Bunny Wailer (born as Neville Livingston on 10 April 1947 in Kingston, Jama… Read Full Bio ↴Bunny Wailer (born as Neville Livingston on 10 April 1947 in Kingston, Jamaica-2 March 2021) was a three-time Grammy Award winner, singer, percussionist and devoted Rastafarian, known for the reggae classic Dreamland. He is founding member of reggae group The Wailers with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. Bunny, Marley's step brother, toured with the band in England and USA after the success with the 1973 albums Catch A Fire and Burnin', but meant it was against Rastafari to perform for almost only white people and left Wailers 1973. He then made a number of solo reggae albums. Blackheart Man (1976) is a good example of his religious roots reggae, and Rock 'n' Groove (1981) of solid uptempo Sly & Robbie based reggae. He started to tour internationally again and is regarded as one of the most important reggae artists ever. Bunny Wailer has won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1991, 1995 and 1997.
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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

Dance Rock
Bunny Wailer Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Come on!
To the dance rock,
Let me, take you to the dance rock.
To the dance rock,
Let me take you to the dance rock.
Now it's party time, we gonna rock to the drum and baseline.
It's party, party, party time ...Yeah,
Now put some belt in your waistline

There's a cool profile in the ghetto, where the music is mellow.
The dancing you will never wanna stop
Just foward this ya music from the top.

To the dance rock.
Let me, take you to the dance rock.
To the dance rock,
Let me take you to the dance rock.

Now its Jollification time
With good music, the sea and sunshine,
With the reggae, rock, bogie, disco style,
There was never so much fun in a long while,
Hear the sound systems echoing in the ghetto,
Where the music is mellow, the dancing you will never wanna stop
Just foward this riddim from the top

Come on!

Instruments...

To the dance rock.
Let me, take you to the dance rock.
To the dance rock.
Let me take you to the dance rock.

Now its Jollification time
With good music, the sea and sunshine,
With the reggae, rock, bogie, disco style,
There was never so much fun in a long while,
Hear the sound systems echoing in the ghetto,

Where the music is mellow, the dancing you will never wanna stop
Just foward this riddim from the top

Overall Meaning

Bunny Wailer's "Dance Rock" is an upbeat and fun song that celebrates music, dancing, and partying. The first verse invites listeners to join in on the dance rock and let Bunny Wailer take them there. The second verse describes the atmosphere where the dance rock takes place, a cool and mellow spot in the ghetto where the music is just right and the dancing never stops. The chorus repeats the invitation to the dance rock and emphasizes the party atmosphere with lines like "It's party, party, party time" and "Now it's Jollification time."

The song's lyrics are straightforward and enjoyable, with the main message being about celebrating life through dance and music. One interesting aspect of the song is its mixture of different music genres, including reggae, rock, bogie, and disco. This blend reflects the diverse musical influences that influenced Bunny Wailer's work. Additionally, the song's focus on the party atmosphere and dance rock could be interpreted as being a social commentary on the reggae music scene in Jamaica, which often took place in outdoor clubs and dance halls.

Overall, "Dance Rock" is a joyous celebration of life and music, encouraging listeners to let go and embrace the fun of dance and partying.

Line by Line Meaning

Come on!
Encouraging the listener to join in

To the dance rock,
Inviting the listener to a specific type of music and dance

Let me, take you to the dance rock.
Offering to guide the listener to the dance rock

To the dance rock,
Repeating the invitation to the dance rock

Let me take you to the dance rock.
Reiterating the offer to take the listener to the dance rock

Now it's party time, we gonna rock to the drum and baseline.
Announcing that it's time to party and dance to the rhythm of the music

It's party, party, party time ...Yeah,
Emphasizing that it's a time to celebrate and enjoy

Now put some belt in your waistline
Encouraging the listener to loosen up and dance freely

There's a cool profile in the ghetto, where the music is mellow.
Pointing out a place in the ghetto where the music is chill and enjoyable

The dancing you will never wanna stop
Suggesting that the music and dance are so good that the listener won't want to stop

Just foward this ya music from the top.
Encouraging the listener to keep playing this type of music from the beginning

