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)
Popcorn
Bad Brains Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's unlike popcorn, they wont like popcorn.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from south-east rasta.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from south-west rasta,
And how many beautiful girls do you know
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from north-east rasta.
Jah-people singing all around,
Jah-people make the world go round.
Jah-people all around,
And round and round, yeah.
Jah-people singing all around,
Jah-people staying round and round,
Round and round, round and round,
It's unlike popcorn, it's unlike popcorn,
She's unlike popcorn, he's unlike popcorn.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from south-east rasta.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from DC rasta.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from LA rasta.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from J A rasta.
Jah-people singing all around,
Jah-people make the world go round.
Jah-people all around,
And round and round, yeah.
Jah-people singing all around,
Jah-people staying round and round,
Round and round, round and round,
It's unlike popcorn,
She's unlike popcorn,
They wont like popcorn.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from south-east rasta.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from south-west rasta,
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from north-west rasta,
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from north-east rasta.
The lyrics to Bad Brains' song "Popcorn" are a celebration of the diversity and beauty of people, particularly women, within the Rastafarian community. The repetition of "unlike popcorn" serves as a metaphor for the unique qualities that distinguish each individual from one another. Bad Brains further emphasizes this idea by referencing different geographic locations in which beautiful women of Rasta origin can be found. The chorus, "Jah-people singing all around, Jah-people make the world go round," reinforces the concept of unity and shared spirituality within the Rastafari movement.
The song reflects Bad Brains' roots in the punk and hardcore scene of the late 70s and early 80s, while also incorporating elements of reggae, ska, and dub. Produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars, "Popcorn" appears on Bad Brains' fifth album, "I Against I," released in 1986. This album is considered a landmark in the band's career and is praised for its innovative blending of genres.
The lyrics of "Popcorn" can be interpreted as a rejection of societal pressures to conform and a celebration of individuality and diversity. Bad Brains' message resonates not only within the Rastafarian community but with anyone who feels marginalized or misunderstood.
Line by Line Meaning
It's unlike popcorn, unlike popcorn,
She is unique and special, like no other, just like popcorn. However, unlike popcorn, many will not appreciate her for who she truly is.
She's unlike popcorn, they wont like popcorn.
As unique as she is, many will not understand nor appreciate her worth, and as such, they may reject her just like how someone might reject a bag of popcorn because it doesn't taste like what they expect.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from south-east rasta.
There are many beautiful girls from the southeast who embrace the rastafarian culture.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from south-west rasta,
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from north-west rasta,
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from north-east rasta.
There are many beautiful girls from all over who embrace the rastafarian culture, originating from various locations including the southwest, northwest, and northeast.
Jah-people singing all around,
People who believe in Jah, or God, are singing all around.
Jah-people make the world go round.
These people who believe in Jah are a crucial part of the world and make it go round.
Jah-people all around,
And round and round, yeah.
People who believe in Jah are all around, and life goes on in a cycle.
Jah-people singing all around,
Jah-people staying round and round,
Round and round, round and round,
People who believe in Jah are not only all around us, but they remain steadfast in their beliefs and the world continues to spin round and round.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from DC rasta.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from LA rasta.
And how many beautiful girls do you know
That come from J A rasta.
There are many beautiful girls from various locations, including DC, LA, and Jamaica, who embrace the rastafarian culture.
Contributed by Tyler T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.