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Bunny Wailer was a singer, songwriter and percussionist, born Neville O'Riley Livingston on April 10, 1947 in Kingston, Jamaica. He was founder and an original member of ska, rocksteady and reggae group The Wailers (formed 1963) along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. The young Livingston spent his earliest years in the village of Nine Mile in St. Ann Parish. It was there that he first met Bob Marley, and the two toddlers became fast friends. The boys both came from one parent families; Livingston was being brought up by his father, Marley by his mother. Later, Bunny's father Thaddeus "Toddy" Livingston lived with Bob Marley's mother Cedella Booker and had a daughter with her named Pearl Livingston. Peter Tosh had a son, Andrew Tosh, with another of Bunny's sisters, Shirley, making Andrew his nephew
Livingston was underused as a writer and lead vocalist in The Wailers compared with Marley and Tosh. When Wailers regularly changed producers during the early reggae years in the late 1960s, Livingston continued to be a key part of the group's distinctive harmonies. He sang however lead on "Dreamland" (a cover of El Tempos' My Dream Island, which soon became Bunny's signature song), "Riding High", "Brainwashing" and on one verse of the Wailers' Impressions-like "Keep On Moving", both produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry. In 1971, he recorded the original version of Pass It On
Bunny Wailer toured with the Wailers in England and the United States, but soon became reluctant to leave Jamaica. He and Tosh became more marginalized in the group as the Wailers became an international success, and attention was increasingly focused on Marley. Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh subsequently left the Wailers to pursue solo careers. They were replaced by the I Threes, a move to broaden the base of success for the Wailers in the non-Jamaican market.
After leaving the Wailers, Bunny became more focused on his spiritual faith. He identified with the Rastafari movement, as did the other Wailers. He self-produced a number of his recordings after striking out on his own. He has also written much of his own material as well as re-recording a number of cuts from the Wailers catalogue. Bunny Wailer has recorded primarily in the roots style, in keeping with his often political and spiritual messages. The album "Blackheart Man" is a good example of his roots reggae style and the dub version,Dub d*sco vol 1 equally magnificent if hard to find. "Sings the Wailers" successfully reworks many of The Wailers songs with the backing of top Jamaican musicians, Sly and Robbie. He has also had success recording in the typically apolitical, more pop dancehall style. He has outlived his contemporaries in a culture where death by violence is commonplace.
Bunny Wailer has won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1990, 1994 and 1996.
Bunny Wailer died on 2 March 2021.
ALBUMS WITH ORIGINAL MATERIAL
* ''Blackheart Man'' (1976) [[Island Records|Island]]/Solomonic
* ''Protest'' (1977) Island/Solomonic
* ''Struggle'' (1978) Solomonic
* ''Dubd'sco vol.1'' (1978) Solomonic
* ''In I Father's House'' (1979) Solomonic
* ''Bunny Wailer Sings the Wailers'' (1980) Island/Solomonic
* ''Dubd'sco vol.2'' (1981) Solomonic
* ''Rock 'n' Groove'' (1981) Solomonic
* ''Tribute'' (1981) Solomonic
* ''Hook Line & Sinker'' (1982) Solomonic
* ''Roots Radics Rockers Reggae'' (1983) [[Shanachie Records|Shanachie]]
* ''Live!'' (1983) Solomonic
* ''Marketplace'' (1985) Solomonic
* ''Rootsman Skanking'' (1987) Shanachie (international re-release of ''Rock And Groove'' edited version plus 3 extra tracks)
* ''Rule Dance Hall'' (1987) Shanachie
* ''Liberation'' (1989) Shanachie
* ''Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley'' (1990) Shanachie (international re-release of ''Tribute'' + 2 extra tracks)
* ''Gumption'' (1990) Shanachie
* ''The Never Ending Wailers'' (1991)
* ''Dance Massive'' (1992)
* ''Just Be Nice'' (1993) [[RAS Records|RAS]]
* ''Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley's 50th Anniversary'' (1996) RAS
* ''Communication'' (2000) Solomonic/Tuff Gong
* ''World Peace'' (2003) Solomonic
* ''Rub A Dub'' (2007) Solomonic
* ''Cross Culture'' (2009) Solomonic
* ''Combinations Vol.1'' (2009) Solomonic
* ''Blackheart Man (Remastered & Extended)'' (2009) Solomonic
* ''Reincarnated Souls'' (2013), VP - 3CD + 2DVD set
Blackheart Man
Bunny Wailer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I say, don't go near him
Tikya the Blackheart Man children
For even lions fear him (repeat)
Growing in a neighbourhood for such along time
That is filled with fear
I can't go here, can't go there
When I ask my Mom if she could let me go out and play
She said be careful of the stranger
Giving candies to children
And then take them away
He lives in the gullies of the city
He's the Blackheart Man (The blackheart Man)
Even in the lonely parts of the country
He's the Blackheart Man, Blackheart Man
Got no friend, no home, no family
He's the Blackheart 'Man, The Blackheart Man
He is famed to live just like the Gypsy
He's the Blackheart 'Man, The Blackheart Man
Growing and learning and gathering, for myself a little more
Experience jumping over the fence
Curiousity has brought me yes it's brought me, a little common-sense
Trodding the road of life, I've come to this one conclusion
That everything is equal under the sun, all that is createdby JAH mighty hand
And he said knock and it shall be opened
Seek and Ye shall find that wisdom is found in the simplest of places,
In the nick of time, knock and it shall be opened
Seek and ye shall find that wisdom is found in the simplest of places, in the nick of
Time and now I trod the same road of aflictions just like the
Blackheart Man, just like the Blackheart Man
Getting my share of humiliation just like the Blackheart Man
Just like the Blackheart Man
You'll find me even in the prison of the dungeons
Just like the Blackheart Man, just like the the Blackheart Man
I even get blamed without a reason just like the Blackheart Man
Just like the Blackheart man yau
No cross, no crown, no sorrow, no trial and crosses In-a-I way
But the hotter the battle is the sweeter JAH JAH victory
Ancient children use to say if you want good
Your nose got to run run run
How could the world go free, and let JAH bear the cross alone
And them that drink of the old wine hath no place for the new
For the new and the stones that are head of the corner are the
Same one that the builders refused
Now, it's the Blackheart Man, children
Who've become the wonder of the city (rep).