Now its Jollification time
Declaring that it's a time of joy and celebration

With good music, the sea and sunshine,
Describing the ideal setting for this type of music and dance

With the reggae, rock, bogie, disco style,
Listing different styles of music that can be enjoyed at the dance rock

There was never so much fun in a long while,
Expressing how enjoyable this experience is

Hear the sound systems echoing in the ghetto,
Noticing the amplification of the music in the ghetto

Where the music is mellow, the dancing you will never wanna stop
Repeating that the music is enjoyable and the dancing won't stop

Just foward this riddim from the top
Encouraging the listener to keep playing this type of rhythm from the beginning

Instruments...
Introducing a musical interlude

To the dance rock.
Reiterating the invitation to the dance rock

Let me, take you to the dance rock.
Offering again to guide the listener to the dance rock

To the dance rock.
Repeating the invitation to the dance rock

Let me take you to the dance rock.
Reiterating the offer to take the listener to the dance rock

Now its Jollification time
Repeating that it's a time of joy and celebration

With good music, the sea and sunshine,
Repeating the ideal setting for this type of music and dance

With the reggae, rock, bogie, disco style,
Repeating the different styles of music that can be enjoyed at the dance rock

There was never so much fun in a long while,
Repeating how enjoyable this experience is

Hear the sound systems echoing in the ghetto,
Repeating the notice of the amplification of the music in the ghetto

Where the music is mellow, the dancing you will never wanna stop
Repeating that the music is enjoyable and the dancing won't stop

Just foward this riddim from the top
Repeating the encouragement to keep playing this type of rhythm from the beginning

Writer(s): Neville O Livingston

Contributed by Madelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@macabremusic5363

Come on!

To the dance rock.
Let me take you to the dance rock.
To the dance rock.
Let me take you to the dance rock.
Now it's party time
we gonna rock to the drum and bassline.
It's party, party, party time, yeah now
put some breath in your waistline.
There's a cool profile in the ghetto
where the music is mellow.
The dancing you will never wanna stop
just forward dis ya riddim from the top.

To the dance rock.
Let me take you to the dance rock.
To the dance rock.
Let me take you to the dance rock.
Now it's jollification time
with good music, the sea and sunshine.
With reggae, rock, bogie, disco style
there was never so much fun in a long while.
Hear the sound systems echoing in the ghetto
where the music is mellow.
The dancing you will never wanna stop
just forward dis ya riddim from the top.

Oh yes!

To the dance rock.
Let me take you to the dance rock.
To the dance rock.
Let me take you to the dance rock.
Now it's jollification time
with good music, the sea and sunshine.
With reggae, rock, bogie, disco style
there was never so much fun in a long while.
Hear the sound systems echoing in the ghetto
where the music is mellow.
The dancing you will never wanna stop
just forward dis ya riddim from the top.

To the dance rock.
Let me take you to the dance rock.

All comments from YouTube:

@JamesKimuli

3y↑25

I just had to listen to all His songs. The world has lost one of the greatest musician. Rest in Paradise Wailer.

@raimundaneris4637

39w

Pedra

@lynxlion78

14y↑12

My dad used to play this 25 years ago.He loved it. He once took us on a road trip for 1200 miles with just this one cassette. Can you imagine?!!! We were like Bunny wailer zombies by the time got back. It was such a time of overwhelming innocence. When I look back, that was it right there. We didnt ever have much, but those were some of the best days of my life. I love oyu dad and thank you for the music.

@CthuluRisin

46w↑6

This song is perfect. I want it to just keep on playing forever. We were truly blessed to have this man making music for us for as long as we did.

@SaMga92

11y↑23

One of the best reggae song's ever...all is just amazing, Peace and Love!

