Clinton Fearon was the former bass player for 'The Gladiators' and now is s… Read Full Bio ↴Clinton Fearon was the former bass player for 'The Gladiators' and now is solo.

From his website:

If you know reggae music, you know Clinton 'Basie' Fearon. Clinton Fearon is counted among Jamaica's most talented musicians by peers and professionals in the Reggae music industry. His infectious bass riffs, guitar licks, percussion accents and powerful vocals make Bassie a living legend amongst reggae musicians and fans.

As a youth, Bassie went to Kingston to eventually become the well-known bassist, vocalist and lyricist for The Gladiators as well as a house musician for Coxsonne Dodd’s Studio One and Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Black Ark Studio. Fearon recorded many of Perry's best known songs, including Roast Fish and Cornbread which features one of Fearon's most famous bass lines. He also composed some everlasting basslines for Yabby You, Jimmy Riley, Max Romeo, Junior Byles and many many others.

Brace Yourself
Clinton Fearon Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Brace your self because another poet is born
Brace yourself because the day is not yet gone
And another poet is born

Brace your self because another poet is born
Brace yourself because today is a cornerstone
And another poet is born

Celebrate the victory too dup tup too hey
And another poet is born

Celebrate the victory too dup tup too say
And another poet is born

Tell it like it is with no holding back
No holding back
Aim at the sky fling high
Be what you wanna be

A painter or a doctor or
A musician standing strong

With confidence
Comes excellence

Overall Meaning

In the first two verses of "Brace Yourself," Clinton Fearon speaks directly to the listener, urging them to prepare themselves because another poet is born. This can be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of the power of art and creativity being brought into the world. With each new poet (artist), there is the potential for new perspectives and ideas to emerge, challenging the status quo and inspiring change.

The repetition of the phrase "brace yourself" emphasizes the idea of being ready and open-minded to receive the art and messages being conveyed. It suggests that these poets, through their words and expressions, have the potential to make a significant impact on the world.

The following two lines, "Celebrate the victory too dup tup too hey, and another poet is born," further highlight the importance of acknowledging and celebrating this creative birth. The use of rhythmic syllables mimics the beat of music, suggesting that the birth of a poet is cause for musical celebration. It implies that the power of art can bring people together, creating a sense of unity and joy.

In the final verse, Fearon encourages individuals to "tell it like it is with no holding back." This line can be seen as a call for artists to be authentic and honest in their expressions, reflecting the reality of the world around them without fear of judgment or repercussion. The phrase "aim at the sky fling high" represents the idea of aiming for greatness and pushing oneself to reach their full potential.

The last two lines of the song suggest that one can choose any path in life, whether it be that of a painter, doctor, or musician, as long as they stand strong and have confidence. By emphasizing that confidence leads to excellence, Fearon suggests that self-belief and determination are crucial in achieving success in any endeavor.

Overall, "Brace Yourself" is a song that encourages listeners to embrace the birth of new artists, to celebrate their creativity, and to strive for personal excellence and authenticity in all aspects of life.

Line by Line Meaning

Brace your self because another poet is born
Prepare yourself, for the world will witness the emergence of a talented poet

Brace yourself because the day is not yet gone
Get ready, because the day is far from over and there is much to be accomplished

And another poet is born
And a new artist with a gift for poetry enters the scene

Celebrate the victory too dup tup too hey
Rejoice in the triumph, expressing joy and excitement

And another poet is born
And another creative soul is welcomed into the world

Tell it like it is with no holding back
Speak the truth boldly and honestly, without any hesitation

No holding back
No inhibitions or reservations

Aim at the sky fling high
Set your ambitions high, aiming for greatness

Be what you wanna be
Embrace your dreams and aspirations, pursuing the path that fulfills you

A painter or a doctor or
Whether you choose to be an artist or a healer

A musician standing strong
A musician who stands with confidence