A wise man onc… Read Full Bio ↴King Shango, King David, The Fireman and The Prophet.
A wise man once said that a prophet is not without honour save in his own country and so it has been with Capleton. While the veteran DJ's words and works long ago earned him the title of "The Prophet", the respect and honor that should rightfully be his have been a long time coming. "Anytime you try to uplift righteousness and upliftment of the people them, then you ah go get a fight", says the hottest entertainer in the worldwide reggae fraternity. "Bob Marley come do it and them fight him. And when Bob Marley dead, that's when they start to endorse him. I already aware of this, I am not unaware. So I know the more them fight I is the more I get stronger" In the fast-moving world of dancehall reggae, fame and success are hard to obtain and easy to lose. Fans can be fickle, and trends change in the blink of an eye, leaving most entertainers with painfully short career spans. Only a rare few can remain relevant from year to year, holding their audience's attention and leaving them crying for more. His lyrics are deep, precise, and thoughtful. His stage shows are nothing less than dynamic, explosive performances. But his remarkable staying power and longevity may be Capleton's greatest gift.
Born Clifton George Bailey III on April 13, 1967, in the rural parish of St. Mary, Capleton earned his future stage name from friends who were so impressed with his sharp reasoning skills that they named him after the most famous lawyer in town. From a tender young age, he was a lover of the traveling sound systems, sneaking out at night to catch the vibes until dawn. But it wasn't until he turned 18 and moved to Kingston that he was able to realize his destiny.
It was Stewart Brown, owner of a Toronto-based sound called African Star, who gave the untested artist his first break, flying him to Canada for a stage show alongside giants like Ninjaman and Flourgon. The audience poured out their appreciation, and he never looked back. When Capleton first burst on the scene in the late 1980s, the dancehall was a very different place than it is today. Slackness and gun talk were the order of the day. This bright promising newcomer announced his arrival with a string of hit songs from "Bumbo Red" to "Number One on the Look Good Chart" and "Lotion Man." Everything he touched hit the sound-good charts, and the youthful artist with the nimble vocabulary and hardcore voice quickly established himself as one of dancehall's most reliable hitmakers. But even he could not have predicted that eleven years later, at the start of the new millennium, he would be dancehall's ruling voice.
"I think the people dem see say me really deserve that because of the amount of years me put in," Capleton says, "and we never really bow and we still hold the faith. We stand up for whatever we a say. Yeah and we really work for it. And them say by your works, a so you get your pay. The people them see the amount of fight me face and the whole heap of accusation. And me still never give up"
When he dropped the tune "Alms House" in 1992, Capleton established himself as more than an entertainer but as a guiding light of righteousness through music. "United we stand and divided we fall," he sang for the benefit of his fans and dancehall comrades. "Nuff of them nah go know themself till them back against the wall." A few years later he came back with yet another antidote to the clashing and rivlary that had taken hold of the dancehall business. "Music is a mission," he reminded his fellow artists, "not a competition. Some man use the music to cause confusion." The path of this dancehall Prophet was clearly established in 1994 with a string of songs that declared his newfound faith in Rastafari. "INI sight up the light and see say really, yunno, Rasta is real," he recalls. "founder of the world, because Rasta did come set the trend. Y'unnerstand. Rasta is life."
The first words of his mega-hit "Dis The Trinity" made it plain that the DJ had experienced some kind of revelation. "I was once lost but now I'm found," he stated, "Selassie I live every time." Capleton became a strong advocate of the teaching of the Jamaican National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and advocate of universal black repatriation. "Babylon rewarded us with hatred for our love," he declares. "They taught us to rape, steal and kill. For instance, they stole our literature and taught it back to us in a different manner so as to infiltrate our minds with foolishness and other misconceptions. Now we as black men do not see ourselves as prince and prophets, but as punks and guys. Our women do not see themselves as queens, princesses or empresses anymore, but as harlots and concubines." The only solution, as Bob Marley advocated, is to emancipate oneself from mental slavery.
