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.
Not An Easy Road
Buju Banton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then afterwards, they mistake it, chro
I'll be here for sure, don't worry
And mi say my, my, my m-my
It's not an easy road
And many see the glamour and the glitter so them think a bed of rose, mi say
Who feels it knows, ooh
I cry!
It's not an easy road
And many see the glamour and the glitter so them think a bed of rose, mi say
Who feels it knows, ooh
Lord help me sustain
From the minute of birth, you enter this earth
Obstacles deh inna your way to overcome first
Throughout everyday they seem to get worse
Oh my God, cast away this curse!
Everybody ah try fi make every end meet
Through every way they endeavor
Lord God you see it
No matter what the world may say out ah street
Must affi survive, won't accept defeat
Now I'm weary, tired and dreary
Got no time to waste
You better know that
It's not an easy road
And many see the glamour and the glitter so them think a bed of rose, mi say
Who feels it knows, ooh
Lord help me sustain these blows
I cry!
It's not an easy road
And many see the glamour and the glitter so them think a bed of rose, mi say
Who feels it knows, ooh
Lord help me sustain these blows
While you rise to see the sun
Who you love a pull you down
Trying to discredit the works you have done
Some can't satisfy with the past of ally
From the Scribes and Pharisees
You've got to stay wide
Hold up me head glancing on both side
A wait, anticipate, pray fi you to slide
Righteousness prevail if Jah by my side
Deliver Jonah from the whale
No leave him to die
Help us all Abbabajoni
Hold up my head and cry
I tell you now
It's not an easy road, oh no
It's not an easy road, oh no
I've been travelling morning
With such a heavy load
Now it's noon and I cannot afford
To put down that burden 'longside the road
Oh, I've got to hold it
I got to humble myself like a child
Upon my face I've the got to put on a smile
Make up my mind just to walk more miles
Oh God I've got to, I've got to, because I know that
It's not an easy road
And many see the glamour and the glitter so them think a bed of rose, mi say
Who feels it knows, ooh
Lord help me sustain these blows
Hot foot
It's not an easy road
And many see the glamour and the glitter so them think a bed of rose, mi say
Who feels it knows, ooh
Lord help me sustain these blows
From the minute of birth, you enter this earth
Obstacles deh inna your way to overcome first
Throughout everyday they seem to get worse
Oh my God, cast away this curse!
Everybody ah try fi make every end meet
Through every way they endeavor
Lord God you see it
The lyrics to Buju Banton's song "Not An Easy Road" are about the difficulties and obstacles that one faces throughout life. The opening lines speak to Buju's personal journey, stating that he never thought he would make it, but after overcoming obstacles many people mistook his success for an easy path. The chorus emphasizes that life is not a bed of roses, despite the glamour and glitter that some may see, and those who have experienced hardship understand this reality. Buju asks for divine help to sustain the blows and obstacles that come his way.
The verses speak more to societal challenges that many people experience, from the difficulties of making ends meet to dealing with people who try to pull you down. Buju uses religious references to both ask for help and express hope, saying that righteousness will prevail with Jah by his side, and asking for help from Abbabajoni. The song ends with a sense of determination and perseverance, acknowledging that life is not easy but that one must continue to move forward with a smile and walk more miles.
Line by Line Meaning
I never thought I would've made it
I never believed in myself to make it through
Then afterwards, they mistake it, chro
But then people overlook my struggles and discredit my success
I'll be here for sure, don't worry
Nevertheless, I will persevere and remain strong
And mi say my, my, my m-my
And I express my deep emotions through my music
It's not an easy road
Life is tough and filled with obstacles
And many see the glamour and the glitter so them think a bed of rose, mi say
People are deceived by appearances and assume life is easy for others
Who feels it knows, ooh
However, those who go through the struggles know the reality
Lord help me sustain these blows
And I pray for strength to withstand these hardships
I cry!
I express my sadness and pain
From the minute of birth, you enter this earth
Life is hard from the very beginning
Obstacles deh inna your way to overcome first
And we face challenges that we must overcome
Throughout everyday they seem to get worse
And these challenges only seem to increase with time
Oh my God, cast away this curse!