@pipemarley2256

One Love ever...😄😃😀💛✨🙏

@Rene-px2kt

SaMga92 - Until the end of time 100%%%

@siyabongakoyo238

50w↑2

OMG I grew up with these songs, Im 52 yrs old today and they're still my favourites and will always be

@smoothonengineering8689

1y↑2

Music never gets old rest easy bunny but the music will never rest

@lauranicholls9421

3y↑2

They’re all together now. Still making music together up in the heavens
Thank you. Bunny for all your fine reggae music. Will never forget you🎵🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶❤️💛💚❤️💛💚❤️💛💚❤️💛💚❤️💛💚❤️💛💚❤️💛💚

@ronniewilliams9995

The Don Dadda Bunny Wailer, Bob and Peter. The wailers. Their music will live on. IT WILL NEVER DIE. You have not heard Roots and Culture until you listen to these three and others like Joseph Hill the immortal Culture, Dennis Brown , Fat Jacob and Garnet Silk just to name a few. Real inspirational Reggae Music.

@hunna5849

4y↑4

Am listening to this great song in 2020 am so happy to see this song has finally reached 1 million views and counting 👍👏💛💣

@petermaina4726

2y↑2

Wherever i hear Bunny Wailer Singing I Get More Rooted To Roots. Reggae Power 🇯🇲🇯🇲

@adhim678

2y↑4

This is most pure divine music, sounds like warm golden sunshine.

@mike55lob10

14y↑1

This is real roots rock reggae..Original !!! There is no best Wailer, They are all unique . They are the root of the reggae tree.

@Ktaurus26

8y↑25

RIP Peter tosh and Bob Marley! Long live the original wailers!

@mzukisimkobeni1878

47w↑2

One of the finest from Bunny Wailer

@nixonnguni3166

1y↑1

I first came in contact with this music 🎶 in musical tape way back in 1990s and is still awake to me thanks 👍

@Drube2

3y↑3

Rest in Power Bunny, thank you!

@lijit77

14y↑5

piture this: its 1981 i was three yrs old, my father owned a sound system, he had all these records... i use to hear these records be banging through the window while i was outside playing on the lawn. such beautiful memories

@bwana_ya_mtu

40 year later

@titongigi1074

40w

The weed on this1 is strong!❤💛💚💯

@jeremydube8096

10y↑23

This wonderful song was played at my parents' wedding on the 23rd of December 1984 and I still loveit...

@titongigi1074

42w

Yes I!🇧🇴👊🏿I hv 2play it in mine as well!💯

@lanier1000

5y↑4

Can anyone tell me why nobody anywhere ever mentions Bunny at all? Well, at least in my circles of music fan friends they don't (and I do mean real, hardcore music fans) he is never talked about or mentioned or played or anything at all. He's not talked about in magazines, radio, tv......just nothing.
I put Bunny in my top five favorite reggae artists.
There is also some truth to saying that other reggae artists just are not mentioned much either. Who ever talks about the Toots & The Maytals, Israel Vibration, or Inner Circle? It's really sad.....these kinds of artists deserve so much more attention.

@Selfmade2T

10y↑2

Reggae music never dies. Thanks to all the artist that is still here and those who are passed on. God bless you all for such wonderful music. Love and respect.

@cowboyjacobz4919

3y↑1

This one takes mi out of this world! RIP legend

@GetYourHandsOffMe

10y↑13

Bunny reminds of the best aspects from Bob and Peter. In my opinion. Long live the Wailers

@francid1000

12y↑3

This tune came into my head after many years and i had to listen to it. Still as sweet as when I first heard it.

@ImohUdoh-richman

13w

Great music in jollification times

@akaneush

4y↑2

They no longer produce like these ones anymore. Still rocking here in 2020 till 2090.

@nieksteverink4870

3y↑1

Rip Legend. Im blessed to have witnessed him live. One of the 3 legend messengers.
Peter bob and bunny. <3

@mike55lob10

14y↑1

This is real roots rock reggae..Original !!!

@garrybartley

14y↑5

I love Bunny Wailer. My favourite of all the wailers.

@togetherwewillrise7406

Who here 2021..... Stay safe people we soon see the light.... Salute

@michaelagyeman5541

I remember days in Sekondi when I was young oh some days have gone oh bunny wailer

@punkgabe

12y↑5

Man this song never gets old

@gibara5

9y↑3

I think the good times are never to return again, if you listen to the music being made now, it is a far cry from the well composed, music with amazing lyrics that these guys played

@lanier1000

+Gibson Ncube
Great point. Yeah, it's over and it is sad it will never come back. It's was a combo of lots of things: their morals, respect, love, etc... and so much more.

