Rodney was born in Saint Ann's Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica, as were Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey; who both had a great influence on Rodney's life. Garvey in his philosophy, which Burning Spear greatly took to, and Marley in directly helping Burning Spear get started in the music industry. Burning Spear was originally Rodney's group, named after Jomo Kenyatta, the first Prime Minister and President of an independent Kenya. As fame took hold the name of the group gradually became synonymous with Rodney.
Burning Spear is one of the strongest proponents of Marcus Garvey's self-determination and self-reliance for all African descendants, thus leading to several album releases in commemoration of the African activist.
In 2002, Burning Spear and his wife, Sonia Rodney who has produced a number of his albums, founded Burning Spear Records.
Burning Spear advocates messages of honesty, peace, and love, which tie in with his religious and political messages of Rasta and black unity.
About Burning Spear
Burning Music
"I don't know how other people see music," reggae legend Burning Spear reflects. "Some people might see it based upon money, some people might see music based upon opportunity and access. But I see music as life. I see music as inspiration."
For more than 35 years, Burning Spear's music-thus, his life-has inspired people on numerous continents. Since the beginning, his songs have implored listeners to fight oppression in all its forms, to work at improving their own condition and to consider the social impact of their actions.
OUR MUSIC builds upon the Jamaican native's legacy of musical activism. With its inimitable dancing groove, the album percolates and bubbles rhythmically in its call for unity between races, between nations, between individuals and even between business associates.
OUR MUSIC is the second album released on his Burning Spear label, following 2003's Grammy-nominated FREEMAN. In the midst of its expected messages about love, oppression and African history is the title track, a public confirmation that his brand of positivity is tempered with a strong sense of self. "Our Music" is Burning Spear's reclamation of his own artistry-a justification for establishing his record company and a challenge to all artists to commandeer their own future.
"A lot of artists just have no time to really look within the business section of the music business," Burning Spear reasons. "There's no one to really sit them down and give them some of that business understanding before they get into what they get into. So then people walk all over these artists and do things where it's not appropriate and it's not right. It's not in the artist's love."
With his art and his business now firmly in his own control, Burning Spear's OUR MUSIC stands among the most joyful albums of his career. Bolstered by its throbbing basslines, bright horn parts and slinky female background singers, the songs embrace persistence ("Try Again"), self-analysis ("Friends"), love ("Fix Me") and community ("Together") through deceptively simple lyrics that point to deeper issues. It is, in effect, smart music you can dance to.
"It's like art," he says. "You're gonna paint this thing, and people are gonna look at this art and say that it looks like a tree, looks like a car, some people it looks like a flower. People are gonna say different things according to what they see. It's very different, what it looks like to them."
No matter who looks at Burning Spear's career, they have to be impressed. Of his more than 25 albums, nine have earned Grammy nominations, with one of them - 1999's CALLING RASTAFRI - receiving the Academy's Best Reggae Album honor. And he remains one of the few reggae pioneers still working and influencing the people today.
Born Winston Rodney in St. Ann, Jamaica, he was an early fan of Bob Marley. As the legend goes, Rodney bumped into Marley while walking through a field, and the two began talking about music. Marley encouraged him to visit Jamaica's Studio One, where Rodney and a fellow musician recorded "Door Peep." By the time of its release, Rodney had branded the duo Burning Spear, taking the nickname of Jomo Kenyatta, who was jailed by a colonial British government in Africa but rose to become the first president of Kenya.
"I believe in people who are gonna stand up for what they believe in," Burning Spear notes, "not only for themselves, but for themselves and their people, and that was what Jomo was doing."
Even more central to Burning Spears' mission - and it truly is a mission - was the doctrine of Marcus Garvey, a 20th century figure who pushed for a stronger black race through self-reliance. The Jamaican-born Garvey supported freedom and economic strength for all people, but made the African-originated population his focus and published his views in a New York-based newspaper, Negro World. Garvey was jailed in the 1920s and eventually exiled to Jamaica, though he never lashed out at the system that brought him down. His message survived, influencing the likes of Kenyatta, Martin Luther King Jr., Marley and Burning Spear, which titled some of its seminal albums MARCUS GARVEY and MARCUS' CHILDREN.
"Those men wasn't preachin' any violence," Burning Spear says. "They were preachin' about Oneness and the struggles of black people about where they can live and having their voices heard. I don't see anything wrong with his plan and his direction. I think he opened a lot of eyes and opened a lot of mouths so those people could really talk and their voices could be heard. I think the time is right now to clear his name up and set his record free."
