As a youngster, Buju would often watch his favourite artists perform at outdoor shows and local dancehalls. At the tender age of 13 he picked up the microphone for himself and began toasting under the monicker of "Gargamel". His first single, "The Ruler" was released not long afterwards in 1987 under the production of Robert French at Penthouse Studios.
In 1991, Buju joined Donovan Germain's Penthouse Label and began a fruitful partnership with producer Dave Kelly. Buju is one of the most popular musicians in Jamaican history, having burst onto the charts there suddenly in 1992, with "Bogle" and "Love Me Browning/Love Black Woman", both massive hits in Jamaica. Controversy erupted over Love Me Browning which spoke of Banton's preference for light-skinned women: "Mi love mi car mi love mi house mi love mi money and ting, but most of all mi love mi browning." Some accused Banton of promoting a colonialist attitude and denigrating the beauty of black women. In response, he released "Black Woman" which spoke of his love for dark-skinned beauties: "Stop cry, fi all black woman, respect all the gyals with dark complexion." 1992 was an explosive year for Buju as he broke the great Bob Marley's record for the greatest number of number one singles in a year. Beginning with "Man fi Dead", Buju's gruff voice dominated the Jamaican airwaves for the duration of the year. Banton's debut album, Mr. Mention, includes his greatest hits from that year.
1992 was also the year in which the controversy over Buju's homophobic "Boom Bye Bye" exploded. The media in Great Britain picked up on Buju's less than admirable promotion of violence against homosexuals. Myrie, who had recently signed with Mercury records, refused to back down from his stance against homosexuals, claiming his religious beliefs prevented him from accepting homosexuality. Banton downplayed the violent content of his song, claiming that it was metaphorical. Gay Rights groups campaigned against Buju as well as Shabba Ranks who, when asked about the controversy on the British show The Word, stated, "God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." Shabba later apologized, but Buju refused to back down which drew the ire of various homosexual advocacy groups who continue to campaign against him.
Banton released the hard-hitting Voice of Jamaica in 1993. The album included a number of conscious tracks. These tracks included "Deportees" a song which criticized those Jamaicans who went abroad but never sent money home, a remix of Little Roy's "Tribal War", a sharp condemnation of political violence, and "Willy, Don't Be Silly" which promoted condom use. The conscious spin of this disc did little to stop the attacks of gay rights groups who felt that his continued performance of "Boom Bye Bye" was a slap in their faces. Some dancehall fans felt that Banton could have exploded onto the American scene if his homophobic song hadn't held him back. Nevertheless, Buju was adopted by many new fans who appreciated his gravelly vocals and cared little about his homophobia.
Til Shiloh (1995) was a very influential album, using a studio band instead of synthesized music, and marking a slight shift away from dancehall towards roots reggae for Banton. Buju turned Rasta and his new album reflected his new beliefs. Til Shiloh is one of the greatest dancehall albums of all time and successfully blended conscious lyrics with a hard-hitting dancehall vibe. The album included a single called "Murderer" which condemned the violence in Jamaican dancehall music, inspired by the murders of dancehall musicians Panhead and Dirtsman. The song inspired several clubs to stop playing songs with excessively violent subject matter. This conscious album had a large impact on dancehall music and showed the hunger the dancehall massive had for conscious lyrics. Dancehall music did not move away from slack and violent lyrics, but the album did pave the way for a greater spirituality within the music.
Inna Heights (1997) substantially increased Banton's international audience as Buju explored his singing ability and recorded a number of roots-tinged tracks. Banton covered The Silvertones' "Destiny" and recorded songs with such artists as Beres Hammond and the legendary Toots Hibbert. The album was well-received but had distribution problems. Also, some fans were disappointed, having hoped for another ground-breaking album like "Til Shiloh." Still, Buju's experimentation and soaring vocals impressed many fans and this album remains a highly regarded work.
In 1998, Buju met the punk band Rancid and recorded two tracks with them: "Misty Days" and "Life Won't Wait." The latter became the title track of Rancid's 1999 album, Life Won't Wait. Subsequently, Buju signed with Rancid's eclectic Anti, a subsidiary of Epitaph and released Unchained Spirit in 2000.
In March 2003 he released Friends for Life, which featured more sharply political songs, including "Mr. Nine", an anti-gun song that further verified his status as one of reggae's most anti-confrontational artists.
