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.
Raised in the Jungle
Clinton Fearon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
born and raised in the jungle
i'll never forget where i'm coming from
born and raised in the jungle
i'll never regret where i'm coming from
born and raised in the jungle
the encounter was so rough
just couldn't help but to be humble
mommy and daddy have done their best
and i've got to do the rest
fighting for survival is like playing chess
but i am the winner cause
mi nah give up nah give up
won't give up won't give up
say mi nah give up nah give up
i won't give up at all
over hills and valleys i've trod
but i didn't mind
sometimes coffee sometimes tea
sweat and tears for wine
the blues popped in my head
sometimes my eyes got red
i won't forget to remember
who were there for me
mek we mash down the system
with a little bit of reggae
mek we tear up the system
with a little bit of reggae yah
In the song "Raised in the Jungle" by Clinton Fearon, the singer shares his experience of being born and raised in a tough environment, yet getting the most out of it. He repeats the phrase "born and raised in the jungle" to emphasize his strong connection to his roots. The encounter he had was quite rough, and despite the challenge, he remained humble. He acknowledges that his parents have done their best, but he also has a responsibility to do his part. He compares fighting for survival to playing chess, but he believes he is the winner because he refuses to give up.
The singer recalls the struggles he has been through on his journey. He has walked over hills and valleys, and he has encountered various challenges along the way. However, he remains optimistic, stating that he did not mind the difficulties that came his way. The singer also mentions that he has had to work hard for his livelihood, sacrificing his sweat and tears for clothes, food, and other basic needs, and this has often kept him up late at night.
Despite his tribulations, he recognizes the people who stood by him and supported him through it all. He vows to remember them and never to forget where he is coming from. The song ends with the singer calling for people to unite and fight against the system using a little bit of reggae.
Line by Line Meaning
Wha oh wha oh wha (repeat)
Soulful repetition of sounds to set the mood for the song
born and raised in the jungle
I grew up in a place with limited opportunities for youth
i'll never forget where i'm coming from
I'm grateful for my roots and background
i'll never regret where i'm coming from
I appreciate where I started as it made me who I am
the encounter was so rough
The experiences I faced were not easy
just couldn't help but to be humble
I had to remain humble through all situations
although it's kinda tough i say
Although my past was difficult, I acknowledge it made me stronger
mommy and daddy have done their best
My parents gave me the best life they could despite their own hardships
and i've got to do the rest
I must take responsibility for my own life and future
fighting for survival is like playing chess
Survival is a strategic game that requires planning and skill
but i am the winner cause
I've come out on top despite the obstacles
mi nah give up nah give up
I will not give up, never give up
won't give up won't give up
I will keep going, won't stop
say mi nah give up nah give up
I reiterate my determination to never give up
i won't give up at all
No matter what happens, I won't give up
over hills and valleys i've trod
I've traveled far and wide, through easy and difficult terrain
but i didn't mind
I kept pushing despite the difficulties
sometimes coffee sometimes tea
Sometimes things are easy, sometimes they require more effort
sweat and tears for wine
I've put in hard work and effort to reach my goals
the blues popped in my head
I've had moments of sadness and doubt
sometimes my eyes got red
I've cried and struggled but still persisted
i won't forget to remember
I will always keep in mind who has helped me along the way
who were there for me
Those who supported me when I needed it
mek we mash down the system
Let's work together to dismantle oppressive structures
with a little bit of reggae
Let's use music as a tool for change
mek we tear up the system
Let's completely destroy oppressive structures
with a little bit of reggae yah
Let's use the infectious joy of reggae music to inspire and unite us
Contributed by Lincoln V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.