The first line-up of the group was Garth Dennis, Don Carlos, and Derrick "Duckie" Simpson. The group has undergone several lineup changes: Carlos left, replaced by Michael Rose; then Dennis left to play with The Wailing Souls, and was replaced by Errol Nelson. During this early period, the band's most famous recording is the album entitled Love Crisis, later rereleased as Black Sounds Of Freedom. In 1979 the group was joined by Sandra "Puma" Jones, a social worker from North Carolina, USA. Under this lineup, (Rose, Simpson and Jones), with Sly & Robbie as producers (and also permanently employed on drum and bass), they released the band's most popular albums: Sinsemilla, Red, Chill Out, and the Grammy-winning Anthem¹, as well as others. During this period, Black Uhuru became one of the most popular reggae groups in the world, regularly touring with the likes of The Police and The Rolling Stones. Live 1984 (a concert at the Rockpalast in Germany, but was actually recorded on October 18, 1981) captures the band at the height of its powers.
After Rose went solo in 1985, Junior Reid joined for a few records and also left; Puma Jones left in 1987 (and died of cancer three years later, in 1990). In 1990, Simpson reunited with Dennis and Carlos in the original line-up of the group. They recorded several albums and toured extensively. By the end of the 90's, Dennis and Carlos left the band and fought a legal battle against Simpson over the name Black Uhuru. Simpson won the lawsuit and formed yet another incarnation of Black Uhuru with Andrew Bees as lead singer. Only one album, Dynasty, was released before Bees left the group.
In February 2004, it was announced in the Jamaican press that Simpson and Michael Rose had re-united under the name "Black Uhuru feat. Michael Rose". Together with a female backing singer named Kay Starr, they released a single, "Dollars" and performed at several concerts including "Western Consciousness 2004" on April 28 in Jamaica, of which a live video was released shortly thereafter. A new album has been reported to be in progress.
== Discography ==
'Group: Derrick "Duckie" Simpson, Michael Rose, Errol "Tarzan" Nelson'
*1977 - 'Love Crisis'
*1981 - 'Black Sounds of Freedom' ("Love Crisis" reedition)
'Group: Derrick "Duckie" Simpson, Michael Rose, Sandra "Puma" Jones'
*1979 - 'Showcase'
*1980 - 'Black Uhuru'
*1980 - 'Sinsemilia'
*1981 - 'Red'
*1982 - 'Chill Out'
*1983 - 'Guess Who's Coming To Dinner' ("Black Uhuru" reedition)
*1983 - 'Anthem'
'Group: Derrick Simpson, Delroy "Junior" Reid, Sandra "Puma" Jones'
*1986 - 'Brutal'
*1987 - 'Positive' (Puma Jones replaced Olafunke)
'Group: Derrick "Duckie" Simpson, Garth Dennis, Don Carlos'
*1990 - 'Now'
*1991 - 'Iron Storm'
*1993 - 'Mystical truth'
*1994 - 'Strongg'
'Group: Derrick "Duckie" Simpson, Jenifah Nyah, Andrew Bees'
*1998 - 'Unification'
*2001 - 'Dynasty'
'Live / Dub albums:'
*1982 - 'Uhuru in Dub'
*1982 - 'Tear It Up - Live' (album and video)
*1983 - 'The Dub Factor'
*1986 - 'Brutal Dub'
*1987 - 'The Positive Dub'
*1988 - 'Live'
*1988 - 'Live In New York City'
*1990 - 'Now Dub'
*1990 - 'Love Dub' ("Uhuru In Dub" reedition)
*1992 - 'Iron Storm Dub'
*1993 - 'Mystical Truth Dub'
*1994 - 'Strongg Dubb'
*2000 - 'Live 1984'
*2001 - 'In Dub'
*2001 – 'Dubbin'It Live' (summer 2001, at Paléo Festival)
Somebody
Black Uhuru Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Witty, witty, witty as you can be
Blind 'cause your eyes see only glitter
Closed to the things that make you free
Ever stop to think about a downfall
Happens at the end of every line
Just when you think you've pulled a fast one
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Games are to played with toys etcetera
Love is to be made when you're for real
Ups and downs are caused by life in general
Some are yours no matter how you feel
Shady as a lady in a mustache
Feelings camouflaged by groans and grins
Secrets have a special way about them
Moving to and fro among your friends
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Live it up today if you want to
Live it down tomorrow afternoon
Sunday school don't make you cool forever
Neither does the silver of your spoon
The nicer the nice, the higher the price
This is what you pay for what you need
The higher the price, the nicer the nice
Jealous people like to see you bleed
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
Somebody?s watching you
The lyrics of Black Uhuru's "Somebody's Watching You" describe a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism, superficiality, and self-absorption. The opening lines highlight the shallow nature of the singer, who is "pretty as a picture" and "witty as you can be," but "blind" to the things that truly matter in life. The verses continue to describe the pitfalls of this approach to life, warning that a "downfall" is always just around the corner, waiting for those who fail to see beyond the glitter.