Banton's 2006 album Too Bad got him nominated for a second Grammy but despite the album's brilliance and artistic excellence "Too Bad" did not garner the award. "Too Bad" brings us back to the Buju of the nineties with his rough phenomenal voice backed by hypnotic beats and conscious lyrics that seem to stay on repeat in your head. "Too Bad" is a complete listen from start to finish and is an extra success because the Gargamel executive produced the album on his own label.
On April 21, 2009, Buju released the often delayed album Rasta Got Soul. This is Banton's ninth album and features the hit single Magic City. This release sees Buju returning to roots and culture reggae. The album received a Grammy nomination in the Best Reggae Album category.
As of December 2009, Buju allegedly attempted to buy cocaine from an undercover officer in Miami and faces up to life in prison if convicted. The trial of Banton began on September 20, 2010 in Tampa, Florida.
Hills & Valleys
Buju Banton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute, they don't like you
Verse 1:
Why try to make I unhappy
Really I don't know
If it was up to them my friend
We would never see the sun nor the snow
Through that mystical communication within
We keep on coming together
I love to see brothers and sisters
Looking out for one another
That's the way it should be
Not contrary, stop tearing down each other
Only Rasta free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute that they are with you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
Verse 2:
Hard drugs won't do
You're just behaving like they want you to (yeah)
Arrogance is much different from ignorance
And I know you feel the same way too
Many live this life without having a clue
No reason why they are so sad and blue
Places to go so much things to do
Not a moment to reflect on the cycle of life (yeah)
A who free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute, they don't like you
It hard, it hard, it hard (yeah)
Mek them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (let them know)
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (let them know)
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (oh god)
We waan go home
Only Rasta free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute, they don't like you
Repeat Verse 1
A who free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute, they don't like you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute, they don't like you
Buju Banton's song Hills And Valleys is a powerful rallying cry for people to come together and rise above the challenges that they face. The lyrics capture the essence of the Rastafarian movement, which strives for freedom and equality for all people. In the song, Banton declares that only Rasta can free the people and that they will not be fooled by those who claim to be with them but do not actually support their cause. The hills and valleys metaphor represent the ups and downs of life, and how it is only by working together and supporting each other that we can overcome these obstacles.
The verses of the song speak to a number of issues that are relevant today. The first verse speaks to the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood, and how we should all look out for one another. It also highlights the destructive nature of tearing each other down, and how we should work to build each other up instead.
The second verse speaks to the dangers of drugs and the importance of living a reflective life. It calls on us to recognize the cycles of life and to make the most of the time we have. The repeated chorus emphasizes the message of unity and the desire to return home, where people can be free and live in peace.
Overall, Hills and Valleys is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles and aspirations of people all over the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Only Rasta can liberate the people
Only followers of Rastafarianism can free the people from oppression and injustice.
Over hills and valleys too
This struggle for freedom takes place everywhere, no matter the location or terrain.
Don't let them fool you
Don't be deceived by false promises or flattery.
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
People who claim to support you may turn against you when it suits them.
Jah free the people
Only Jah, a Rastafarian term for God, can truly free the people.
Why try to make I unhappy
Why do some people seek to cause conflict and bring down others?
Really I don't know
I am confused by people who act against their own interests and those of their community.
If it was up to them my friend
People who seek to cause harm would not allow us to enjoy the basic pleasures of life.
We would never see the sun nor the snow
These destructive people would deprive us of the beauty and richness of nature.
Through that mystical communication within
By relying on spiritual connections, we can find strength and support.
We keep on coming together
We find unity and solidarity, despite efforts to divide us.
I love to see brothers and sisters
I find joy in seeing people united, regardless of cultural or racial differences.
Looking out for one another
We must support and protect each other against those who seek to harm us.
That's the way it should be
This is the ideal way for us to live and thrive.
Not contrary, stop tearing down each other
We should not work against our own interests by attacking or harming each other.
Hard drugs won't do
Drug use will not bring happiness or fulfillment.
You're just behaving like they want you to (yeah)
Drug use and other destructive behaviors often play into the hands of those who seek to oppress us.
Arrogance is much different from ignorance
Being self-important is different from lacking knowledge or understanding.
And I know you feel the same way too
I believe you share this perspective as well.
Many live this life without having a clue
Many people go through life without understanding the importance of unity and fighting against oppression.
No reason why they are so sad and blue
Their lack of understanding and unity is a source of sadness and despair.