"Over the years INI as a nation and a people, them no really teach INI nuttin' bout INI black self. You know I mean? Them teach INI them give we European philosophy. So INI and some other youths a try emerge now, we ask certain question and we ask fi certain things. Caw we know say an institute, or in a college, or in a certain organization we need we Ethiopian curriculum, we need the black man thing. We need to know about weself. Becaw the prophet Marcus Garvey did show we say, A nation without no knowledge of them own history is like a tree without a root. And if you don't know where you're coming from, you're not gonna know where you're going."
Even as he uplifts the black race, Capleton always makes a point of clarifying that he does not seek to alienate any race. "We are not being racial nor prejudiced star," he says. "Becaw we know Jah is for everyone. But where history and prophesy in concerned, that is our witness and we have to be ourself, and we cannot hide from the truth. Caw we woulda be a traitor and a sellout to ourself. And you cannot sell out yourself."
Soon thereafter came the song "Tour" a blazing state of the dancehall report written in the weeks following the slaying of Panhead and Dirtsman, two of Capleton's fellow artists. That song not only became an anthem of the roots revival within the dancehall, but a hip hop flavored remix of that song hit the Billboard charts, opening up a huge new audience to Capleton's messages of righteousness.
There followed a relationship with Def Jam records, who released two Capleton albums, Prophecy and I-Testament, which featured memorable collaborations with rap stars like Method Man and Q-Tip. Both records were warmly accepted by the international audience, but as the millennium drew to a close, Capleton sensed that it was time to return to his core audience. He had work to do. "I have to be myself, right? And I only can be me," he reasons. "So whichever way fi make me be me, I work with dat. Y'understand."
Capleton is now at the height of his powers. 1999 and 2000 have brought a ceaseless string of sound system favorite and dancehall chart toppers like the anti-violence anthem "Jah Jah City" and "Good In Her Clothes," a message of respect for the sisters who carry themselves like Empresses rather than. But even as he completes his mission of upliftment, Capleton has had many critics. One of his biggest hits, in fact, is addressed the naysayers in the press and the ivory towers of power. "Critics won't leave I alone," chats the Prophet. "They say they can't take the fire weh me put pon Rome"
Many of Capleton's songs "and most of his critics" make mention of this blazing fire. Capleton hopes to clear up the confusion once and for all. "Is not really a physical fire. Is really a spiritual fire, and a wordical fire, and a musical fire. You see the fire is all about a livity. But is people get it on the wrong term. People get confused.So when a man say "more fire" him think that mean say you fi go light the cane field or go light the church." Fire, Capleton explains, is a way of reminding one's brother that they are going astray. "That way a man know say him doing something wrong. That even give him the urge to know say Yo check up on yourself. What you're doing is not right, or else him would not say "Fire fi dat," or "Burn dat" or "More fire." "If we go check it back now," he continues, "fire is for the purification of earth, anyhow you check it. This earth itself have to even emerge from the literal fire also, which is the volcanic activity, we a talk bout lava. The hottest element to rise us in the morning is the sun. The water cleanse, but it's still the support from the fire that burn the water, burn out of the bacteria so the water coulda heal we fi cleanse. The herb heal, but it's still the fire fi burn the herb so the herb coulda heal we also."