I pray to God to remove these difficulties from my life
Everybody ah try fi make every end meet
Everyone is struggling to make ends meet
Through every way they endeavor
And they work hard to achieve their goals
Lord God you see it
God knows the struggles we go through
No matter what the world may say out ah street
Regardless of what others say or think about us
Must affi survive, won't accept defeat
We must survive and refuse to give up
Now I'm weary, tired and dreary
I am exhausted, fatigued, and drained
Got no time to waste
I cannot afford to waste time
While you rise to see the sun
While some people are successful and thriving
Who you love a pull you down
There are others who try to bring us down
Trying to discredit the works you have done
And they may try to diminish our accomplishments
Some can't satisfy with the past of ally
And some people cannot be pleased or satisfied
From the Scribes and Pharisees
Referencing the religious authorities who criticized Jesus
You've got to stay wide
We must stay alert and aware
Hold up me head glancing on both side
We must stay vigilant and cautious of our surroundings
A wait, anticipate, pray fi you to slide
And we must wait, anticipate, and pray for opportunities
Righteousness prevail if Jah by my side
If I have God on my side, righteousness will prevail
Deliver Jonah from the whale
Referencing the biblical story of Jonah being rescued from a whale
No leave him to die
And we must not give up or abandon hope
Help us all Abbabajoni
I pray to God for guidance and strength
Hold up my head and cry
And I express my emotions through tears
I've been travelling morning
I have been enduring hardships for a long time
With such a heavy load
And carrying a heavy burden
Now it's noon and I cannot afford
And I cannot take a break now
To put down that burden 'longside the road
I cannot simply abandon my struggles
Oh, I've got to hold it
I must continue to endure and persevere
I got to humble myself like a child
And I must stay humble and meek
Upon my face I've the got to put on a smile
And I must stay positive and optimistic
Make up my mind just to walk more miles
And I must commit to carrying on despite the challenges
Hot foot
I am determined and motivated to continue
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK ANTHONY MYRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@phillipsmith2904
It's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain these blows
I cry: it's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain
From the minute of birth you enter this earth
Obstacles inna your way to overcome first
Throughout every day, they seem to get worse
Oh my God, cast away this curse
Everybody a try fi make every end meet
Through every way they endeavor, Lord God you see it
No matter what the world may say on the street
Must haffi survive, won't accept defeat
Now I'm weary, tired and dreary
Got no time to waste, you better know now
It's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain these blows
I cry: it's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain
By you rise to see the sun who you love to pull you down
Trying to discredit the works you have done
Some can't satisfy with the post of ally
From the Scribes and Pharisees, you've got to stay wide
Hold up your head glancin' at both side
Waiting anticipatin' prayin' for you to slide
Righteousness prevails if Jah by my side
Deliver Jonah from the whale, never leave him to die
Help us all, Ababa Joni
Hold up my head and cry, I tell you now
It's not an easy road!
Oh no, it's not an easy road, haffi tell you
It's not an easy road!
Oh no, it's not an easy road
I've been travellin' morning with such a heavy load
Now it's noon and I cannot afford
To put down my burden alongside the road
Oh, I've got to hold it
I've got to humble myself like a child
Upon me face I've the got to put on a smile
Make up my mind just to walk more mile
Oh God, I've got to, I've got to, because I know that
It's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain these blows
Once more: it's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain
From the minute of birth you enter this earth
Obstacles inna your way to overcome first
Throughout every day, they seem to get worse
Oh my God, cast away this curse
Everybody a try fi make every end meet
Through every way they endeavor, Lord God you see it..
@nerissa117
If you are ever down, having a hard time in life.... this song that will pull you through. Positive vibrations one love Buju
@playterwinston254
Yes
@user-bi6ve4mm5x
True
@mariagordon1199
@@playterwinston254the Red😅
@trinibarbie2161
2022 and this entire body of work is still a absolute masterpiece
@kimgomez6615
@Joyce Goredema þ
@tammiehiggs9014
Today i still vibe with this talented man! This particular song lifts my spirits!!!!!
Thank you Buju! You are FABULOUS!
@phillipsmith2904
It's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain these blows
I cry: it's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain
From the minute of birth you enter this earth
Obstacles inna your way to overcome first
Throughout every day, they seem to get worse
Oh my God, cast away this curse
Everybody a try fi make every end meet
Through every way they endeavor, Lord God you see it
No matter what the world may say on the street
Must haffi survive, won't accept defeat
Now I'm weary, tired and dreary
Got no time to waste, you better know now
It's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain these blows
I cry: it's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain
By you rise to see the sun who you love to pull you down
Trying to discredit the works you have done
Some can't satisfy with the post of ally
From the Scribes and Pharisees, you've got to stay wide
Hold up your head glancin' at both side
Waiting anticipatin' prayin' for you to slide
Righteousness prevails if Jah by my side
Deliver Jonah from the whale, never leave him to die
Help us all, Ababa Joni
Hold up my head and cry, I tell you now
It's not an easy road!
Oh no, it's not an easy road, haffi tell you
It's not an easy road!
Oh no, it's not an easy road
I've been travellin' morning with such a heavy load
Now it's noon and I cannot afford
To put down my burden alongside the road
Oh, I've got to hold it
I've got to humble myself like a child
Upon me face I've the got to put on a smile
Make up my mind just to walk more mile
Oh God, I've got to, I've got to, because I know that
It's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain these blows
Once more: it's not an easy road!
A-many see the glamour and the glitter
So them think a bed of rose, me say
Who feels it knows, (who-who-who)
Lord help me sustain
From the minute of birth you enter this earth
Obstacles inna your way to overcome first
Throughout every day, they seem to get worse
Oh my God, cast away this curse
Everybody a try fi make every end meet
Through every way they endeavor, Lord God you see it..
@k-lashnikova0078
Thanks for the lyrics, very profound song
@araisininthesun5958
Thank you for sharing the lyrics 🙏🏿