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.
Shine Eye Girl
Barrington Levy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
a shine eye girl,a shine eye girl,
a shine eye girl,a shine eye girl,
a shine eye girl,a shine eye girl,
a shine eye girl,a shine eye girl,
Shine eye girl is a trouble to a man
she want fancy car, she want super star
an'a tell me whey you really want
I say to tell me, I say to tell me,
tell me whey you want
you want uptown, you want downtown
you want fancy car, you want super star
you want black silk, you want wedding gown (?)
now whey you really want
a for me real whey you want, you still want more
you want husband, you want boy friend
you want some thirty dot, you want whole yard ( ??)
you want soldier man, you want badman
now whey you really want
tell me whey you really want, now
tell me whey you really want, oh yeah
I say to tell me, I say to tell me,
tell me whey you want
a for you want Jah Thomas, you want Living Color
you want their money, you want Barrington
now whey you really want
tell me whey you really want, gal
tell me whey you really want, oh yeah
I say fe tell me, I say fe tell me,
tell me whey you want
you want black silk, you want wedding gown (?)
you want uptown, you want downtown
now whey you really want
you want gold ring, you want gold chain
you want everything, you want half town
now whey you really want
tell me whey you really want, girl
tell me whey you really want, girl
tell me whey you really want, girl
tell me whey you really want
Tell me, I say fe tell me,
tell me whey you want
you want fancy car, you want super star
you want Barrington, you want have money
you want Jah Thomas, you want new color
whey you really want.......
________
Shine eye girl is a choble to a man
Shine eye girl is a choble to a man
a whey she want, oh lord, lord
a whey she want, oh lord
me say she tek her up town and she want wedding gown
tell her don't go now she wan' hide dung
tek her up to Pegasus she gal start fuss
tek her dung to style and she can't even wine
Foot fayva steel as she wan' spike heel
waist fayva wire as she wan' tight skirt
head fayva pillow as she wan' earring
inna different style
come mek me tell ya 'bout the shine eye girl
Said,
On your mark, you better get set
fret you afraid a you nuh get nuttin' yet
said, on your mark, you better get set
This-a drum an' bass mek you wine up your wais'
Reggae music whey de people dem wan'
sweet reggae music whey de people dem wan'
Shine eye girl is a choble to a man
She want uptown an' then she wan' dungtown
a whey she want, oh lord, lord
a whey she want, oh lord
She wan' uptown she wan' dungtown
carry her go to Pegasus she gal start fuss
carry her up to style and she can't even wine
carry her go to state and she can't pay the rate
carry her go to Carib an she wan' get married
whey she want, oh lord, lord
a whey she want, oh lord
Say
On your mark, you better get set
fret you afraid a you nuh get nuttin'¨yet
'ey!
On your mark, you better get set
fret you afraid a you nuh get nuttin'¨yet
a whey you want, oh lord, lord
a whey she want, oh lord
Shine eye girl is a choble to a man
She wan't ev'ry man she wan' babylon
wan' soldier man, she wan' babylon
wan' police man, she wan' bad man
a whey she want, oh lord, lord
a whey she want
a wha' me say
cunchy gal, come to town
a you nuh gwan like no clown
lord, a when me tek her to de hear one song
watch how de goddam gal sit dung
ey!
cunchy gal, come to town
a you nuh gwan like no clown
ey!
cunchy gal, come 'pon a bus
a you nuh mek no fuss
ey!
cunchy gal, come by car
a you a come from far
an' you a gwan like a super star
ey!
Shine eye girl is a choble to de worl'
Shine iei girl is a choble to de man
tek her up to Pegasus de gal start fuss
tek her up to style and she can't even wine
a whey she want, oh lord
a whey she want, oh lord
she say she wan' Jah Thomas
she say she wan' JamDung
a she a gwan like a clown
and she a move from town to town
and she a gwan like a clown
in a different style....
The lyrics of "Shine Eye Gal" by Barrington Levy feat. Jah Thomas express the troubles of a man who has fallen for a woman who is always asking for more. The "shine eye girl" wants it all - uptown, downtown, a fancy car, a superstar, black silk, a wedding gown, a husband, a boyfriend, thirty-dot, the whole yard, a soldier man, and a bad man. She is a challenge for the man as she always demands more and never seems to be satisfied with what she has. The repetition of the lyrics emphasizes the man's frustration as he asks her repeatedly to tell him what she wants. The song is a commentary on materialism and the seduction of wanting more, and the consequences of always wanting more.
The song also expresses the allure of reggae music and how it brings people together through the power of rhythm and beats. The lyrics mention the importance of music, and how it makes people want to dance and forget about their problems. The drum and bass of reggae music is so infectious that it can make anyone get up and start dancing.