{Bio is courtesy of Rob Kenner} www.vprecords.com
It's On
Capleton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Up in the book of life
That man shall
Endure forever more
And it was written
Up in the book of life
That man shall
Well did the pen is stronger than the knife
They can kill you once but they can't kill you twice
Did you know destruction of the flesh is not di ending to life
Fear not of the anti-Christ
Did you know that I exist before the Earth
An did you know that my eyes are windows to the world
Did you know you can't go ah Zion and wear Jerry curls
Can't tell di boys from di girls
Your body is just a vehicle transporting you soul
It's what's inside of people is beauty to behold
Fear not of evil
Every day dem flesh it grow old
Changes of the times take a toll
And it was written
Up in the book of life
That man shall
Endure forever more
And it was written
Up in the book of life
That man shall
Endure forever more
Fear is in the eye of the beholder
Love is in the presence of the love maker
Life is in the words of the comforter
Endure much longer, live much longer
Fear is in the eye of the beholder
Love is in the presence of the love maker
Life is in the words of the comforter
Endure much longer, live much longer
A vester on his chest
And Rastafari is his name
A gift of everlasting life for all us to sustain
Blessing that you all be got
Lessons taught you all forgot
Rasta call I shit you not
Do you remember Elijah and his chariot of flames
Same blood dat run through my veins
Fear is in the eye of the beholder
Love is in the presence of the love maker
Life is in the words of the comforter
Endure much longer, live much longer
Fear is in the eye of the beholder
Love is in the presence of the love maker
Life is in the words of the comforter
Endure much longer, live much longer
Careful how you entertain stranger
Selassie never born in a manger
And never crucified as a savior
And likkle himself from all di ruler
Babylon na function with a failer
So be careful of them cellular and pager
'Cause as I see them I see danger
So dem great but Selassie ah greater, yo
That man shall endure forever more
And it was written up in the book of life
That man shall endure forever more
Mi think mi wan lick upon shots upon a blood clot
And fill the block with bummer as cops
Cops mi nah talk mi know you watch me walks and
While black woman is getting raped across New York and
Before little brothers and chalks and
Imagine somebody say "That's your son dead" and
See us
We do the crime, we do the time
You get away scott free
So the police they gon' pop you for they pop me
'Cause if you get me, you got me, you shot me, no lock me
Carry shotty's since mom slapped me 'cause mi room sloppy
The youngest nigga out the camp, it's me
But nobody pampered me
So you better don't ran with me, for semi
Mi a player plenty
Chicks mi blaze many
Raise plenty a few dollars
Storm out mi Prada
Watch a bum holla
Watch em run, hit the floor
Told em come, come
No
Throw your guns up pon di air
Blow!
And it was written
Up in the book of life
That man shall
Endure forever more
Watch for sticks and stones
Stumbling blocks in piles
Life is one big road
Miles on top of miles
So blessed be the soul that always remains a child
When most people don't even smile
There's a natural mystic
Blow through the air
So keep in realistic and always be aware
The truth is crying out and it's so loud and so clear
But most people won't even hear
Spiritual pollution is in the atmosphere
And with so much confusion
Can one be happy here
The gift of Rastafari is for all man to share
But some would rather to be so unfair
And it was written
Up in the book of life
That man shall
Endure forever more
And it was written
Up in the book of life
That man shall
Endure forever more
Capleton's song "It Was Written" is a powerful message about man's endurance, the strength of the pen over the knife, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The repeated refrain, "And it was written, up in the book of life, that man shall endure forever more", is a reminder that our place in this world, and the world beyond, is predetermined, and that we should focus on what is real and lasting rather than get caught up in the fleeting and superficial. Capleton urges listeners to be fearless in the face of evil, to embrace love, and to trust in Rastafari's gift of everlasting life.
The first half of the song addresses the power of words and the importance of living with purpose. The pen may be mightier than the knife, but in the end, it is not violence that determines our fate. Capleton encourages listeners to embrace the fact that their bodies are merely vehicles for their souls, and that what truly matters is what is inside. He also reminds us that the world is constantly changing, and that we must be willing to adapt to survive.
The second half of the song is more overtly religious, as Capleton invokes the name of Rastafari and praises his gift of everlasting life. He warns that there are those who would try to deceive us with false idols, but that true believers will recognize the truth when they hear it. He also addresses social issues like police brutality, racism, and violence, urging listeners to be careful how they entertain strangers and to never forget that the world is full of stumbling blocks.
Overall, "It Was Written" is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to live with purpose and to be faithful to their ideals. Whether or not one shares Capleton's religious beliefs, his message of endurance, courage, and love is one that resonates with people across cultures and faiths.
