Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled "hardcore", and was often played faster and more emphatically than many of their peers. The unique factor of the band's music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than other hardcore punk bands, also adapting diverse guitar styles into their songs.
Bad Brains have released nine studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their early material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. Since 1994, the "classic" lineup of singer H.R. (Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson has reunited, albeit performing sporadically.
Discography:
• Bad Brains (1982)
• Rock for Light (1983)
• I Against I (1986)
• Quickness (1989)
• Rise (1993)
• God of Love (1995)
• I & I Survived (2002)
• Build a Nation (2007)
• Into the Future (2012)
• Mind Power (TBA)
I Luv I Jah
Bad Brains Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Trying to live my life in peace.
Two young men call me not their brother,
try to make me feel ashamed.
But I luv I jah yeah,
he tell me not to be that way.
I luv I jah, yeah, I gotta keep my P-M-A.
Only to learn to her mistake not everyone's alike.
We're not all a uptight.
Ah no fuss no fight.
Cool that way, cool that way.
I luv I ja
h yeah,
he tell me not to be that way.
I luv I jah, yeah, I gotta keep my P-M-A.
The song "I Luv I Jah" by Bad Brains started with a confession of a person who underwent some unpleasant encounters while walking down Babylon Lane. On this lane, people were trying to make him feel ashamed by calling him not their brother. However, he persevered and tried to live his life in peace. The singer of the song admits that he loves Jah, and he is grateful for the advice. This positive mental attitude helps him come through the challenges he faces. The next verse of the song portrays how people judge each other based on their clothing or physical attributes. The singer explains how his sister judged him, but her opinion changed when she saw how he wasn't like everyone else. The song emphasizes on the fact that everyone is unique, and it is essential to accept people for who they uniquely are.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking down babylon lane.
I am walking in a place where society's corrupt and oppressive ways are prevalent.
Trying to live my life in peace.
Despite the negative circumstances surrounding me, I am attempting to find inner peace.
Two young men call me not their brother, try to make me feel ashamed.
Although we are all a part of the same human family, these individuals are trying to ostracize me and make me feel guilty for being different.
But I luv I jah yeah, he tell me not to be that way.
Despite the negativity I encounter, my love for my faith and spiritual beliefs guide me towards tolerance and understanding for those who are different.
I luv I jah, yeah, I gotta keep my P-M-A.
My love for my faith also motivates me to maintain a positive mental attitude, despite the trials I may face in life.
My lovely sister, judge me by my closthes, yeah.
My sibling, who I care for deeply, is quick to make assumptions about me based solely on my outward appearance.
Only to learn to her mistake not everyone's alike.
After getting to know me better, my sister realizes that everyone should be evaluated based on their character and actions, rather than superficial aspects of their identity.
We're not all a uptight.
We all have flaws and imperfections that make us human, but that doesn't mean we should be judgemental or intolerant of those differences.
Ah no fuss no fight.
We should strive towards a peaceful and harmonious coexistence with one another.
Cool that way, cool that way.
By maintaining a laid-back and accepting attitude, we can make the world a better place for everyone.
I luv I jah yeah, he tell me how to stay that way.
My faith provides me with the guidance and wisdom to continue living with a positive attitude, even when faced with adversity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Blsplff
I love, I love, I Jah
I love, I love, I Jah
I love, I love, I Jah
[Verse 1]
Walking down Babylon Lane
Me trying to live my life in peace
Two young men call me not their brother
They try to make I feel ashamed
[Hook]
But I love, I Jah, yeah
He tell me not to be that way
I love, I Jah, yeah
I gotta keep my PMA
I love, I love, I Jah
I love, I love, I Jah
I love, I love, I Jah
[Verse 2]
My lovely sister judge me by my clothes, yeah
Only to learn to her mistake, not everyone's alike
We're not all a uptight, ah, no fuss, no fight
Cool that way, let me tell you 'bout the cool that way
Xi Cecovic
Waffle time, soap be done
Waffle time, soap be done
(Michael Jackson scream)
A papa stayed nicely lawned
Lawn, lawn, lawn
A papa stayed nicely lawned
Right!?
Waffle time, soap me down
One day you've got to learn that they'll eat your
heart dance souls
You have to love Jah
Or I'll eat your heart,
dance soul
You've got to breathe in ..
SAY-AH!
I say you've got to breathe him
I say-ah!
(Michael Jackson scream)
Waffle time, soap be done
Waffle time, soap me, lawn
A papa day in the night, love the lawn.
A papa ate another churn. God, he love
I'd like to free all the monstars
I'll tell you, you've got to hold all the blasters
Oh!
Not Totally Unfunny
This track has always spoken to me. I really love Bad Brains range of music and this is always a welcome track after a stressful, hectic, and hardcore punk kind of day.
GhostOfRhurValley
I love how they can play good reggae but then they kick into a fast song.
TheDeadmanTT
You said, 'into a fast song' but I think you wanted to spell 'a great song
Andrew Higdon
He equated reggae with slow tempo, which is definitely NOT a stretch. But yeah. They fuckin rule. I’m real eloquent too.
Honestly there is nothing quite like thrashing around and freakin out venting all that frustration and it just falls away, around a couple of hundred brothers who you may have never met, just going off, flips of the stage, full freak out exorcism. Then BAM!
Communion. BrotherLy love. All those motherfuckers who were just landing on your head and then a minute later catching you are now slow easy skankin round the pit, screaming these lyrics, slamming a beer or four, toke, pass, block the bouncer, toke, pass, chug, block, mosh. There is honestly nothing even close to that experience that I’ve ever had. That is church. My church
casey lewallen
The first time i listened to this album i thought i accidentally put it on shuffle but i kept listening cause it was that good and then i was like who tf is this .... point if yhe story i agree fully literally kind blowing
Vinyl Richie
@Andrew Higdon Actually more often than not their reggae ruined the flow of their shows. I like reggae but most of Bad Brains reggae dongs aren’t that good.
LR
Bad brain is original
Joe Fry
punk and raggae music has a very similar background of angst and anger and was used a lot in the late 70's as an outlet for emotions and so it's not uncommon for bands to make both types of music or incorporate both type into one song... all you have to do is listen to the clash to be just as impressed as you were by these dudes! :)
The Mad Thrasher
This album is just phenomenal and the cd has received ridiculous amounts of play in my car! And to think that it came out in 1982!
nightmuffin937
It Sounds WAAAAAYYY better on Vinyl to tell you the truth