Bunny Wailer's song "Blackheart Man" is a warning to children about the titular character, Tikya, who lives in the "gullies of the city" and is feared even by lions. The song highlights the fear and paranoia that exist within impoverished neighborhoods, where children can't go anywhere without a warning about strangers who may give them candy and then take them away. However, as the lyrics progress, Bunny Wailer points out the unfairness and injustice that the Blackheart Man faces, even though he has no friends, no family, and no home. Bunny Wailer makes a strong point in the song that everyone is equal under the sun and wisdom is found in the simplest of places.
Bunny Wailer's "Blackheart Man" is a song that people interpret in different ways, but it speaks to those who live in impoverished neighborhoods, where the realities of the Blackheart Man are all too real. Bunny Wailer uses Tikya, the Blackheart Man, as a symbol of what can happen when communities are marginalized and don't have access to resources and support.
Line by Line Meaning
Tikya the Blackheart Man, children
Warning to children to stay away from the Blackheart man, Tikya
I say, don't go near him
Reiterating the warning to not go near the Blackheart man
For even lions fear him (repeat)
Emphasizing how scary the Blackheart man is
Growing in a neighbourhood for such along time
Growing up in a fear-filled neighbourhood
That is filled with fear
Describing the atmosphere of the neighbourhood as one of fear
I can't go here, can't go there
Being restricted from going to certain places due to fear
And I ain't supposed to go anywhere
Being forbidden from going anywhere due to fear
When I ask my Mom if she could let me go out and play
Asking for permission to go out and play
She said be careful of the stranger
Receiving a warning about strangers
Giving candies to children
The way in which strangers may try to lure children
And then take them away
The potential danger that strangers may pose to children
He lives in the gullies of the city
Describing the dwelling place of the Blackheart man
He's the Blackheart Man (The blackheart Man)
Identifying the Blackheart man
Even in the lonely parts of the country
The Blackheart man is found not only in the city but also in rural, lonely locations
He's the Blackheart Man, Blackheart Man
Reiterating the identity of the Blackheart man
Got no friend, no home, no family
The Blackheart man is a lonely figure with no social connections
He's the Blackheart 'Man, The Blackheart Man
Repeating the identity of the Blackheart man
He is famed to live just like the Gypsy
The Blackheart man is similar to a Gypsy in terms of social status and way of life
Growing and learning and gathering, for myself a little more
Gaining life experience
Experience jumping over the fence
Taking risks and exploring beyond boundaries
Curiousity has brought me yes it's brought me, a little common-sense
Curiosity has led to gaining of common sense
Trodding the road of life, I've come to this one conclusion
Reflecting on life and realizing something important
That everything is equal under the sun, all that is createdby JAH mighty hand
Realizing that everything created by God is equal and valuable
And he said knock and it shall be opened
Referencing a Bible verse about asking and receiving
Seek and Ye shall find that wisdom is found in the simplest of places,
Encouraging the pursuit of wisdom
In the nick of time, knock and it shall be opened
Emphasizing the importance of timing when seeking opportunities
Seek and ye shall find that wisdom is found in the simplest of places, in the nick of time
Reiterating the message of seeking wisdom at the right time and place
and now I trod the same road of aflictions just like the Blackheart Man, just like the Blackheart Man
Identifying with the hardships and difficulties of the Blackheart man
Getting my share of humiliation just like the Blackheart Man
Experiencing the same kind of humiliation as the Blackheart man
Just like the Blackheart Man
Reiterating the similarities with the Blackheart man
You'll find me even in the prison of the dungeons
Being present in the worst of situations, just like the Blackheart man
I even get blamed without a reason just like the Blackheart Man
Experiencing unjust blame, similar to the Blackheart man
No cross, no crown, no sorrow, no trial and crosses In-a-I way
Expressing the belief that there is no reward without risk or challenge
But the hotter the battle is the sweeter JAH JAH victory
Believing that the greater the challenge, the greater the reward
Ancient children use to say if you want good
Referring to an old saying about achieving success
Your nose got to run run run
Suggesting that hard work is necessary for success
How could the world go free, and let JAH bear the cross alone
Questioning why people should let God bear the burden alone
And them that drink of the old wine hath no place for the new
Rejecting old ways of thinking and embracing new ideas
For the new and the stones that are head of the corner are the Same one that the builders refused
Embracing new ways of thinking that were previously rejected
Now, it's the Blackheart Man, children
The Blackheart man is now the subject of the song
Who've become the wonder of the city (rep).
