Barry Brown (c.1962, Jamaica - May 28, 2004) was a Jamaican reggae singer, … Read Full Bio ↴Barry Brown (c.1962, Jamaica - May 28, 2004) was a Jamaican reggae singer, initially coming to prominence in the 1970's with his work with Bunny Lee, but remaining popular throughout his career. He died in a recording studio.

Barry Brown was one of a number of singers to find success in the 1970's under producer Bunny Lee. Although his first release, 'Girl You're Always On My Mind', had little impact, his vocal style soon found popularity, with his first hit coming with 1979's 'Step It Up Youthman', which led to an album of the same name on Third World records. One of the most successful artists of the early dancehall era, Brown worked with some of Jamaica's top producers of the time, including Linval Thompson, Winston "Niney The Observer" Holness, Sugar Minott and Coxsone Dodd, as well as releasing self-produced material. After releasing eleven albums between 1979 and 1984, Brown's releases became more sporadic, although his work continued to feature prominently on sound systems such as those of Jah Shaka.

In the 1990's, Brown's health deteriorated, suffering with asthma and substance abuse problems, and he died in May 2004 in Sone Waves Recording Studio in Kingston, Jamaica, after falling and hitting his head.

Lead Us Jah Jah
Barry Brown Lyrics

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Lead us, lead us, lead us Jah-ahh, Jah Jah
Lead us, lead us, lead us, lead us Jah, oh yeah

Remember in Egypt, we were in bondage, ah-ha
Pharoah and his people would not let us go Lord, oh no
Jah sent His Son to free black people, oh yes
Freedom out of bondage

Jah lead us, Jah lead us to the promised land, oh yes
Jah lead us, Jah lead us to righteousness, ah-ha
Jah lead us, Jah lead us to our own land, oh yes
Jah lead us, Jah lead us to righteousness

Like way down in Angola
Fighting with Jah by our side
Equal rights, that's what we must get Lord, I'm telling you
That's what we all been fighting for

Jah lead us, Jah lead us to the promised land, oh yes
Jah lead us, Jah lead us to righteousness, mmmmmm
Jah lead us, Jah lead us to our own land
Jah lead us, Jah lead us to righteousness, mmmmmm yeah

Lead us Jah, lead us Jah
Lead us yeah-yes, lead us Jah Jah, Jah Jah Jah, Jah Jah
Ohhh yeah-yeah-yeah

Like way down in Angola, oh yes
Fighting with Jah by our side Lord, ah-ha
Equal rights, that's what we must get, oooohhhh
That's what we all been fighting for, ahhhh

Jah lead us, Jah lead us to righteousness, I'm telling you
Jah lead us, Jah lead us to the promised land

Overall Meaning

In "Lead Us Jah Jah," Barry Brown seeks divine guidance to overcome the oppression faced by black people who were enslaved in Egypt. He recalls how the Pharaoh and his people refused to let them go until Jah sent His son to free the black people from bondage. Brown then asks Jah to lead them to the promised land, that is, a place where they would be free and experience righteousness. He also acknowledges the struggles they face, such as the fighting in Angola, and emphasizes the importance of equal rights, which they have been fighting to attain.

This song is a plea for guidance and empowerment amidst struggles for freedom and equality. The use of biblical references and Rastafarian language highlights the role of faith and Jah in the fight for liberation. The song encourages listeners to remain strong in the face of adversity and to trust in Jah's guidance towards the promised land.

Line by Line Meaning

Lead us, lead us, lead us Jah-ahh, Jah Jah
Asking Jah to guide and protect us.

Remember in Egypt, we were in bondage, ah-ha
Recall being oppressed and enslaved in Egypt.

Pharoah and his people would not let us go Lord, oh no
Pharoah and his supporters were preventing us from gaining freedom.

Jah sent His Son to free black people, oh yes
God came to the world and liberated black people from slavery.

Freedom out of bondage
Being released from confinement and being free.

Jah lead us, Jah lead us to the promised land, oh yes
Asking God to guide us to the land that was promised to us.

Jah lead us, Jah lead us to righteousness, ah-ha
Instructing God to show us the right path and inspire us to do good.

Jah lead us, Jah lead us to our own land, oh yes
Asking God to take us to the land that has been waiting for us.

Like way down in Angola, Fighting with Jah by our side
Fighting for a righteous cause while being inspired by God.

Equal rights, that's what we must get Lord, I'm telling you
Advocating for equal rights for all human beings.

That's what we all been fighting for
Describing the just cause we have been struggling to achieve.