Line by Line Meaning
And it was written
A divine decree has been put in writing
Up in the book of life
The decree is recorded in the book of life
That man shall
It is destined for mankind to
Endure forever more
Endure eternally
Well did the pen is stronger than the knife
The power of words is mightier than violent actions
They can kill you once but they can't kill you twice
A person can only die once, but their actions and words can have a lasting impact
Did you know destruction of the flesh is not di ending to life
Physical death is not the end of life
Fear not of the anti-Christ
Do not be afraid of evil forces
Did you know that I exist before the Earth
I, as a spiritual being, have existed before the creation of the physical world
An did you know that my eyes are windows to the world
My eyes are an entrance to perception and understanding of the world
Did you know you can't go ah Zion and wear Jerry curls
One cannot enter the holy land with superficial and worldly appearances
Can't tell di boys from di girls
Gender and physical appearance do not define a person's true essence
Your body is just a vehicle transporting you soul
The physical body serves as a vessel for the spiritual being
It's what's inside of people is beauty to behold
True beauty lies in the essence of a person
Fear not of evil
Do not be afraid of evil forces
Every day dem flesh it grow old
Physical bodies inevitably age and decay
Changes of the times take a toll
The passage of time and the evolution of society have an impact on individuals
Fear is in the eye of the beholder
Fear is subjective and varies from person to person
Love is in the presence of the love maker
Love exists in the presence of its creator
Life is in the words of the comforter
The words of the divine bring life and comfort
Endure much longer, live much longer
Enduring through hardships brings longevity
A vester on his chest
A garment worn as a symbol of spiritual devotion
And Rastafari is his name
Referring to the Rastafarian spiritual movement
A gift of everlasting life for all us to sustain
The Rastafarian belief offers eternal life for all who embrace it
Blessing that you all be got
A blessing to all who receive it
Lessons taught you all forgot
Society has forgotten important lessons taught by the divine
Rasta call I shit you not
Rastafarian beliefs are genuine and true
Do you remember Elijah and his chariot of flames
Referencing the prophet Elijah and his miraculous exit from this world
Same blood dat run through my veins
Sharing the same essence and spirit as the prophet
Careful how you entertain stranger
Be cautious of those who enter your life
Selassie never born in a manger
Rejecting the traditional image of Jesus and his birthplace
And never crucified as a savior
Rejecting the traditional image of Jesus and his death
And likkle himself from all di ruler
Rastafarian beliefs reject earthly authority and seek spiritual freedom
Babylon na function with a failer
The corrupt political and social system in society is destined to fail
So be careful of them cellular and pager
Be aware of the negative influence of technology and modern communication
Cause as I see them I see danger
The negative impact of society is apparent
So dem great but Selassie ah greater, yo
Human power and authority are far inferior to the divine
Mi think mi wan lick upon shots upon a blood clot
Expressing frustration about societal corruption and injustice
And fill the block with bummer as cops
Rejecting the authority of the police and advocating for spiritual beliefs
Watch for sticks and stones
Be mindful of obstacles and challenges
Stumbling blocks in piles
Obstacles can accumulate and compound over time
Life is one big road
Life is a journey with many paths
Miles on top of miles
The journey of life is long and winding
So blessed be the soul that always remains a child
Keeping an open and youthful perspective is a blessing
When most people don't even smile
Many people have lost the ability to enjoy life
There's a natural mystic
A spiritual force permeates throughout the world
Blow through the air
A pervasive and unstoppable force
So keep in realistic and always be aware
Be grounded in reality and attentive to the spiritual world
The truth is crying out and it's so loud and so clear
The divine truth is evident and unmistakable
But most people won't even hear
Many are too closed-minded to accept the truth
Spiritual pollution is in the atmosphere
Negative spiritual energy is pervasive in society
And with so much confusion
In a time of great uncertainty
Can one be happy here
Is happiness possible in this world?
The gift of Rastafari is for all man to share
The Rastafarian belief system is open to all who seek it
But some would rather to be so unfair
Many choose to remain closed to new beliefs and ideas
Lyrics © SUELION MUSIC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RUBEN CAPLETON, H GONZALEZ, DAMIAN ROBERT NESTA MARLEY, STEPHEN MARLEY, MEL SMALLS, O TOLEDANO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Truth teller
on Who Dem
Say me nah keep no funny man friend
Tell me say me nah keep no
(Edit)
Friend
Tell them say me nah keep no funny man friend
Tell them say me nah keep no sodomite friend
Truth teller
on Who Dem
Ruben ah wah we a go do to dem
What actions are we going to take against them?