Burning Spear's mission remains rather unchanged today, though the act and the music have undergone some alterations. The duo grew into a trio, but has long since morphed into Burning Spear, a solo artist. And while his music has always been a vehicle for social change, his songs are now increasingly melodic, developed with catchy hooks that use short phrases and point more subtly to internal truths for those willing to go through self-exploration.
The music survives in a much different musical era. The reggae genre, once a distinct idiom unto itself, has been co-opted by artists throughout the years and melded with other pop forms. Artists such as Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones, The Police, Stevie Wonder and UB40 combined it with pop and rock during the '70s and '80s, while Shaggy and Sean Paul have blended it with hip-hop textures in more recent years. Even country man Willie Nelson put together a hybrid album involving Toots Hibbert, of The Maytals.
Those efforts have called attention to the genre, and specifically to those who helped bring reggae to the world in the '70s, including Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Hibbert and Marley. In his time, Marley gave Burning Spear his personal seal of approval, and the Spear continues to maintain a devotion to reggae's roots while continuing his service to Jah.
"I think people have to remember the originals," Burning Spear suggests. "So to be honest, I don't really feel no way about it when people put reggae in a different form. Regardless who's gonna do what with the music, I don't think they interfere with Burning Spear."
OUR MUSIC relies heavily on the roots of the reggae movement.
"What I tried to do with this album, musically and lyrically, is to go back to the '70s, when we were singin' about the history and the culture and the lifestyle of these people," Burning Spear observes. "A lot of Burning Spear songs of that earlier times, people would see as political. To me, it's just a natural thing. As an artist, I just expressed that."
Burning Spear continues his mission of expressing his heart, of entertaining and educating the masses. He cleverly accomplishes that by winning over his listeners' bodies before he impacts their minds. He witnesses that process each time he takes the stage.
"You see the head start to nod, you start to see one movement from one of these legs down here and another one, 'til the whole body just gets involved in the whole thing," he laughs. "You have to think about that when you're creatin' the music-you're not just creatin' the music for people to sit back and listen, 'Oh, that's all good and that's bad.' You need people to shake a leg."
As they listen at home and shake legs to OUR MUSIC, listeners will also be swept up with the headiness of Burning Spear's message. The political statements are still there, most obviously in the continued references to Marcus Garvey ("One Marcus" and "Little Garvey").
But OUR MUSIC also contains deeper ideas that penetrate quietly, subtly into the mind before they reach clarity. The bouncy "Friends" asks rather simplistically, "Are you my friend, my neighbor or my enemy?/Who are you? Who are you?" On further reflection, it's obvious that the question is a complex one about societal roles and provocative self-evaluation. "Together" recalls the image of African slaves, shackled together at the ankles, while suggesting that contemporary blacks can still link together figuratively at the elbow in the continued quest for equality. And "Fix Me" embraces the power and essence of love, which Burning Spear sees as the ultimate goal of humanity.
"Love," he says, "is a harmony thing, it's a communication. Love is a link."
Burning Spear's link is a pure one in 2006. Unfettered by someone else's record company, still linked to the roots of reggae and to the ideals of its forefathers, OUR MUSIC points to a better world for those who are oppressed, and for those who simply believe a better world is possible.
"Music," Burning Spear maintains, "is a very important thing. We have to remember that no force is stronger than the music."