Overall, "Shine Eye Gal" is a social commentary on materialism, greed, and the unquenchable desire for more. The lyrics emphasize the discontent that arises when people are always striving for more than what they have, to the point where it affects their relationships and ultimately, their happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
a shine eye girl, a shine eye girl,
There is a girl with a shiny or greedy eye who wants everything.
Shine eye girl is a trouble to a man
This shiny eyed girl is a problem for men since she always wants more and more.
she want uptown, she want downtown
She wants to be everywhere and have everything.
she want fancy car, she want super star
She desires everything luxurious and expensive.
an'a tell me whey you really want
Tell me what you really desire.
you want uptown, you want downtown
You want to be everywhere and see everything.
you want fancy car, you want super star
You want to be associated with everything luxurious and expensive.
you want black silk, you want wedding gown (?), now whey you really want, a for me real whey you want, you still want more
You want both elegance and simplicity, but you're conflicted on what you truly desire.
you want husband, you want boy friend, you want some thirty dot, you want whole yard ( ??),
You want a husband, a lover, a luxurious home and everything else that comes with it.
you want soldier man, you want badman
You want to be associated with roughnecks and gangsters.
tell me whey you really want, now
Tell me exactly what you really want.
a for you want Jah Thomas, you want Living Color, you want their money, you want Barrington,
You want to be associated with famous personalities and their wealth.
tell me whey you really want, gal
Tell me what you really want, girl.
you want gold ring, you want gold chain, you want everything, you want half town
You want everything that glitters and some of what's behind it; you want some but not all.
I say fe tell me, I say fe tell me,
I'm insisting that you tell me exactly what you want.
you want Barrington, you want have money, you want Jah Thomas, you want new color
You want a famous artist like Barrington Levy, money, and to be associated with the latest trends.
whey you really want.......
Exactly what do you truly want?
a whey she want, oh lord, lord, a whey she want, oh lord
What does she want? Oh Lord, what could she want?
me say she tek her up town and she want wedding gown, tell her don't go now she wan' hide dung,
She went uptown and now she wants a fancy dress, but someone's advising her not to be selfish.
tek her up to Pegasus she gal start fuss, tek her dung to style and she can't even wine
Take her to the fanciest places, and she still doesn't feel satisfied.
Foot fayva steel as she wan' spike heel, waist fayva wire as she wan' tight skirt, head fayva pillow as she wan' earring, inna different style
Comparing different parts of her body to objects she wants such as spike heels as ears appear to equate to pillows.
Said, On your mark, you better get set, fret you afraid a you nuh get nuttin' yet
Get ready to go, don't worry, you won't get nothing yet.
This-a drum an' bass mek you wine up your wais' Reggae music whey de people dem wan' sweet reggae music whey de people dem wan'
The drum and bass are going to make you start swaying your hips. The people want sweet reggae music that they can dance to.
She want uptown an' then she wan' dungtown She wan' uptown she wan' dungtown carry her go to Pegasus she gal start fuss
She likes both the city and the town, but even when taken uptown, she still isn't satisfied.
carry her up to style and she can't even wine carry her go to state and she can't pay the rate carry her go to Carib an she wan' get married
Even when taken to stylish upscale events, she's unable to enjoy herself. When taken to the movies or out to eat, she doesn't have the money. She wants to get married.
Say fret you afraid a you nuh get nuttin' yet, 'ey! a whey you want, oh lord, lord
Don't be afraid, you still won't receive anything. Oh Lord, what could you want?
She wan't ev'ry man she wan' babylon wan' soldier man, she wan' babylon wan' police man, she wan' bad man a whey she want a wha' me say
She wants every man and cannot choose; one minute she wants a soldier, the next a policeman or criminal.
cunchy gal, come to town a you nuh gwan like no clown lord, a when me tek her to de hear one song watch how de goddam gal sit dung
She's a picky gal who isn't easily impressed; when taken somewhere to enjoy some music, she can't even enjoy herself.
cunchy gal, come 'pon a bus a you nuh mek no fuss cunchy gal, come by car a you a come from far
However she travels, she still has specific demands that make it difficult to please her.
an' you a gwan like a super star
You're acting like a superstar, and it's difficult for anyone to meet your expectations.
Shine eye girl is a choble to de worl' Shine iei girl is a choble to de man tek her up to Pegasus de gal start fuss tek her up to style and she can't even wine
She's a problem for the world, and men specifically; even with the fanciest accommodations, she's unable to relax or let loose.
she say she wan' Jah Thomas she say she wan' JamDung a she a gwan like a clown and she a move from town to town and she a gwan like a clown in a different style....
She wants Jah Thomas and Jamaica and yet cannot seem to settle down or be happy anywhere, desperately existing in a variety of styles.
Contributed by Micah W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.