Born in Kingston, Jamaica, as a youngster, Barrington Levy formed the Mighty Multitude with his cousin Everton Dacres. They started off playing the sound systems and cut their first single, “My Black Girl,” in 1977. All of 14, Levy broke out his own the next year and recorded his debut solo single, A Long Time Since We Don’t Have No Love.” It didn’t have much of an impact, however the teen’s appearances in the dancehalls were eagerly awaited events. It was at one of these that Levy met former singer turned producer Junjo Lawes and Mew York-based producer Hyman “Jah Life” Wright. The pair took the youth into King Tubby’s studio, accompanied by the Roots Radics, and recorded a clutch of cuts. The first fruits of this union were “Ah Yah We Deh,” quickly followed by “Looking My Love”, and “ Wedding Ring Aside.” Success was immediate, but it was the mighty “Collie Weed” that really cemented the teen’s hold of dancehall.
“Shine Eye Girl”, was a smash follow up, and the young Levy was now in great demand. A stream of singles followed “Jumpy Girl”, a lovely version of Horace Andy’s “Skylarking”, “Reggae Music”, Levy joined forces with producer Alvin Ranglin for another sting of hits—“Never Tear My Love Apart,” “Jah”, “You Made Me So Happy,” and “When You’re Young and in Love.”Levy’s rich vocals were made for duets, both with other vocalists and DJ’s , and it wasn’t long before the young star was also recording collaborative singles. Toyan was a great foil on “Call You on the Phone””, he paired with Jah Thomas on “Moonlight Lover” and “Sister Debby”, and joined forces with Trinity for “Lose Respect” and a follow-up, “I Need a Girl” in 1980. That same year, Levy made a sensational appearance at Reggae Sunsplash, then returned in 1981. During these early years, the singer seemingly spent all of his time between the recording studios and the dancehalls. Amidst the deluge of singles, four albums arrived as well between 1979 and 1980. First up was Bounty Hunter, which boosted three smash singles—“Reggae Music”, “Shine Eye Girl”, and “Looking My Love” –and a clutch of other tracks that were just about as good. In Britain, the Burning Sounds label released Shine Eye Gal, also a hits heavy package which included the title track-track, “Collie Weed”, and “Ah Yah We Deh.” It was swiftly followed by the mighty Englishman, an absolutely fabulous record which was overseen by the unbeatable studio grouping of Junjo Lawes and two of King Tubby’s protégés—Scientist and Prince Jammy. A veteran of the clubs, he brought the spontaneity of the DJ to his records while returning vocals back to the sound system scene which had been purely the realm of the Djs. Utilizing old roots rhythms revitalized by the Radics, and giving the songs a hard, but danceable edge, Lawes and Levy together helped establish a whole new dancehall sound.
1980’s Robin Hood merely affirmed that everyone in Jamaica already knew: That Levy was now the biggest star on t he island, with a talent that was unbeatable. Or more accurately, he was king of the singers, because ruling beside him was DJ Yellowman, another Lawes’ discovery, that was brought to him by Barrington Levy. Robin Hood was as big as its predecessor and was beginning to have an impact in Britain as well, where both it and Englishman had been released by the Greensleeves label. Not surprisingly, both albums heavy rhythms would provide the building blocks for the Scientist V Prince Jammy dub clash album. Unfortunately, Levy’s very popularity was now beginning to have some serious drawbacks. Even before stardom arrived, the singer had noticed with delight fans tapping his sets at the dancehalls, and these tapes were coming back to haunt him. Suddenly, the shelves were buckling under the weight of the bootlegged albums, featuring not just older pirated live material, but also unreleased outtakes and recycled older singles. In response, Levy didn’t release a new album for two years, but in the meantime, new singles more then made up for it. From 1980 came such hits as the haunting Lawes-produced “Mary Long Tongue” producer Linval Thompson’s “Too Poor,” and a string if hits cut with Karl Pitterson, including “ I Have a Problem” and “Even Tide Fire a Disaster”. And as the decade progressed, the flood hits continued. “I’m Not in Love”, “You Have It”, “Tomorrow Is Another Day”, “Robberman”, “BlackRose” “My Women”, and “Money Move” were just a small number of the hits released between 1981 and 1983, with the latter song the biggest smash of the batch. Levy even tried his hand at self-production, recording such excellent songs as “In the Dark” and “Love of Jah.” Amongst there were fabulous singles recorded for Joe Gibbs, “My Women” included. The Reggae Vibes album would bundle up Levy’s best with the producer, s well a number of cuts from fellow dancehall singer Sammy Dread.
