Musically, the group were influenced by trip-hop, ambient music, and French electronic groups such as Air. However, the lyrics to these lush and romantic melodies are frequently bleak, ironic or sarcastic.
Uptown Top Ranking
Black Box Recorder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dem check sey we hip and ting,
True them no know and ting,
We have them going and ting,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
See me pon the road I hear you call out to me,
See mi in a 'alter back,
Sey mi gi' you heart attack,
Gimme likkle bass, make me wine up me waist,
Uptown Top Ranking,
See mi in mi Benz and ting,
Drivin' through Constant Spring,
Them check sey me come from cosmo spring,
But a true dem no know and ting,
Dem no know sey we top ranking,
Uptown Top Ranking,
Should of see me and the ranking dread,
Check how we jamming and ting,
Love is all I bring inna me khaki suit and ting,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
Watch how we chuck it and ting,
Inna we khaki suit and ting,
Love is all I bring inna me khaki suit and ting,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
Love inna you heart dis a bawl out fe me,
When you see me inna pants and ting,
See me inna 'alter back,
Sey me gi' you heart attack,
Gimme likkle bass, make me wine up me waist,
Uptown Top Ranking,
See mi pon the road and hear you call out to me,
True you see me in me pants and ting,
See me inna 'alter back,
Sey me gi' you heart attack,
Gimme likkle bass, make me wine up me waist,
Gimme likkle bass, make me wine up me waist,
Love is all I bring inna me khaki suit and ting,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
You shoulda see me and the ranking dread,
check how we jamming and ting,
Love is all I bring inna me khaki suit and ting,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots,
The song “Uptown Top Ranking” by Black Box Recorder is a reggae-infused song that is an ode to Jamaican culture, fashion, and music. The lyrics describe the singer’s appearance in high heels and pants or khaki suits, and her lovers’ admiration for her style. The phrase “Uptown Top Ranking” itself is slang for being the best or the top, representing the singer’s self-confidence in her roots and cultural heritage. The lyrics also talk about the misconceptions of others about the singer’s background, but she is content in knowing her true roots and sticking to her strictly roots style of music. The singer seems to be calling out to her lover to appreciate her unique style and music taste, and to join in on the “jamming and ting” of reggae music.
Overall, the song is a celebration of the singer’s heritage and roots, and a refusal to conform to societal expectations of style and music. The lyrics show that the singer is proud of her cultural heritage and confident in her personal style.
Line by Line Meaning
See me in me heels and ting
Notice how I appear to be sophisticated and refined, wearing heels and other fashionable items.
Dem check sey we hip and ting
People assume that we are modern and cool because of our appearance and demeanor.
True them no know and ting
However, these presumptions are based purely on surface-level observations and lack a deeper understanding of who we really are.
We have them going and ting
Despite this, we still manage to captivate and impress others with our unique style and personality.
Nah pop no style, a strictly roots
We prefer to stay true to our roots and maintain a sense of authenticity rather than conform to societal expectations.
See me pon the road I hear you call out to me
As I walk down the street, you recognize me and call out to get my attention.
True you see mi inna pants and ting
Your attraction and interest in me is likely due to my fashionable clothing choices.
See mi in a 'alter back
You also notice that I have a unique and distinctive appearance, wearing clothing and accessories that you may not be familiar with.
Sey mi gi' you heart attack
My stunning looks and overall presence may have a powerful and overwhelming effect on you.
Gimme likkle bass, make me wine up me waist
Play some music with a strong, deep bass sound so I can dance and move my body in a rhythmic way.
Uptown Top Ranking
I am a high-status individual with a powerful presence and a unique appearance that sets me apart from others.
See mi in mi Benz and ting
I often drive around in a high-end luxury car, signaling my status and wealth to others.
Drivin' through Constant Spring
I frequently travel through a wealthy and prestigious part of town, which only reinforces my high status.
Them check sey me come from cosmo spring
Others may mistakenly assume that I come from a specific high-class neighborhood, further adding to my allure.
But a true dem no know and ting
In reality, this assumption is not accurate and others do not truly understand where I come from or who I really am.
Dem no know sey we top ranking
Despite this, I am still widely regarded as a high-status individual with a powerful presence that sets me apart from others.
Should of see me and the ranking dread
You should see how I look alongside another high-status individual who is also recognized for their distinctive and powerful presence.
Check how we jamming and ting
We are both confidently expressing ourselves and enjoying the moment, drawing attention from those around us.
Love is all I bring inna me khaki suit and ting
Despite my unique and powerful appearance, I am still capable of showing love and affection towards others.
Watch how we chuck it and ting
Observe how we confidently strut and move our bodies, expressing ourselves in a way that captivates and impresses others.
Love inna you heart dis a bawl out fe me
You may find yourself feeling deeply attracted and enamored by my unique and powerful presence and the way I express myself through fashion and movement.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALTHEA FORREST, DONNA MARIE REID, Errol Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
elricessa
Such a cool delievery and vocal - so "urban"! No pop, but loads of style - strictly roots!
Joe Rong
A great song is a great song is a great song - and this is a great version. Strangely frantic for all its lethargic delivery.
lorniepornie
I've wanted this for ages! It rules!
bob
This is one of my favourite Portishead songs
NickJG
Genius.
thatvinguy
Gimme little bass, let me wind up my waist. Love is all I bring.
Sausage Finger
Beautiful.... Just done me X
Edinaldo Beserra da silva
Ediblack 😎 olha só que maravilha de belas cordas vocais lapidada pôr um só mestre chamado Deus eu amo vocês meus tudo agora pensando bem silêncio mistério bora curtir a naise aí Jesus aí meu Deus me abana senhor kkkkkkkk bjs 😘 fui
SoulStylistJukeBox
@MOONST0MP Thanks for your thoughtful input.
MrMikeyBikey
someone already had this idea, it was called The Flying Lizards