Jah Is My Driver
Burning Spear Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jah is my driver
(Jah is my rider)
Jah is the wheel, the wheel, who spin the wheel
(Jah is my driver)
Jah is the front end
Jah is the engine
(Jah is my driver)
(Jah is my rider)
Jah is the water, who cool off the engine
Cool off the engine Jah Jah
(Jah is my rider)
Jah is the water
(Jah is my driver)
Ride I Jah Jah ride I
Oh Jah
Drive I Jah Jah drive I
Oh Jah
Father, yes daddy
(Jah is my rider)
(Jah is my driver)
Oh Jah
Father, ah
Ride I
(Jah is my rider)
Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah (Jah is my driver)
Ride I Jah Jah drive I
He takes I and I and I and I for a sight-seeing
(Jah is my rider)
The sight-seeing was so real
(Jah is my driver)
The place was so green
Trees tall, tall trees
(Jah is my rider)
Trees short, short trees
(Jah is my driver)
Replace all Africa
Africa, Africa (Jah is my rider)
Africa, Afri, Africa (Jah is my driver)
This place called Africa
This place called Africa
Africa, Africa (Jah is my rider)
He ride I Jah Jah ride I
Drive I Jah Jah drive I (Jah is my driver)
Jah Jah Jah Jah drive I
Jah Jah ride I
Jah Jah drive I (Jah is my rider)
Oh Jah Jah
Africa, Africa (Jah is my driver)
Oh Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah
You ride I Jah Jah
You drive I (Jah is my rider)
Africa, Africa (Jah is my driver)
Africa
Jah Jah Jah Jah (Jah is my rider)
You ride I Jah Jah
You drive I Jah Jah (Jah is my driver)
Africa
Oh Jah Jah Jah Jah (Jah is my rider)
Ride I Jah Jah
You drive I Jah Jah (Jah is my driver)
Africa, Africa
The song "Jah Is My Driver" by Burning Spear is a tribute to the Rastafarian belief that Jah (or God) is the guiding force in their lives. The song expresses the idea that Jah is not only the rider and driver of the artist's life but also the engine, radiator, and even the water that cools it. The repetition of the phrase "Jah is my rider" and "Jah is my driver" emphasizes the idea that the artist is being propelled or guided by a higher power. The mention of Africa in the song represents the artist's connection to his African roots and the idea that Jah is the driving force behind his identity.
The lyrics also describe the idea of the artist being taken on a sight-seeing tour by Jah. The place they see is so real that it inspires a sense of awe and wonder. The tall and short trees mentioned in the song emphasize the diversity and beauty of nature. The repetition of the phrase "Africa, Africa" further emphasizes the importance of the artist's African identity and the connection to the land.
Overall, the song "Jah Is My Driver" is a celebration of the Rastafarian belief that God is the center of their lives and the driving force behind their identity. It is an expression of the artist's connection to his cultural roots and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Jah is my rider
God is the one controlling the destiny and direction of the singer
Jah is my driver
God is the driving force behind the singer's actions and decisions
(Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's role as the one who guides the singer's path
Jah is the wheel, the wheel, who spin the wheel
God is the steering wheel that guides the singer's life forward
(Jah is my driver)
Another statement reinforcing God's role as the driving force behind the singer
Jah is the front end
God is the forefront of the singer's life, paving the way forward
Jah is the engine
God is the force that makes the singer move forward
(Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of God's role as the driving force behind the singer
Jah is the radiator
God is the one who cools the singer's passion and keeps them steady
(Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's role as the guide of the singer's path
Jah is the water, who cool off the engine
God is the one who calms the singer's passion and prevents them from burning out
Cool off the engine Jah Jah
An appeal to God to help the singer calm down and prevent burnout
(Jah is my rider)
Another statement reinforcing God's role as the guide of the singer's path
Jah is the water
God is the one who provides calm and tranquility for the singer
(Jah is my driver)
Statement reiterating that God is the driving force behind the singer
Ride I Jah Jah ride I
Asking God to lead and guide the singer through life's journey
Oh Jah
An expression of reverence and respect towards God
Drive I Jah Jah drive I
Asking God to take control of the singer's actions and guide them forward
Father, yes daddy
Addressing God as a loving and caring figure in the singer's life
(Jah is my rider)
Reiteration that God is the one guiding the singer's path
(Jah is my driver)
Reiteration that God is the one driving the singer forward
Oh Jah
An expression of reverence and respect towards God
Father, ah
Addressing God as a paternal figure in the singer's life
Ride I
Asking God to guide the singer through life's journey
(Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's role as the guide of the singer's path
Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah
A chant expressing the singer's devotion and respect towards God
(Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of God's role as the driving force behind the singer
Ride I Jah Jah drive I
Asking God to continue guiding and directing the singer's path forward
He takes I and I and I and I for a sight-seeing
Describing how God is leading the singer on a journey to see and experience new things in life
(Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's role as the guide of the singer's path