We can only listen to these great songs and live in an temporary fantasyland. It's so sweet if even if just for a few minutes.

@valfranco5165

28w

Mellow Mood Bunny who has touched our ❤,much Love and Respect!!!

@lucyhall

13y↑2

GREAT SONG!!

@MrFyABurn

15y↑1

To the Dance Rock...Bunny roots music Respect this tune!

@MrIonphly

12y↑2

memories of the days @ my aunt Veronica's house in Jersey City N.J///Antigua back in the early 80s good days..Bunny best song ever..

@TheWolfang07

10y↑4

I saw him yesterday for his concert..Oh my...He stay so simple. Can't believe i shake last wailer's hand :')

@salesiomiriti2061

Long live Bunny Wailer.
You really have great vibes.

@MrRollinsb

10y↑4

He was an all time great. I grew up listening to Bunny Wailer.........all respect due!!!

@kasslesyeuk

10y↑5

Yesterday he gave us 2 hour of legendary show in Paris, thank you Bunny and all my respect big man....!!! (video coming soon on my profile) peace amigos :)

@tylinccaresystems4859

Igor BaD__ send it me bro

@idaSerinaMaria

14y↑1

So nice , old reggae style as it should be! Both thumbs up forsure

@macabremusic5363

@Forensic17581

3y↑1

RIP LEGEND

@DoctorEcks

14y↑1

a most underated album. better w repeated listenings - never gets old

@hodcar

14y↑1

been searching for this song for over 20 years , heard it but never knew who it was , big up vagablunt

@Shaneile1

15y↑1

i love this. i grew up on this kind of music. i love jamaica..

@ancestreereggae

12y↑1

Love!!! N ROOOOOTS i could listen to this all day

@jaycoburn5731

9y↑9

The Jamaican Sam Cooke. Great vocals and so catchy.

@jamiesimms7084

Jay Coburn that title must surely go to Pat Kelly bro

@vuyisilememani4379

6y↑1

Reggae music Soul searching , spiritual revival .

@siphosamkelonguza4970

This song takes me back in Blythswood High School_year 2000. Life was so good man i am telling you, with all my crew.

@ASAKLR

29w↑1

Tune 😎

@brentmcd

14y↑2

favorite bunny track! killer riddims. jah live. "with good music, the sea, and sunshine...." :-)

@punkgabe

12y↑1

This song never gets old

@Stefan_Johansson

20w

12 inch version is magic on vinyl

@leswoodies2

Can't help the replay for this Reggae Rock Boogie Disco Style

@kurvaface123

12y↑1

best song of his hands down.

@gibara5

9y↑2

Great stuff! Sweet dreams memories we used to skank to that in the 80s

@MaceWinduDuHuen

7y↑1

this is pure sweetness

@GENERALWRINKLES_XLOADED

14y↑1

real music solid tune !!!!!!!!

@user-ub8ik6yw8f

27w

Oh yes sir I salute

@d.blake808stateofmind4

5y↑1

A masterpiece album top to bottom. Every track hit hard!

@sherriffantony1439

11y↑1

BEAUTIFUL TUNE..MAXIMUM RESPECT TO BUNNY WAILER...KEEP UP WITH THE MORE TEACHINGS RASTA.JAH LOVE

@user-by3pe6yu2x

18w

All Jamaican prime minister most prioritisation
Humanity ❤🎉😮

@lloydnyambose3102

9y↑1

Its real party time.
Love this track

@takurazihumo6676

11y↑1

Classic tune.

@Rene-px2kt

Homage - To one the Great Greats

@leekay7607

5y↑1

Sounds of KING LION SOUNDS with the DJ'S PAPA CHARLIE, KING TUBBS AND PROFESSOR NUTS ....MEMORIES 😢😢

@osvaldoaraujo5113

3y↑1

Lembrei agora da minha adolescência era feliz e não sabia hoje 12/02/2020 às 19:09

@BandLdubclub

14y↑1

Mmmm sooo Lovely. This really makes you feel good...