The Blackheart man is a source of fascination and mystery in the city
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: NEVILLE O LIVINGSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Basu Ghoshdastider
extra ordinary vocalist
@sibongakonkengobese3216
@@franktaconelli9095 Explain this part of the song if you strongly believe he is referring to Satan.
Seek and ye shall find that wisdom is found in the simplest of places, in the nick of
Time and now I trod the same road of aflictions just like the
Blackheart Man, just like the Blackheart Man
Getting my share of humiliation just like the Blackheart Man
Just like the Blackheart Man
You'll find me even in the prison of the dungeons
Just like the Blackheart Man, just like the the Blackheart Man
I even get blamed without a reason just like the Blackheart Man
Just like the Blackheart man yau
@kotechniik
Tikya the Blackheart Man, children
I say, don't go near him
Tikya the Blackheart Man children
For even lions fear him
Tikya the Blackheart Man, children
I say, don't go near him
Tikya the Blackheart Man children
For even lions fear him
Growing in a neighbourhood, for such along time
That is filled with fear
I can't go here, can't go there
And I ain't supposed to go anywhere (anywhere at all)
When I ask my mom if she could let me, go out and play
Like the children do
She said be careful of the stranger
Giving candies to children
And then take them away, yeah
He lives in the gullies of the city
He's the Blackheart Man ya (the blackheart Man)
Even in the lonely parts of the country
He's the Blackheart Man ya, Blackheart Man
He ain't got no friend, no home, no family
He's the Blackheart Man, that's the Blackheart Man
He is famed to live just like the Gypsy
He's the Blackheart Man, yeah
Growing and learning and gathering, for myself
A little more experience jumping over the fence
Curiousity has brought me, yes it's brought me, a little common-sense yeah
Trodding the road of life, I've come to, this one conclusion
That everything is equal under the sun
All that is created by Jah mighty hand, yeah
And he said knock and it shall be opened
Seek and ye shall find that wisdom is found in the simplest of places
In the nick of time, knock and it shall be opened
Seek and ye shall find, wisdom is found in the simplest of places
In the nick of time
And now I trod the same road of aflictions
Just like the Blackheart Man, just like the Blackheart Man
Getting my share of humiliation, just like the Blackheart Man, (the Blackheart Man)
You'll find me even in the prison of the dungeons
just like the Blackheart Man yes, the the Blackheart Man
I even get blamed without a reason, just like the Blackheart Man
Just like the Blackheart man yau
No cross, no crown, no sorrow, no laughter, trial and crosses In-a-I way
But the hotter the battle, is the sweeter, Jah Jah victory, oh weh
Ancient children use to say if you want good
Your nose got to run run run
How could the world go free, and let Jah bear the cross alone
And them that drink of the old wine, hath no place, for the new
For the new, and the stones that are head of the corner are the same ones
That the builders refused
Hear me when I say now
It's the Blackheart Man, children
@jonbrownley604
I was the black heart man for 15 years I was homeless out on the streets most of my young adult life people always talked about me because I had no place to live often making up stories kids would laugh and tease me because I couldn’t change clothes everyday this song means a lot to me now have changed and blossomed into what Jah was creating in me
@Cheerschan1
❤❤❤ who jah bless no man curse
@Ramzblood
Sorry. But there's only one "black heart Man". Tho he can be many people in many places at once. The price is super steep
@Ramzblood
You gotta lose your heart. People told me "you got a black heart" after my soul was killed in 2019
@JahArt-qr2gd
❤ Ashé! ❤
@lisaalligood1184
😂Jesus had nowhere to lay His head you are in Good company.take heart,never get weary.Aloha,Selah
@citizeno
There was a time when this was the only song I ever wanted to listen to. Hypnotic. Captivating. Enthralling. Thank you Bunny.
@jacsham
SAME
@jacsham
An absolute masterpiece