The sight-seeing was so real
Describing how the experiences God is leading the singer towards are vivid and impactful
(Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of God's role as the driving force behind the singer
The place was so green
Describing how the places God is leading the singer towards are vibrant and full of life
Trees tall, tall trees
Describing the beauty and grandeur of the natural world around the singer
(Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's role as the guide of the singer's path
Trees short, short trees
Describing the diversity and variety of the natural world around the singer
(Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of God's role as the driving force behind the singer
Replace all Africa
A call for the restoration and preservation of African culture and heritage
Africa, Africa (Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's role as the guide of the singer's path and the importance of African culture
Africa, Afri, Africa (Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of God's role as the driving force behind the preservation of African culture
This place called Africa
A recognition and respect for the singer's ancestral homeland
This place called Africa
Reiteration of the importance of recognizing and preserving African culture and heritage
Africa, Africa (Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's role as the guide of the singer's path and the importance of African culture
He ride I Jah Jah ride I
Expressing a belief that God is leading the singer on a journey through life
Drive I Jah Jah drive I (Jah is my driver)
Asking God to continue guiding and directing the singer's path forward
Jah Jah Jah Jah drive I
A chant expressing the singer's hope and belief that God will continue driving them forward
Jah Jah ride I
Expressing a belief that God is guiding and leading the singer through life
Jah Jah drive I (Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's dual role as the guide and the driving force behind the singer's path
Oh Jah Jah
An expression of reverence and respect towards God
Africa, Africa (Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of the importance of recognizing and preserving African culture and heritage, with God driving the preservation efforts forward
Oh Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah
An expression of reverence and respect towards God
You ride I Jah Jah
Acknowledging that God is guiding and leading the singer through life
You drive I (Jah is my rider)
Reiteration of God's role as the guide of the singer's path
Africa, Africa (Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of the importance of recognizing and preserving African culture and heritage, with God driving the preservation efforts forward
Africa
A call to recognize and respect the importance of Africa and its cultural heritage
Jah Jah Jah Jah (Jah is my rider)
Expression of devotion and respect towards God as the ultimate guide and navigator of the singer's life
You ride I Jah Jah
Acknowledging God's central role in guiding and leading the singer through life
You drive I Jah Jah (Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of God's role as the driving force behind the preservation and recognition of African culture and heritage
Africa
A reaffirmation of the importance of recognizing Africa and its cultural heritage
Oh Jah Jah Jah Jah (Jah is my rider)
An expression of reverence and respect towards God as the ultimate guide and navigator of the singer's life
Ride I Jah Jah
Asking God to continue guiding and leading the singer through life's journey
You drive I Jah Jah (Jah is my driver)
Reiteration of God's role as the driving force behind the preservation and recognition of African culture and heritage
Africa, Africa
A call to recognize and respect the importance of Africa and its cultural heritage
Writer(s): Winston Rodney
Contributed by Oliver E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ZimboChild263
on Nyah Keith
my brothers and sisters,
Let us run away together,
Away, zion I , away,
Away can treat you long,
For we walk to go to the lion,
Where the mill can hold before,
For the wise might knock at your door,
Zion I away,
Zion , i away,
High high high high
Who is higher than high ?
High x4
Who is higher than high
When i am on Zion
Mount zion Has,
All land, Jah Rastafarai
Away can treat you long,
For we walk to go to the lion,
Where the mill can hold before,
For the wise might knock at your door,
Zion I away,
Zion , i away,
High high high high
Who is higher than high ?
High x4
Who is higher than high
When i am on Zion
Mount zion Has,
All land, Jah Rastafarai
Richard maina
on Children
Greetings on of my favorite song, of Rodney
GEORGE MANGANYE
on Appointment With His Majesty
I NAMED MY CHILD RITA MARLEY .EVER SINCE SHE WANT TO MEET THE REAL MOTHER(RITA MARLEY).HOW CAN SHE DO THAT.
GEORGE MANGANYE
on Appointment With His Majesty
IS BROTHER WINSTON RODNEY WATCHING THE XENOPHOBIC ATTACK IN AFRICA.LET HIM COME AND CONVINCE THIS JAH-JAH CHILDREN NOT TO KILL EACH OTHER
GEORGE MANGANYE
on Appointment With His Majesty
I AM INTERESTED IN THE LYRICS(EDUCATION)BY WINSTON RODNEY
Malefu Cathy Motaung
on Loved For Who I Am
I love this song how can i download it pls help
Teba Sinker
on Man In The Hills
Jah Live Jah Guide Jah Protect.
Darren Smith
on Throw Down Your Arms
TOCH MY HEART OH JAH.......JAH RASTAFARI
Darren Smith
on The Invasion
SLAVER DAYS
Hamisi Omari Magala
on Give Me
reggae is like school, you can more thing in the reggae music