1983 finally saw the release of Levy album “Money Move”. The latter was excellently overseen by George Phang and boasted a stupendous group of rhythms that Sly & Robbie had specifically made for the producer. In the U.K, the burning sounds label also released Hunter Man, a greatest-hits collection. But the hits were still coming on strong; in 1984 none were bigger then Levy and Jah Screw produced “Under Mi Sensi.” The pair would also record a new album that year, Here I come, whose title-track would the top 50 in the U.K The album itself took Britain by storm and ensured that Levy walked away with the best Vocalist Award at Britain’s Reggae Awards. It was also these songs that secured his spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, as the first reggae artist to hold both 1st and 2nd place slots in the charts. The same year, the singer also joined forces with another young singer who was tearing up the dance floors, Frankie Paul, for the intriguing sound clash set Barrington Levy meets Frankie Paul. 1985 brought Prison Oval Rock (the Volcano Jamaican label release, and not to be confused with the RAS label’s U.S. compilation of the same title), which found the singer joining forces with Lawes again, for another roots-fired set equal to its predecessors. It had been six years since Levy burst onto the scene with all the force of a nuclear weapon. Now in his early twenties, the singer’s output significantly began to slow. He did return to Reggae Sunsplash in 1987 and would remain a top attraction at the festival until 1985. He also released “Love the Life you Live” in 1988, a rather patchy effort compared to previous releases. It was to be his last new album until 1991.But Levy wasn’t a spent force yet. Before the 80’s were over, he scored tow more hits with “My Time” and “Too Experience”, both under the aegis of producer Jah Screw, and both covers of songs written by Bob Andy (ex-Paragons and also of Bob & Marcia fame).
Signing with MCA in t he U.S., Levy attempted to cross over into the North American market with 1983’s Barrington. Produced by Lee Jaffe, the Album featured a re-recorded “Under Mi Sensi”, and boasted strong songs as “Murderer” and “Vice Versa Love” and “Be Strong”, a major hit in the Caribbean and South America. However, the relationship with MCA was not a happy one and Levy quickly departed. Meanwhile, back in Britain, the singer was chalking up another hit with “Work”. In 1994, Levy was joined by Beenie man on the singles “Two Sounds” and “Murderer”. Both soon reappeared as fiery jungles remixes, with “Sensi”, in particular, mashing up the dance floors.
Under Jack Scorpio’s direction, the singer next paired with Mega Banton for “She’s Mine”. Jah Screw took these collaborations to the next logical step, and recorded an entire album and recorded and entire album of shared songs, Duets (this is its American title and it was released in the U.s. by RAS, and in the U.K., Levy’s relationship with Greensleeves continued, where the album there was titled Barrington Levy’s DJ Counteraction). From this set, “Living Dangerously” with Bounty Killer rocketed up the Jamaican charts and set pace at clubs around the world . Time Capsule came hot on its heels in 1996, a short album (a mere eight tracks plus five dubs), which more than made up for lack of quantity with quality.Over the next two years, his circle of friends was obviously growing, and 1998’s re-make of “Murderer” featured such diverse artists as rap master Snoop Doggy Dogg and Southern California punk-reggae heroes Long Beach Dub All-Stars. In 2003, his debut album Bounty Hunter was reordered and reissued as Moonlight Lover on the Burning Bush label. Two years later, the Sanctuary label collected his recordings with Henry Lawes and Alvin Ranglin for “Love Your Brother man: The Early Tear”. Numerous compilations have continued to appear featuring much of the singer’s greatest work.He was also featured in 2000 on rapper on Shyne’s debut album “Bad Boyz”, with two singles “Bad Boyz” which was number 1 on the hip-hop charts, and “Bonnie and Shynz.
Barrington Levy continues to tour extensively, selling out shows all over the world. He is currently working in an album which will be titled “Its About Time” and he has said it will be his last. This album will feature artist like Damion Marley, Buji Banton, Beres Hammond, Heavy D and a lot more surprises. He expresses love and appreciation to all his fans across the world, and looks forward to seeing you in future events.
Levy's son Krishane is also a musician, and is signed to Atlantic Records.
Black Roses
Barrington Levy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Black, black roses in my garden
To keep and care it you got to water it
To keep and care it you got to water it
I've been travelin' all over this world
I've never seen no other black rose in no other garden
So you see my garden is so special
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
To keep and care it you got to water it
Got to keep the earth so cool
'Cause something special is in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden hey eh
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Sure you got to water it, water it
You got to do the best you can do
'Cause no other garden is so special like this
Black roses is in my garden
Black, black roses I've got to water it
My garden is so nice oh hey oh hey
Something special special in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Sure, sure, sure I've got to stay
And take good care of the roses
Go to see, go to see that's so special to me
My garden, my garden is so special yeah
Black, black roses is blooming in my garden
The song "Black Roses" by Barrington Levy is a tribute to the uniqueness and rarity of the black rose, which is seen as a symbol of mystery and rebellion. The lyrics describe a garden that is home to these special flowers, and the care required to keep them healthy and thriving. The singer emphasizes the importance of watering and nurturing the black roses to maintain their beauty and strength.