@TheApocs

8y↑9

This is the most "dance-oriented" record by Mr.Livingston. If you want true roots rock then listen to his masterpiece: Blackheart Man. That record even turned my sceptical mother ( against reggae and the myths that followed the artists, the press claimed them all to be drug addicts. And when you argued and told people in late 70's and early 80's that the Rastas "Partake the herb" as a sacrament, and they are all vegetarians with a central part to their beliefs are to take care of yourself, train, eat right etc. And when you compare them to other "Rock groups/Artists" in that time, where there were alcohol, heavy drugs as cocaine, amfethamines, heroin.....and i mentioned ALL of my mothers favorite artists that were hooked on heavy drugs, she started to listen to the poetic, religous, " Stand tall , proud of yourself", encourageing and educational texts she melted, and since then are Bunny her favorite reggae artist................ One Love

@slikfitequipment

7y↑1

Well said. This is how change happens. One person at a time. I agree totally. Love your point about the drugs and alcohol. Well well said and keep saying.

@TexAvery936

Apocs everything after "she started to listen to poetic and religious standing on it" that's the exact reason i started natty dreadin and trodding for Jah! I say to everybody that ask me why I always listen to Rasta music and don't have many frenemies. Really open your mind and listen, you'll be enlightened by his strength

@joblopez7357

Kealia beach as a youth and now to the dance rock

@brujer1a3

15y

NICE!!!!!!!!

@usubornhaus

9y↑10

one wailer left ..............chooo...take care of your health bunny ......one universal love.

@usubornhaus

i dont understand youtube i cannot listen to the videos anymore whats wrong man????
anybody can help????

@lindsaywamo5402

4y↑2

Love it !!

@paullofters1510

9y↑2

always current one of the best in this our unique music , bunny lives in heart of jamaicans

@donatichita5602

10y↑1

A great legend

@crazydasyfu

12y↑2

Just love it

@ZER0TV

13y↑1

very nice song! god bless him :)

@joalves5214

2y↑1

É pedrada na molera

@tsietsilesole5484

8y↑1

Jah rastafari givetnx fi de long live legend burning wailer mi stll cnt believe hw jah is been so good to him lets give jah tnx & praise fa he stll wll grante him more years

@EagleACxDC

15y↑1

Love this song. Lightness, relaxing - what else You can need?:)

@SuperDickson92

12y

once again in i a rastaman in Kenya says salute

@wagess

Good music, the sea, and sunshine

@dujonchang370

11y↑1

Great feel good vibe track!

@pipemarley2256

4y↑1

Buenísimo Tema Me Encanta...😄😃😀💛✨🙏

@ProbTron

14y↑1

This brings back some awesome memories. Thanks for the share! 5***** added to my favs.

@david-ms9iu

RIP 🙏

@fenixdefogo

14y↑1

quando e bom e eterno

@AndrewJLintz

It's jollification time!

@joseribamarfiguereidoribam542

9y↑5

um verdadeiro artista da musica jamaicana

@loveclaire2524

7y↑1

It's party time! 😍🎈🍻

@paultikiba3493

rootsman riding the rhythm the great bunny wailer promoting jah vibes

@Asierramoore

13y↑1

Love this!

@kirtwilliams549

RIP IN JAH BUNNY WAILER . NOW YOU BOB AND PETER CAN SING TOGETHER AGAIN.

@reggaeman1956

13y

SCRAP THE THE DANCEHALL RUBBISH """ BACK TO REAL REGGAE " YEHHH"" CHOOOOON ""

@rasabdulrehim8542

Always luvn roots

@laureenangwenyi430

To the dance ROCK, let me take me to the dance Rock..........

@Laddiebee

11y

Those were dah dayz!!

@bugspace1

13y

MUSIC FOR THE HEAD,HEART AND FEET!!!! JAH LIVE

@donovanm2281

Double play!!

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