAYE, BRINSLEY ALLAN FORDE, TONY ROBINSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS