Capital Letters were a big band, eight-strong (adding another guitarist/vocalist for their 1979 John Peel radio session), that boasted four vocalists, two drummers (one the conga player) and two percussionists among their ranks. In Jamaica, brass and/or organ filled out the arrangements.
Unfortunately, Capital Letters were also a relatively-short lived band. After Headline News they only released one other LP--Vineyard on a minor German label in 1982--and it is rarely in print. That and a handful of fine 12" were all the Capital Letters wrote.
Goodnews CAPITAL LETTERS the band are now practising and will be playing out soon doing all their tracks and more , I should know I'm the keyboard player Perch.
Unemployed
Capital Letters Lyrics
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Think to myself now, what would this day bring?
Day after day spent walking the town
I play the fool then I act the clown
But is it my fault that Im unqualified
Clear from JA in Britain to reside
As an unemployed member of the public
CHORUS
Look who's unemployed now
Look who's unemployed now
Look who's unemployed now
Look who's unemployed now
Its not that Im afraid of work you see
Ill build computers even chop down trees
My parents tell me that Im no damn good
They're better of with a man of wood
So help me brothers now help me if you can
cos after all Im just a human man
Not just an unemployed member of the public
CHORUS
To all of those of you that work for your pay
Please be careful in the words that you say
To all of those not as fortunate as you
cos finding a job is not so easy to do
So keep it in mind that maybe some day
You just might end up the very same way
As an unemployed member of the public
In Capital Letters' song "Unemployed", the singer speaks candidly about being out of work and the social stigma that often comes with it. The song opens with the singer waking up and wondering what the day will bring, setting the tone for a life of aimless wandering without a job to anchor him. He acknowledges that he's unqualified, and suspects that his status as a Jamaican immigrant residing in Britain holds him back from gainful employment. The chorus, "Look who's unemployed now," seems to mock him, as if the world were laughing at him for being down on his luck.
The second verse underscores the disapproving attitudes he faces, both from his parents and from the world at large. He's willing to work any job, but the people around him seem to be telling him that he's worthless and better off out of the workforce. He concludes by asking for help, hoping that someone will extend a hand and give him a chance to prove himself.
"Unemployed" is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles of people who can't find work, a population often overlooked by society. It exposes the injustice of systemic inequality and the heartbreaking impact it has on individuals. The song's message rings true even today as unemployment rates continue to be high in many parts of the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Woke up this morning yawned and scratched my skin
I woke up feeling lethargic with no clear purpose for the day ahead.
Think to myself now, what would this day bring?
I contemplate what opportunities might arise on this day without any certainty or expectations.
Day after day spent walking the town
I spend my time wandering around without any particular destination or activity to engage in.
I play the fool then I act the clown
I act in jest or buffoonery as a means of coping with my current situation and lack of purpose.
But is it my fault that Im unqualified
I question whether my lack of qualifications or job prospects is due to my own shortcomings or external factors beyond my control.
Clear from JA in Britain to reside
My status as an unemployed person is evident across the country.
As an unemployed member of the public
I am part of the larger group of individuals who are without employment.
Look who's unemployed now
I acknowledge my current state of unemployment as a reality.
Its not that Im afraid of work you see
I am not hesitant or unwilling to work, but rather lack the opportunity or means to do so.
Ill build computers even chop down trees
I am capable and willing to do many different types of work, regardless of the level of skill or specialization required.
My parents tell me that Im no damn good
My family holds a negative opinion of my value or potential, adding to my feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness.
They're better of with a man of wood
They believe that someone with more tangible skills, like carpentry or manual labor, would be a more viable and reliable breadwinner.
So help me brothers now help me if you can
I appeal to my fellow human beings for assistance and support in my search for employment and purpose.
cos after all Im just a human man
I remind others that I am merely a mortal being with faults, weaknesses, and limitations.
Not just an unemployed member of the public
I hope to be recognized as an individual with unique skills, experiences, and potential beyond my current status as an unemployed person.
To all of those of you that work for your pay
I address those who are employed and earning a steady income through their labor.
Please be careful in the words that you say
I ask for sensitivity and understanding towards those who are unemployed, who may be struggling with feelings of shame, frustration, or hopelessness.
To all of those not as fortunate as you
I acknowledge that some people are less privileged or less lucky in their job search or career opportunities.
cos finding a job is not so easy to do
I emphasize the difficulty and challenge of securing employment in today's job market, particularly for those who lack certain qualifications or networks.
So keep it in mind that maybe some day
I encourage employed individuals to remember that their job security and stability may not necessarily be permanent.
You just might end up the very same way
I suggest that anyone could potentially become unemployed and face the same hardships or stigma that I am currently experiencing.
As an unemployed member of the public
I reiterate that my current status does not define me or negate my worth and potential as a human being.
Writer(s): Danny Mcken, Wenty Stewart, Junior Brown, Roderick Harvey, Earl Lynch, Danny Mckeb, George Scarlett Copyright: Greensleeves Publishing Limited
Contributed by Landon R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.