Places to go so much things to do
We have many objectives and activities to pursue in life.
Not a moment to reflect on the cycle of life (yeah)
Despite all these activities, we often fail to reflect on the bigger picture and our place in the world.
Mek them know we waan go home a we yard
Let those who oppress us know that we want to return to our homes and communities.
We waan go home
We want to return to our roots, traditions and the familiar.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: DONOVAN GERMAIN, MARK ANTHONY MYRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zeyeee5055
[Hook]
Only Rasta can liberate the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute, they don't like you
[Verse 1:]
Why try to make I unhappy
Really I don't know
If it was up to them my friend
We would never see the sun nor the snow
Through that mystical communication within
We keep on coming together
I love to see brothers and sisters
Looking out for one another
That's the way it should be
Not contrary, stop tearing down each other
[Hook]
[Verse 2:]
Hard drugs won't do
You're just behaving like they want you to
Arrogance is much different from ignorance
And I know you feel the same way too
Many live this life without having a clue
No reason why they are so sad and blue
Places to go so much things to do
Not a moment to reflect on the cycle of life
[Hook]
[Bridge]
It hard, it hard, it hard (yeah)
Mek them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (let them know)
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (let them know)
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (oh god)
We waan go home
[Hook]
[Repeat Verse 1]
[Hook]
@ARSENALFAN-tq2uh
I've walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowestplace
And I have held the blessings
God, you give and take away
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
I've watched my dreams get broken
In you I hope again!
No matter what I know
Know I'm safe inside Your hand
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
Father, you give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all you will remain
Over it all!
Father, you give and take away
Every joy and every pain
Through it all you will remain
Over it all!
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the one who set me there (to the one who set me there)
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain aft, didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
You're God of the hills and valleys!
Hills and Valleys!
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone!
And I will choose to say "Blessed be Your name, yeah, yeah"
And I am not alone
BUJU BANTON HILLS AND VALLEY
@jessegarza2614
Only Rasta can liberate the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute, they don't like you
[Verse 1:]
Why try to make I unhappy
Really I don't know
If it was up to them my friend
We would never see the sun nor the snow
Through that mystical communication within
We keep on coming together
I love to see brothers and sisters
Looking out for one another
That's the way it should be
Not contrary, stop tearing down each other
Only Rasta free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute that they are with you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
[Verse 2:]
Hard drugs won't do
You're just behaving like they want you to (yeah)
Arrogance is much different from ignorance
And I know you feel the same way too
Many live this life without having a clue
No reason why they are so sad and blue
Places to go so much things to do
Not a moment to reflect on the cycle of life (yeah)
A who free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute, they don't like you
It hard, it hard, it hard (yeah)
Mek them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (let them know)
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (let them know)
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (oh god)
We waan go home
Only Rasta free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute, they don't like you
[Repeat Verse 1]
A who free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute, they don't like you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe one minute, they don't like you
@MsAshhole69
40 people were so high they accidentally hit the thumbs down!! crazy!!
@georgeapuri9196
MsAshhole69 they actualy tot it means DIS I LYK
@Strictlydibes1
George Apuri LOL!
@elodie2222
+MsAshhole69 You can't be high and act like that, they were drunk, period. lol
@miguelgechemwas1543
+MsAshhole69 if they were high they would have heard the message.
@malojamal3038
MsAshhole69 rasta thought it was ' dis I like '
@zeyeee5055
[Hook]
Only Rasta can liberate the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't believe for a minute, they don't like you
[Verse 1:]
Why try to make I unhappy
Really I don't know
If it was up to them my friend
We would never see the sun nor the snow
Through that mystical communication within
We keep on coming together
I love to see brothers and sisters
Looking out for one another
That's the way it should be
Not contrary, stop tearing down each other
[Hook]
[Verse 2:]
Hard drugs won't do
You're just behaving like they want you to
Arrogance is much different from ignorance
And I know you feel the same way too
Many live this life without having a clue
No reason why they are so sad and blue
Places to go so much things to do
Not a moment to reflect on the cycle of life
[Hook]
[Bridge]
It hard, it hard, it hard (yeah)
Mek them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (let them know)
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (let them know)
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
It hard, it hard, it hard (oh god)
We waan go home
[Hook]
[Repeat Verse 1]
[Hook]
@damiscakerns2512
Bless up
@makhtalbile1630
Tnx Man
@makhtalbile1630
Tnx Man