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
Zion I
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You want to see Zion
How many times I've heard you say
I and I belong
In this road we trodding
Winding and turning
As we bend a new corner
In this bright, bright morning time
Clouds and rain now filling the sky
Your will is strong
Fret not humble lion
You soon see Mount Zion
You soon see Mount Zion
Waste not so that you may never say
Oh how I wish I had
The bread I once threw away
Make haste now in this time
While the sun is still shining
And then one bright morning
You'll up and fly away
How many times I've heard you say
You want to see Zion
How many times I've heard you say
I and I belong
In this road we trotting
Winding and turning
As we bend a new corner
In this bright, bright morning time
The sun has fallen from the sky
Clouds and rain now filling the sky
Your will is strong
Fret not humble lion
You soon see Mount Zion
You soon see Mount Zion
You soon see Mount Zion
You soon see Mount Zion
In the road we trotting
Winding and turning
As we bend a new corner
In this bright, bright morning time
The sun has fallen from the sky
Clouds and rain now in the sky
Your will is strong
Fret not humble lion
You soon see Mount Zion
You soon see Mount Zion
You soon see Mount Zion
You soon see Mount Zion
The lyrics to Aswad's "Zion I" are all about the desire to reach the spiritual utopia of Mount Zion. The song repeats the phrase "how many times I've heard you say you want to see Zion" and "I and I belong" to emphasize the longing for a spiritual home. The metaphorical "road we trotting, winding and turning" represents the journey towards Mount Zion, with the lyrics "as we bend a new corner in this bright, bright morning time" suggesting a new beginning and new possibilities.
The second verse mentions the difficulties of the journey, with "the sun has fallen from the sky, clouds and rain now filling the sky", representing obstacles in their way. However, the lyrics encourage perseverance, stating that "your will is strong, fret not humble lion" and promising that "you soon see Mount Zion". The lyrics also warn against waste, with the line "waste not so that you may never say oh how I wish I had the bread I once threw away", encouraging listeners to appreciate what they have and not throw it away.
Overall, the song is a call to strive towards a spiritual home and to have perseverance in the face of obstacles. The use of metaphors and repetition create a sense of longing and urgency, while also showcasing the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
How many times I've heard you say
The repetition of your desire to see Zion is a consistent theme
You want to see Zion
Zion is a desired destination
I and I belong
We all have a place in Zion
In this road we trodding
We are all on a journey towards Zion
Winding and turning
The journey is not a straight path
As we bend a new corner
The journey is full of surprises and unknowns
In this bright, bright morning time
The present moment is full of hope and possibility
The sun has fallen from the sky
There may be darkness and hardship on our journey
Clouds and rain now filling the sky
The darkness may be accompanied by hardship
Your will is strong
You have the strength to overcome the challenges
Fret not humble lion
Don't be discouraged, keep moving forward
You soon see Mount Zion
The destination is within reach
Waste not so that you may never say
Be mindful and don't waste what you have
Oh how I wish I had
Regret is a painful thing
The bread I once threw away
Don't take what you have for granted and waste it
Make haste now in this time
Act quickly and purposefully
While the sun is still shining
Take advantage of the present moment while it lasts
And then one bright morning
Eventually, we will reach our destination
You'll up and fly away
We will be free and unencumbered
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MIKE 'BAMMI' ROSE, PABLO GONSALES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mohamed A. Turay
on Old Fire Stick
WICKED TRUTH! JUST FOR YOU!