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
Roxanne
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't have to put on the red light
Those days are over
You don't have to sell your body to the night Roxanne
You don't have to wear that dress tonight
Walk the streets for money
You don't care if it's wrong or if it's right Roxanne
You don't have to put on the red light And ever since I knew you
I have to tell you just how I feel
I won't share you with another boy
I know my mind is made up
So put away your make up
Told you once I won't tell you again It's a bad way
Roxanne
You don't have to put on the red light
Roxanne
You don't have to put on the red light
The song "Roxanne" by Aswad is a cover of The Police's original song with the same name. The lyrics of the song are a plea to a woman named Roxanne, asking her to change her ways and stop working as a prostitute. The song starts by telling her that she doesn't have to put on the red light, referring to the use of red lights in the windows of brothels to indicate availability. The verses go on to mention that she doesn't have to sell her body to the night and walk the streets for money, implying that she can find a better way to make a living. The chorus is a repeated plea to stop putting on the red light and to stop working as a prostitute.
The song seems to have a message of hope and redemption, as the singer is trying to convince Roxanne that she has a better future outside of prostitution. It is a call for her to change her ways and live a life of dignity and self-respect. The lyrics are poignant and empathetic, showing a desire to understand Roxanne's situation and offer her an alternative.
Line by Line Meaning
Roxanne
The singer directly addresses Roxanne, the character in the song.
You don't have to put on the red light
The singer tells Roxanne that she doesn't have to work as a prostitute anymore, and therefore, doesn't need to use the signal of a red light to advertise her services.
Those days are over
The singer acknowledges that it was once common for women to sell their bodies, but that time has passed.
You don't have to sell your body to the night Roxanne
The song repeats its message, emphasizing that Roxanne doesn't need to turn to prostitution to make a living.
You don't have to wear that dress tonight
The singer encourages Roxanne to wear whatever clothes she wants and not feel like she has to dress a certain way for her profession.
Walk the streets for money
The singer references the traditional experience of women selling their bodies on the streets in exchange for money.
You don't care if it's wrong or if it's right Roxanne
The singer suggests that Roxanne may feel that prostituting herself is her only option, regardless of whether it is morally wrong or right.
And ever since I knew you
The singer has known Roxanne for some time, perhaps even before she turned to prostitution.
I wouldn't talk down to you
The singer is respectful towards Roxanne, and doesn't want to insult her for her choices.
I have to tell you just how I feel
The singer believes it is important to express his message to Roxanne and encourage her to see that she can change her life for the better.
I won't share you with another boy
The singer confirms that he has feelings for Roxanne, and doesn't want her to be with anyone else.
I know my mind is made up
The singer has thought about his feelings for Roxanne extensively and is firm in his beliefs.
So put away your make up
The singer advises Roxanne to drop her facade, or veneer, and become the authentic version of herself.
Told you once I won't tell you again
The singer repeats his message to Roxanne. This line is significant because repetition is a common technique in reggae music.
It's a bad way
The singer believes that the world of prostitution is harmful to Roxanne and others like her.
Roxanne
The song concludes by once again calling out to Roxanne directly.
You don't have to put on the red light
The singer gives one final plea to Roxanne to consider changing her life for the better.
Roxanne
The song ends by once again addressing Roxanne directly, concluding the message he has been communicating throughout the track.
Writer(s): Sting
Contributed by Skyler R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mohamed A. Turay
on Old Fire Stick
WICKED TRUTH! JUST FOR YOU!