The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the song's ominous message that "somebody's watching you," suggesting a sense of paranoia and unease. The lyrics suggest that this watcher may be a symbol of the singer's subconscious, or perhaps a higher power that is trying to guide them towards a more meaningful existence.
The middle of the song offers some advice, encouraging listeners to focus on the important things in life like love and relationships, as opposed to chasing after status symbols or material goods. The final verses bring everything together, warning that jealousy and greed can cause pain and suffering, and that ultimately, every action has its consequences.
Overall, the song offers a powerful commentary on the dangers of superficiality and the importance of being mindful of one's actions and priorities.
Line by Line Meaning
Pretty, pretty, pretty as a picture
You may be physically attractive
Witty, witty, witty as you can be
You may have a sharp mind
Blind 'cause your eyes see only glitter
You may only see materialistic things
Closed to the things that make you free
You may not realize the true meaning of freedom
Ever stop to think about a downfall
Have you ever considered the possibility of failing?
Happens at the end of every line
Failure is inevitable
Just when you think you've pulled a fast one
Even when you think you've succeeded, you may not have
Happens to the foolish all the time
Foolish people often fail
Somebody?s watching you
Someone is observing your every move
Games are to played with toys etcetera
Games are meant to be simple and fun
Love is to be made when you're for real
True love is made when you are genuine and sincere
Ups and downs are caused by life in general
Life has its ups and downs
Some are yours no matter how you feel
Some things are simply out of your control
Shady as a lady in a mustache
You may be hiding something
Feelings camouflaged by groans and grins
Your true feelings may be disguised by your actions
Secrets have a special way about them
Secrets tend to spread quickly
Moving to and fro among your friends
Your secrets may be circulating among your friends
Live it up today if you want to
You may enjoy life today
Live it down tomorrow afternoon
You may regret your actions tomorrow
Sunday school don't make you cool forever
Your past achievements do not guarantee future success
Neither does the silver of your spoon
Your wealth does not guarantee happiness
The nicer the nice, the higher the price
The more you seek perfection, the harder it becomes to achieve
This is what you pay for what you need
Perfection comes at a cost
Jealous people like to see you bleed
People may take pleasure in your failings
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SYLVESTER STEWART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
IntoTheFray
Even though she is not in this song, Puma Jones is absolutely amazing.
worries trouble
Yeah u can tell a little spark or sumthn is missing without her great back up vocals...
Andrew Price
One the Greatest Reggae Bands in History
Omar Lewis
I like this wonderful vintage music very much,it reminds me of my child days 😇🙏🏾😀💖🇯🇲🎼🎵🎶🎹🎷🎺🎸🎻🥁🎤🎚️🎛️🎙️📻
Lilhomie G
Such a beautiful beat
M.Ramone
2.47--3.08 is sooo awesome total sample
DREDWHITEHEAD
ONE OF SLY STONES BEST WORKS /LIL SISTER\ I LOVE THIS TUNE
Laura Lee
The Riddum Twins with The Glimmer Twins....Nice photo collection. Brings back good memories of The Mighty Black Uhuru. !!!
Liz Hill
never forget this one. Totally cool.
Skellion Ming
All I can say is beautiful music like the the the.sun