Slew dem, who dem
We must defeat them, who are they?
Who demwell done, yo
Whoever they are, we've done a great job against them
So me seh again
Let me say it again
Slew dem ah pure feeling dem a carry
We must defeat them because they only carry negative energy
Dem done bow already and dem can't say dem sorry ya
They have already lost and they can't even apologize
Unno wan do dem something for me again well yo yo it name
Let's do something against them again, it's what we do
Who dem ah couldah, wha dat dem a try
Who do they think they are, what are they trying to do?
Dem go dis King Selassie watch all a dem die yo
By opposing King Selassie, they will face repercussions
Who dem me go see dem wit dem spell
Who are they that use witchcraft?
Dem dis Emmanuel and dem soul gone a hell
By opposing Emmanuel, they will lead themselves to hell
Who dem a coulda, who dem waan cuss, dem dis Marcus
Who do they think they are, disrespecting Marcus?
And now dem all bite de dust ya
Now they are facing the consequences of their actions
Who dem and me go tell dem fi splurt
We will tell them to flee and never come back
Tell dem dem can't dis mama earth
They cannot harm mother nature
Say me nah keep no funny man friend
I won't be friends with those who are not honest and sincere
Tell me say me nah keep no
I am told to not keep a
Friend
dishonest friend
Nah go stoop low me trod di rocky road dem
I won't lower myself to their level and will keep to my difficult path
Da fire ya, it redder dan red, da one yah name
The fire that burns within me is intense and unstoppable
So me bun out dem dutty heart
I will remove those with evil intentions
Dem evil heart and dem corrupted thought nyam too much
They have too much greed and corrupt thoughts
Snake under grass, bow to de boss
Snakes hide under the grass and serve their boss
Move too fast, me tell dem bout dem
They move too fast, I will let them know
Who go tell dem to provoke de youths dem to wrath
Who told them to provoke the youth to anger?
Now de youth dem seh dem nah trust no shadow after dark
Now the youth don't trust anyone in the dark
Nah tek no check nor no fool fool talk
They won't take any payments or foolish talk
Dem know who and who ah come straight from dem heart
They know who is sincere and genuine
Know who a hypocrite from de way how dem talk
They know who is dishonest based on their speech
Dis de emperor and watch de whole a dem loss
Opposing the emperor will lead to their downfall
Can't even find food to put inna dem troft
They are so impoverished they can't even afford food
Not even bicycle much less donkey cart
They can't even afford basic transportation
Can't even creep, much less fi walk
They can't even crawl, let alone walk
Dem can't even smile nor laugh da one yah name
They can't even enjoy life's simple pleasures
Who dem ah dem ah want ah treasure
They are after treasure
Tell dem dem caan dis mama 'mega
They cannot disrespect mother nature
Sense did a gi weh like dem never get a pence
They are senseless, they can't even think logically
Seems like dem gone school and go warm bench
It seems like they went to school to waste time
Dem nah have no faith no confidence
They don't have any faith or confidence in themselves
Nah hold no faith nah block no reverence
They don't hold any faith or respect
Find out say nuff a dem disobedient
Many of them are disobedient
So me find out dem no have no conscience
I found out they have no conscience
Dem no have a clean heart nor a clear conscience
They don't have a pure heart or a clear conscience
Dis king Selassie I it never mek sense
Opposing King Selassie I is nonsensical
Dis Emmanuel and dem get kick of a de bench
By opposing Emmanuel, they will be defeated
Dis Marcus Garvey ah weh the case dem get drenched
Opposing Marcus Garvey was an unfavorable decision
Who dem, who dem yo
Whoever they are, who are they?
noah's ark
on Babylon Judgement
Mystery Babylon is the new world order
Sherry
on Bad Mind
Bad Mind- Jealousy or Envy The song is about people with the problem and how to avoid having bad mind