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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
Scheme Of Things
Bunny Wailer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What are your words to your brother beings
What are you doing toward the scheme of things
What are your works toward your brother beings
Now let the truth shine bright through all your actions
As you strive toward the accomplishment of your missions
As you seek to feed the sheep of the shepherd
But there is too much pollution in the land
Said I need some atmospheric vibration.
Too much confusion The whole world is suffering from illusions
But Redemption stands within the Scheme of things
The Redeemer is called the King of Kings
Who purifies the soul from unclean things,
So know your place within the scheme of things.
Wise ones will hear and will increase their learnings
From the words of the wise and their Bright sayings,
Now how long ye simple ones will ye love simplicities
You'd better rise and awake from your slumbering mentalities.
For the wind of desperation will increase crime-waves and demonstrations
But the rock of discretion will calm the floods of conflict and convictions.
So what are you doing toward the scheme of things
What are your words to your brother beings
What are you doing, toward the scheme of things.
What are your works forward your Brother Beings.
Bunny Wailer's song "Scheme of Things" is a powerful call to action for listeners to reflect on their role and contribution in the world. The lyrics are laden with metaphors, highlighting the importance of individual actions and the need for personal responsibility to make the world a better place. Bunny Wailer asks listeners to reflect on what they are doing towards the scheme of things and what their words and works are towards their fellow human beings. The song emphasizes that our actions should align with our mission, and we should strive to purify our souls from unclean things.
Line by Line Meaning
What are you doing toward the scheme of things
What actions are you taking to contribute to the greater plan or purpose?
What are your words to your brother beings
What messages are you conveying to your fellow human beings?
What are you doing toward the scheme of things
What effort are you putting forth to accomplish the goals set forth in the scheme of things?
What are your works toward your brother beings
What deeds are you doing for the betterment of your fellow beings?
Now let the truth shine bright through all your actions
Always strive to act in accordance with the truth and let your actions reflect that.
As you strive toward the accomplishment of your missions
Strive to achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
As you seek to feed the sheep of the shepherd
As you aim to help and guide others in the right direction.
You'll be found worthy to enter into Jah vineyards
You will be deemed worthy to enter into a place of peace and happiness.
But there is too much pollution in the land
There is too much negativity and harm present in the world.
Said I need some atmospheric vibration.
I need to experience some positive energy and harmony in my environment.
Too much confusion The whole world is suffering from illusions
There is too much chaos and the world is plagued by false beliefs and perceptions.
But Redemption stands within the Scheme of things
There is a chance for redemption and salvation within the greater plan of things.
The Redeemer is called the King of Kings
The one who can bring redemption is the ultimate ruler of all.
Who purifies the soul from unclean things
The one who can bring redemption cleanses the soul of impurities.
So know your place within the scheme of things.
Understand your role and purpose in the greater plan of things.
Wise ones will hear and will increase their learnings
Those who are wise will listen and gain knowledge.
From the words of the wise and their Bright sayings,
The wise will gain knowledge from the teachings of others.
Now how long ye simple ones will ye love simplicities
How much longer will you accept such basic and narrow-minded beliefs?
You'd better rise and awake from your slumbering mentalities.
It's time to awaken from your mental sleep and become more aware of the world around you.
For the wind of desperation will increase crime-waves and demonstrations
In difficult times, desperation can lead to an increase in crime and protests.
But the rock of discretion will calm the floods of conflict and convictions.
Remaining calm and level-headed during times of conflict can help prevent the escalation of tensions.
So what are you doing toward the scheme of things
What actions are you taking to contribute to the greater plan or purpose?
What are your words to your brother beings
What messages are you conveying to your fellow human beings?
What are you doing, toward the scheme of things.
What effort are you putting forth to accomplish the goals set forth in the scheme of things?
What are your works forward your Brother Beings.
What deeds are you doing for the betterment of your fellow beings?
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: NEVILLE LIVINGSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@youngman44
What are you doing toward the scheme of things
What are your words to your brother beings
What are you doing toward the scheme of things
What are your works toward your brother beings
Now let the truth shine bright through all your actions
As you strive toward the accomplishment of your missions
As you seek to feed the sheep of the shepherd
You'll be found worthy to enter into Jah vineyards
But there is too much polution in the land
Said I need some atmospheric vibration
Too much confusion The whole world is suffering from illusions
But Redemption stands within the Scheme of things
The Redeemer is called the King of Kings
Who purifies the soul from unclean things
So know your place within the scheme of things
Wise ones will hear and will increase their learnings
From the words of the wise and their Bright sayings
Now how long ye simple ones will ye love simplicities
You'd better rise and awake from your slumbering mentalities
For the wind of desperation will increase crime-waves and demonstrations
But the rock of discretion will calm the floods of conflict and convictions
So what are you doing toward the scheme of things
What are your words to your brother beings
What are you doing, toward the scheme of things
What are your works forward your Brother Beings
@garnetgwembere3035
“Let the truth shine bright through all your actions as you strive towards the accomplishment of your mission” what a powerful battle cry
@user-zt3zh8fd9t
Jah B the best Rip from 🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲 Zambia
@kfargnoli5092
Love you Bunny! You are the light.
@daviddavie2331
The first Bunny Wailer album i heard "Protest". This song and Moses Children always stood out. For me Protest and Blackheart Man are Bunny's greatest albums
@martykeller7195
Timeless message!!
@handelnicholas8955
A song much needed for today.
@terrancefleming3097
Dis sing spot on for what is happening today. Keep up the good fight, ... the necessary fight
@maredicorsica
a deep timeless statement with the highest significance, this song changed my whole life for the better more than 30 years from now, and surely has not ended its relevance. Thank you so much Mr Livingstone.
@ulrikemorgan1195
The great Bunny Wailer has passed on on march 2 2021 this morning now you have joined back together with bob Marley and Peter tosh the original wailers back together indeed in heaven we will forever remember and love you Jah B you are one of the greatest champions of reggae music we will miss you forever Jah B
@traudemeister
Ll