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.
how could you
Buju Banton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you live on illusion
And don't you ever try to live a dream
I sing
Buju say how could you rise up every living day
Telling yourself everything is OK
When you look at life you'll see it slipping away
Those why cry for the poor get neglected, rejected, put to death
How much more will we take?
Did you father work off his shirt, blood, sweat and tears
Don't tell me that you forgot
Being oppressed by the oppressors, all different types of stress
For the sorrows of the poor, they don't even care less
Refuse to deal with world atrocities, civil unrest
Instead they're building penitentiaries as big as a bird's nest
Saying we are to be blamed for whatever what mess
Buju say how could you rise up every living day
Telling your kids everything is OK
When you look at life you'll see it slipping away
Lord knows who feels it every moment every day
Some say, how are you doing? They want to know if we fine
Not until we reposes what's rightfully mine
Sitting down for so long we do believe it is time
Everyone is entitled to food at mealtime
'Til then, we'll struggle for rights, no more racial fights
Degradation to the highest heights
All obstacles as a people we have to cross
With health and strength we all can get across
Happenings of yesterday are just a thing of the past
How could you rise up every living day
Telling yourself most things is OK
When we look at life you'll see it slipping away
Lord knows who feels it every moment every day
Don't you cry little one, wipe your tears, sing my song
Though we're in a strange land with evil ones
Help the weak if you're strong, iron sharpens iron
When you're down take a look at where the help is coming from
What about the masterminds with the foolproof plans
What about the geniuses who achieve grade one
How could you rise up every living day
Telling we self everything is OK
When we look at life you'll see it slipping away
Lord knows who feels it every moment every day
Those why cry for the poor get neglected, rejected, put to death
How much more will we take?
Did you father work off his shirt, blood, sweat and tears
Don't tell me that you forgot
Being oppressed by the oppressors, all different types of stress
For the sorrows of the poor, they don't even care less
Refuse to deal with world atrocities, civil unrest
Instead they're building penitentiaries as big as a bird's nest
Saying we are to be blamed for whatever what mess
How could you rise up every living day
Telling yourself most things is OK
When you look at life it's all slipping away
Jah Jah knows who feels it every moment every day
Some say, how are you doing? They want to know if you're fine
Not until we reposes what's rightfully mine
Sitting down for so long we do believe it is time
Everyone is entitled to food at mealtime
'Til then, we'll struggle for rights, no more racial fights
Degradation to the highest heights
All obstacles as a people we have to cross
With health and strength we all can get across
Happenings of yesterday are just a thing of the past
How could you rise up every living day
Telling we self most things is OK
When we look at life you'll see it slipping away
Lord knows who cry every moment every day
In Buju Banton's song How Could You, he questions how people can go through life blindly ignoring the injustices and struggles faced by the less fortunate. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues instead of living in an illusion and telling oneself that everything is okay. He highlights the neglect and rejection faced by those who cry out for the poor while drawing attention to the oppression suffered by marginalized communities, as well as the lack of concern for global atrocities and civil unrest.
Buju emphasizes the importance of persistence and strength in the face of these challenges, urging listeners to help the weak, struggle for their rights, and cross all obstacles as a united people. He references the struggles of his own community and encourages them to take a look at where the help is coming from in difficult times. The lyrics are powerful, and Buju uses his music to call attention to systemic issues that need to be addressed for true equality and justice to be achieved.
Line by Line Meaning
It is real, as real as it seem
This is not a dream, it is reality.
Don't you live on illusion
Don't be deceived by false beliefs or perceptions.
And don't you ever try to live a dream
Don't ignore what's happening in reality and try to escape into a dream world.
Buju say how could you rise up every living day
Buju is asking how can you wake up every day and continue on without addressing the problems around you.
Telling yourself everything is OK
Ignoring the issues and pretending everything is fine.
When you look at life you'll see it slipping away
If you take a step back and look at the big picture, you'll see that time is running out and things are getting worse.
Lord knows who feels it every moment every day
Only God knows the pain and suffering that people experience every moment of every day.
How much more will we take?
When will we finally reach our limit and demand change?
Did you father work off his shirt, blood, sweat and tears
Did your father work tirelessly, with blood, sweat, and tears to provide for the family?
Don't tell me that you forgot
Don't forget the sacrifices made by those who came before us and fought for our rights.
Being oppressed by the oppressors, all different types of stress
Experiencing many kinds of pressure and discrimination from those in power.
For the sorrows of the poor, they don't even care less
The people in power don't care about the suffering of the poor.
Refuse to deal with world atrocities, civil unrest
Ignoring the issues of social injustice and unrest that are happening around the world.
Instead they're building penitentiaries as big as a bird's nest
They are spending resources to build more prisons rather than addressing the root causes of social problems.
Saying we are to be blamed for whatever what mess
Blaming the people who are struggling for the problems that exist in society.
Some say, how are you doing? They want to know if we fine
People may ask, "How are you?" but they don't really want to know the truth, they just want to hear an answer like, "I'm fine."
Not until we reposes what's rightfully mine
Only when we take back what is rightfully ours, will we be able to say that everything is okay.
Sitting down for so long we do believe it is time
After being silent and passive for too long, it's time to take action.
Everyone is entitled to food at mealtime
Everyone should have access to basic necessities of life like food.
'Til then, we'll struggle for rights, no more racial fights
Until we achieve justice and equality, we will continue to fight for our rights and end discrimination.
Degradation to the highest heights
Experiencing the worst kind of oppression and social degradation.
All obstacles as a people we have to cross
As a community, we must overcome all obstacles together.
With health and strength we all can get across
If we are healthy and strong, we have the ability to overcome any obstacle.
Happenings of yesterday are just a thing of the past
Don't dwell on things that happened in the past, focus on what is happening now and what we can change.
Don't you cry little one, wipe your tears, sing my song
It is important to comfort the young and give them hope for a better future.
Though we're in a strange land with evil ones
Despite facing difficulties in a strange and unfamiliar environment with many corrupt people.
Help the weak if you're strong, iron sharpens iron
If you are strong and capable, help those who are weaker than you. Together we are stronger.
When you're down take a look at where the help is coming from
When you are feeling discouraged, remember to take note of the people who are there to support you.
What about the masterminds with the foolproof plans
What about the people who have the power and resources to make real changes for the better?
What about the geniuses who achieve grade one
What about the brilliant and successful people who have the ability to positively impact society?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOSEPH SCOTT SAPPINGTON, PAUL ALLEN CROSBY, DAVID A. NOVOTNY, WAYNE A. SWINNY, BOB MARLETTE, JOHN MONTOYA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Yuran Ricardo
on Fake Smile
with your cynical green
you leave no action
If there’s a choking problem she a reach with everyone
why acting dumb. second verse:
with your cynical green
you leave no action
If you have a choking problems she a reach with everyone
why acting dumb
Kern Rodney
on Fake Smile
If there's ah joke in progress share it with everyone, why acting dumb?