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 and Valley
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
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 comin' together
I love to see brothers and sisters
Lookin' out for one another
That's the way it should be
Not contrary, stop tearin' 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
Hard drugs won't do
You're just behavin' like they want you to, yeah
I said, "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
Oh 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
Make 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, hey ya
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 for a minute, that they are with you
Jah free the people
Those over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't they believe one minute, they don't like you
Why try to make I unhappy?
Du, du, du, du, 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 comin' together
And I love to see brothers and sisters
Lookin' out for one another
That is the way it should be
Not contrary, stop tearin' down each other
Look around, oh 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
Jah free the people
Over hills and valleys too
Don't let them fool you
Don't they believe one minute, they don't like you
The opening phrase of Buju Banton's "Hills and Valley" song declares that only Rastafarians can liberate the people. He urges listeners not to be deceived or believe that those in power are on their side. Jah, a term for God in the Rastafarian faith, is called upon to free the people. Buju Banton uses the metaphor of hills and valleys to represent the obstacles and challenges that people face in their lives; however, he emphasizes that this can be overcome by the unity and coming together of brothers and sisters. He advocates for individuals to look out for one another and not tear each other down.
The lyrics touch on the dangers of drug addiction and how it can make individuals behave as others want them to. Banton expresses that ignorance and arrogance are two distinct things, and listeners will be able to relate to this. The song touches on the theme of reflection, as Banton believes that many individuals don't take a moment to ponder the cycle of life, and do not know why they feel sad and blue. The closing phrase of the refrain reiterates the call to free the people, with Jah as the solution to the obstacles faced by individuals.
Overall, the song Hills and Valley is a call for unity and recognition that only through the uplifting of each other and the intervention of the divine can the people overcome the hurdles in their path.
Line by Line Meaning
Only Rasta can liberate the people
Only those who follow the Rastafarian philosophy can truly free the people from their struggles
Over hills and valleys too
This struggle and need for liberation is present no matter the geographic location
Don't let them fool you
Do not be deceived by those who claim to be on your side
Don't believe for a minute that they are with you
Do not trust those who do not have your best interest at heart, even if they claim to be your ally
Jah free the people
God will ultimately be the one to liberate the people
Why try to make I unhappy?
Why do people try to bring others down and cause them pain?
Really I don't know
The singer is acknowledging that they do not understand the motivations of those who cause harm
If it was up to them, my friend, we would never see the sun nor the snow
If those who cause harm had their way, life would be bleak and joyless
Through that mystical communication within
Through spiritual connection, we can find the strength to unite and overcome adversity
We keep on comin' together
Despite the challenges faced, people continue to unite and support one another
I love to see brothers and sisters
The singer is pleased and inspired by the sight of solidarity and support among people
Lookin' out for one another
People are taking care of each other and ensuring that everyone is safe and supported
That's the way it should be
The singer believes that this sense of community and support is how things should always be
Not contrary, stop tearin' down each other
Instead of working against each other, people should be united and lift each other up
Hard drugs won't do
Drug use is not the answer to the struggles faced by the people
You're just behavin' like they want you to, yeah
Drug use and other harmful behaviors are often perpetuated by those who seek to control and oppress others
Arrogance is much different from ignorance
Being confident and assertive is not the same as being ignorant and dismissive
And I know you feel the same way too
The singer believes that others share this sentiment
Many live this life without having a clue
Many people are unaware of the true nature of their existence and their potential for change
No reason why they are so sad and blue
People often experience suffering and despair without fully understanding the root cause
Places to go so much things to do
There is so much potential and possibility in the world, if we can only recognize it
Not a moment to reflect on the cycle of life, yeah
Despite the beauty and complexity of life, many people do not take the time to contemplate its meaning and purpose
It hard, it hard, it hard, yeah
The struggle for liberation and healing is difficult and challenging
Make them know we waan go home a we yard
The artist is calling for a return to their roots and true home
Let them know we waan go home a we yard
The singer is demanding recognition of their need for liberation and freedom
Look around, oh free the people
The singer is calling for all people to be liberated from their struggles and oppression
Don't they believe one minute, they don't like you
Do not trust those who claim to be your allies but do not have your best interests at heart
Writer(s): Donovan Germain, Mark Anthony Myrie
Contributed by Addison H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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