The garden in the song represents a metaphor for life, where the black roses symbolize the challenges and struggles that one may face. The singer suggests that taking the time to care for oneself and one's surroundings is necessary for personal growth and success. The song encourages listeners to appreciate the beauty and value of the things that are rare and different, and to work hard to protect and preserve them.
Overall, "Black Roses" is a song about the power of resilience, determination, and self-care. The unique and mysterious nature of the black rose serves as a reminder that it is important to value and protect the things that make us stand out and that are worth fighting for.
Line by Line Meaning
In my garden
The song starts with talking about a garden the artist has.
Black, black roses in my garden
The garden has black roses.
To keep and care it you got to water it
To take care of the garden and the roses, one has to water them.
I've been travelin' all over this world
The artist has travelled to different parts of the world.
I've never seen no other black rose in no other garden
The artist has never seen black roses in any other garden.
So you see my garden is so special
The garden with black roses is unique and special.
Got to keep the earth so cool
To keep the garden healthy, the earth has to be kept cool and moist.
'Cause something special is in my garden
There is something unique and special in the artist's garden.
Sure you got to water it, water it
Reiterating that watering the garden is essential.
You got to do the best you can do
One has to take good care of the garden and do their best.
'Cause no other garden is so special like this
There is no other garden like the artist's special garden.
Black roses is in my garden
The garden has black roses.
Black, black roses I've got to water it
The artist has to keep watering the black roses.
My garden is so nice oh hey oh hey
The garden is beautiful and pleasant.
Something special special in my garden
The garden has something particularly special in it.
Sure, sure, sure I've got to stay
The artist has to stay and take care of the garden.
And take good care of the roses
The artist has to take good care of the black roses.
Go to see, go to see that's so special to me
Something in the garden is particularly special to the artist.
My garden, my garden is so special yeah
The artist's garden is unique and special.
Black, black roses is blooming in my garden
The black roses are blooming in the artist's garden.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BARRINGTON LEVY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
thetruesurvive
Black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
To keep and care it you got to water it
To keep and care it you got to water it
I've been travelin' all over this world
I've never seen no other black rose in no other garden
So you see my garden is so special
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
To keep and care it you got to water it
Got to keep the earth so cool
'Cause something special in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Sure you got to water it, water it
You got to do the best you can do
'Cause no other garden is so special like this
Black roses is in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black roses, I've got to water it
My garden is so nice
Something special, special in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Sure, sure, I've got to stay
And take good care of the roses
Go to see, go to see that's so special to me
My garden, my garden is so special
Black, black roses blooming in my garden
Brand M.
Intro]
In my Garden, oh yeah
Black, black roses, in my garden
[Verse 1]
To keep and care it, you've got to water it
To keep and care it, you've got to water it
I've been travelin' all over this world, yeah
I've never seen a Black rose in no other garden
So you see, my garden is so special, oh yeah
Black, black roses in my garden, yeah
[Chorus]
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
[Verse 2]
To keep and care it, you've got to water it
Got to keep, Got to keep the earth so cool, yeah
Cause something special is in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Hey, aye, aye
[Chorus]
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Verse 3]
Sure you got to, sure you got to water it (Water it)
You got to do the best you can do, aye
Cause no other garden is so special like this, oh ayy!
Black roses is in my garden
[Outro]
Black, black roses, I've got to water it
My garden is so nice, oh aye, oh aye
Something special, special in my garden
Black, black roses in my garden
Sure, sure, sure, I've got to stay
And take good care of the roses
'Cause you see, 'cause you see that's so special to me
My garden, my garden is so special
Black, black roses is blooming in my garden
Joanne Ionita
My husband used to love this song. He passed away 10 days ago I can't stop listening to this and just hysterically cry.
brandon jefferson
Sorry for your loss . Keep your chin up girl I lost a lot of loved ones last year I have still not recovered
Buster Friendly
God Bless
Eddie Anaya
Ever time you listen to that song he is listening to it too TRUST & BELIEVE HE IS & by the way he still loves that song !
von-WENZEL SHIELOVE SLEDGE
SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS DARLING
Joanne Ionita
@Eddie Anaya I trust, believe AND feel... I feel his spirit everytime I listen to this song! 💜
Brandon Edwards
One of our true icon of Jamaican music who does not get what he truly deserve, Barrington levy one of our greatest voice ever, no apology
Gaza Gxrl \x/
Jamaican artiste is so talented. From them time deh til now...Always in awe !!
HANDSOME BASTARD 305
In my opinion him and the Great Bob Marley were truly the best I've heard sing reggae and I've heard some great tunes in my life
Kitty_Bandida22
Don’t forget bob marly to