In the '70s Cornell left Studio One and started an immensely profitable alliance with Bunny Lee. Hit after hit soon followed, and such was the dominance of the pair that Cornell was sooned nicknamed the Gorgon.
Towards the end of the '80s and in the '90s Cornell was less prolific, but still carried on producing singles, such as "Hell In A Yard" for King Tubby's Firehouse label (with the Jays). Towards the end of the 80s he took a few years off to concentrate on his family's farm, though he recorded sporadically.
Today, after 50 years in music, he still finds time to get into the studio and play the occasional gig. Recent tunes include the haunting "King In My Empire" with german dubmeisters Rhythm & Sound and a couple of tracks with Dub Syndicate.
For a longer biography, see http://www.reggae-vibes.com/concert/ccampbell/ccampbell.htm
Dub Magnificent Dub
Cornell Campbell Lyrics
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Dah, dah, dah-dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah-dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Rockets, moon shots
Spend it on the have nots
Money, we make it
Oh, make me want to holler
The way they do my life (yeah)
Make me want to holler
The way they do my life
This ain't livin', this ain't livin'
No, no baby, this ain't livin'
No, no, no, no
Inflation no chance
To increase finance
Bills pile up sky high
Send that boy off to die
Oh, make me want to holler
The way they do my life (duh, duh, duh)
Yeah, make me want to holler
The way they do my life
Oh, baby
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Hang-ups, let downs
Bad breaks, set backs
Natural fact is
Oh honey that I can't pay my taxes
Oh, make me want to holler
And throw up both my hands
Yea, it make me want to holler
And throw up both my hands
Oh (ow) crime is (woo) increasing
Trigger happy policing
Panic is spreading
God knows where we're heading
Oh, make me want to holler
They don't understand
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Dah, dah, dah
Mother, mother
Everybody thinks we're wrong
Who are they to judge us
Simply cause we wear our hair long
The song Ital City Dub by Cornell Campbell is a reggae classic that deals with themes of poverty, injustice, and oppression. The song begins with an instrumental intro, featuring a repetitive bassline and drums, before the artist begins singing about the problems he sees around him. The first half of the song talks about the way money and power are wielded unfairly, with the wealthy spending on luxuries instead of helping those in need. The lyrics "Money, we make it / Fore we see it you take it" highlight the struggle of many people who work hard but never seem to get ahead. The artist's frustration is palpable in the repeated refrain "make me want to holler" which expresses his anger at the injustice he sees.
The second half of the song focuses on the impact that poverty and oppression have on individuals. The lyrics "Hang-ups, let downs / Bad breaks, set backs" speak to how difficult it can be to make progress when faced with constant setbacks caused by poverty and inequality. The artist also touches on the issue of systemic violence and racism, with the lines "Trigger happy policing / Panic is spreading / God knows where we're heading" highlighting the fear and uncertainty that people living in marginalized communities often feel.
Overall, Ital City Dub is a powerful and evocative song that speaks to the experiences of many who have struggled against poverty and oppression. The lyrics are a reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and equality and fighting against the injustices that exist in our society.
Line by Line Meaning
Dah, dah, dah, dah
A repetitive phrase, with no apparent meaning
Dah, dah, dah-dah, dah, dah
Another repetitive phrase, with no apparent meaning
Dah, dah, dah
Another repetitive phrase, with no apparent meaning
Rockets, moon shots
Spending money on space exploration, while ignoring the needs of the people
Spend it on the have nots
The government should be spending money on the poor and needy, instead of wasting it on frivolous things.
Money, we make it
People work hard for their money
Fore we see it you take it
The government takes taxes from people before they even receive their wages
Oh, make me want to holler
The frustration and anger of the artist
The way they do my life (yeah)
The government doesn't understand the struggles of the people
This ain't livin', this ain't livin'
Life is tough and unfair
No, no baby, this ain't livin'
The difficulty of surviving in a constantly changing world
Inflation no chance
Inflation makes it difficult for people to get ahead financially
To increase finance
It's hard for people to save money when inflation is high
Bills pile up sky high
The cost of living is high and bills keep stacking up
Send that boy off to die
The government sends young men off to war while ignoring their needs when they return
Hang-ups, let downs
Daily struggles and disappointments that people face
Bad breaks, set backs
Life is full of obstacles and challenges
Natural fact is
The truth is
Oh honey that I can't pay my taxes
Even people who work hard can't afford to pay their taxes
Oh, make me want to holler
The frustration and anger of the artist
And throw up both my hands
Expressing helplessness and defiance
Yea, it make me want to holler
The frustration and anger of the artist
Oh (ow) crime is (woo) increasing
Crime rates are going up
Trigger happy policing
Police use excessive force to control crime
Panic is spreading
People are becoming increasingly afraid and anxious
God knows where we're heading
The future seems uncertain and frightening
They don't understand
People in power don't understand the struggles of the ordinary people
Dah, dah, dah
Another repetitive phrase, with no apparent meaning
Mother, mother
Addressing the mother of the artist
Everybody thinks we're wrong
People who look different from the mainstream are judged and criticized
Who are they to judge us
Questioning the authority of those who judge us
Simply cause we wear our hair long
People are judged and discriminated against for the way they look and dress
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: James Jr Nyx, Marvin Gaye
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind