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
Natty Dread
Cornell Campbell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A ticket to paradise
I can't stay here any more
And I've looked high and low
I've been from shore to shore to shore
If there's a short cut I'd have found it
But there is no easy way around it
Love is the answer
Shine on us all
Set us free
Love is the answer
Who knows why
Someday we all must die
We're all homeless boys and girls
And we are never heard
It's such a lonely world
People turn their heads
And walk on by
Tell me is it worth just another try
Are we alive
Or just a dying planet
What are the chances
Ask the man in your heart for the answers
And when you feel afraid
Love one another
When you've lost your way
Love one another
And when you're all alone
Love one another
And when you're far from home
Love one another
And when you're down and out
Love one another
And when your hopes run out
Love one another
And when you need a friend
Love one another
We got to love one another
In "Natty Dread," Cornell Campbell expresses a deep sense of disconnection from the world around him. He pleads for an escape from his present situation, yearning for a ticket to paradise. He feels as though he has searched everywhere, across every shore, for an easy way out, but it seems there is none. For Campbell, the world seems cruel and lonely, with people looking away from one another in indifference and ignoring the needs of those around them. He questions whether there is any point in even attempting to make a better life for himself, or if it's worth it to try again. The chorus points to a possible answer, that love is the key to finding meaning and happiness in life. By shining the light of love on one another and reaching out to those in need, people can set each other free from the lonely, harsh realities of the world.
Campbell's lyrics in "Natty Dread" are a powerful call to action that still resonate strongly today. The song's message is particularly poignant in light of the ongoing global pandemic, which has left so many feeling isolated and adrift. The idea of coming together with love, compassion, and understanding is more critical than ever. "Natty Dread" is an excellent example of how music can offer solace, inspiration, and hope to those who are struggling, no matter where they are in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Name your price
State what you want and how much you're willing to pay
A ticket to paradise
Escape to a better place
I can't stay here any more
I can no longer stay in this unpleasant situation
And I've looked high and low
I've searched everywhere
I've been from shore to shore to shore
I've traveled extensively
If there's a short cut I'd have found it
I would have discovered an easy way if there was one
But there is no easy way around it
It's not easy to avoid what must be done
Light of the world, shine on me
Illuminate my world with your brightness
Love is the answer
Love is the solution to all problems
Shine on us all
Illuminate our world with your brightness
Set us free
Free us from our troubles and pains
Who knows why
Nobody truly knows why things happen the way they do
Someday we all must die
Death is inevitable for every person
We're all homeless boys and girls
We are all wanderers and travelers in this world
And we are never heard
Our voices and cries are never heard
It's such a lonely world
The world can be a lonely and sad place
People turn their heads
People ignore the suffering around them
And walk on by
And continue on their way without helping
Tell me is it worth just another try
Is it worth trying again if the outcome is uncertain?
Are we alive
Are we truly living or just existing?
Or just a dying planet
Is the world dying due to our actions?
What are the chances
What are the odds of succeeding?
Ask the man in your heart for the answers
Turn to your inner self for guidance
And when you feel afraid
And when you are scared or worried
Love one another
Show compassion and kindness to others
When you've lost your way
When you are lost or confused
And when you're all alone
And when you are by yourself
And when you're far from home
And when you are away from your comfort zone
And when you're down and out
And when you are going through tough times
And when your hopes run out
And when you have no hope left
And when you need a friend
And when you need someone to talk to or lean on
We got to love one another
It's important to show love and kindness to everyone
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN WILCOX, KASIM SULTON, ROGER POWELL, TODD RUNDGREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matt Kess
One of the greatest songs ever written
R.J. Paul
Cornel's voice, Bunny at the controls, I mean what more do you want man? Thanks BD, you are the selector who makes me better 💕
ZIGGIE ITAL
It wasn't Bunny Lee that was at the controls it was the DUBMASTER KING TUBBY. Bunny Lee was a producer and never one who mixed Dub
Brian Jenkins
Wicked tune Cornell Campbell
Cláudio Mateus
que riddim massa
Mostafa Shaban
Love itt ❤️❤️
Beta Ray Bill
Major classic. BOOMSHOT!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Quiet Observer
Cornell Campbell the Gorgon!!
WARLEN SOUSA
Very, very good !!!
Black Panther Hi-Fi Sound System
Hella big Cornell tune gwan selecta gwan