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

Shy Guy
Aswad Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I don't want no fly guy
I just want a shy guy

Oh lord have mercy mercy mercy
Di man dem in a di party party party
Di ole a dem look sexy sexy sexy
Watch dem just a
Follow me follow me follow me

Everyweh me go di man dem a rush me
Yes a whole eep a pretty boy wah fi love me
A me dem love yes a me dem love

True them know me sweet and me sexy
Everywhere me go me say me ever ready
A me dem love yes a me dem love

But I don't want somebody
Who's loving everybody
I need a shy guy
He's the kinda guy who'll only be mine

Chorus:

Oh lord have mercy mercy mercy
Di man dem in a di party party party
Di ole a dem look sexy sexy sexy
Watch dem just a
Follow me follow me follow me
Have mercy mercy mercy
But none a dem no move me move me move me
Shy guy a weh me wanty wanty wanty
Only him can make me irie irie irie

Roughneck man me no want none a dem
Beat up me body lick off me head top
Me no want none a dat
Me no want none a dat
Big things a gwaan fi all di shy man dem
Wat to be my love and wat to be my friend
Till the very end till the very end

But I don't want somebody
Who's loving everybody
I need a shy guy he's the kinda guy
Who'll only be mine

(Repeat Chorus)

Have mercy mercy mercy
Mercy mercy come on

But I don't want somebody
Who's loving everybody
I need a shy guy
He's the kinda guy who'll only be mine

(Repeat Chorus)

Shy guy Shy guy Shy guy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Aswad's song "Shy Guy" express a desire to find a particular kind of man – not the flashy and confident type that often captures attention in a party setting, but a shy one who will be more devoted to the singer. The opening lines make this clear: "I don't want no fly guy / I just want a shy guy." The singer describes the swarm of men who approach her, but she isn't impressed by them because they chase anything that moves. Instead, she wants a man who is more reserved and selective.

The chorus reinforces this preference for a "shy guy," describing how the other men at the party may look good but they don't stir the singer's heart. She wants someone who can make her feel "irie," or happy and at ease. The second verse lays out the reasons why this is so important to her: she's been hurt by men who were too aggressive and violent, and she's looking for someone who will treat her better. The song ends with a repeat of the chorus, emphasizing her desire for a shy man who will love only her.

Overall, the lyrics of "Shy Guy" underscore the idea that true love is about more than just physical attraction or popularity. The singer values someone who is more thoughtful and genuine, and who won't be swayed by outside influences. The use of Jamaican patois adds a distinctive flavor to the lyrics and complements the reggae beat of the music.

Line by Line Meaning

I don't want no fly guy
I am not interested in someone who tries too hard to get my attention

I just want a shy guy
I am looking for someone who is reserved and not overly confident

Oh lord have mercy mercy mercy
I am asking for divine intervention and guidance in my search for love

Di man dem in a di party party party
There are many men at the party

Di ole a dem look sexy sexy sexy
All of them look attractive

Watch dem just a Follow me follow me follow me
All of the men are trying to get my attention and follow me around

Everyweh me go di man dem a rush me
Wherever I go, men are eager to approach me

Yes a whole eep a pretty boy wah fi love me
Many attractive men want to be in a relationship with me

A me dem love yes a me dem love
They are attracted to me and want to be with me

True them know me sweet and me sexy
They find me attractive because I am charming and alluring

Everywhere me go me say me ever ready
I am always prepared and confident wherever I go

But I don't want somebody Who's loving everybody
I am not interested in someone who is unfaithful and plays the field

I need a shy guy
I am looking for someone who is introverted and reserved

He's the kinda guy who'll only be mine
I am looking for a committed and exclusive relationship

Have mercy mercy mercy But none a dem no move me move me move me
I am not attracted to any of the men trying to pursue me

Shy guy a weh me wanty wanty wanty
I am attracted to shy men the most

Only him can make me irie irie irie
Only a shy man can make me feel happy and content

Roughneck man me no want none a dem
I am not interested in aggressive or dominant men

Beat up me body lick off me head top Me no want none a dat Me no want none a dat
I am not interested in someone who is physically abusive or controlling

Big things a gwaan fi all di shy man dem
I believe that shy men have a lot to offer and are valuable partners

Wat to be my love and wat to be my friend Till the very end till the very end
I am looking for someone who not only loves me but also wants to be my friend and companion for life

Shy guy Shy guy Shy guy
I am reaffirming my preference for a shy man

Contributed by Lillian T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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TRACKS