1. A roots regg… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two artists that have used this name:
1. A roots reggae band from Jamaica
2. A straight edge metalcore band from Florida, US
1. Culture was a Jamaican roots reggae group founded in 1976. Originally they were known as the African Disciples.
The members of the trio were Joseph Hill (lead vocals), Albert Walker (backing vocals) and Kenneth Dayes (backing vocals).
Shortly after Culture came together, they began working with the "Mighty Two" – producer Joe Gibbs and engineer Errol Thompson. While at Gibbs’ studio, they recorded a series of powerful singles, many of which ended up on their debut album ‘Two Sevens Clash’. After their success with Gibbs, the group went on to make a string of albums for producer Sonia Pottinger. Culture began working with some of the premier musicians of the day including Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Ansel Collins, Cedric Brooks and the ever-present percussionist Sticky. Virgin Records picked up the albums, and that added distribution enabled Culture to gain an even larger following outside of Jamaica.
Critically considered one of the most authentic traditional reggae acts, at the time of the first Rolling Stone Record Guide publication, they were the only band of any genre whose every recording received a five-star review (of bands with more than one recording in the guide).
In 1982 the three singers went their own ways. Hill carried on using the Culture name, and recorded the Lion Rock album, which was released in the United States by Heartbeat Records. For their part, Walker and Dayes recorded a handful of songs on their own – a few of which turned up on an album titled Roots & Culture. In 1986 the original line-up reformed to record two highly regarded albums – Culture in Culture and Culture at Work. These releases marked the beginning of a very busy period for the group, including annual albums and countless tours. The U.S. label Shanachie released a steady stream of new and old Culture albums up to Wings Of A Dove in 1992.
Joseph Hill, who came to symbolize the face of Culture, died in Germany on 19 August 2006 while the group was on tour. His son, Kenyatta Hill, now is the lead singer.
2) Classic mid/late 90s hardcore from Florida, celebrated for, among a handful of others, helping to cultivate the burgeoning metallic hardcore sound that became synonymous with the era.
CULTURE was known for aggressive social/political/ecological commentary, cautionary tales of reckless consumerism and industrial sprawl, and advocacy of the straightedge lifestyle.
Former members went on to Morning Again, Terror, As Friends Rust, Shai Hulud, Throwdown, Blood Has Been Shed and (most recently) ON BODIES.
In 2012, CULTURE played its first show since disbanding in 1998 (The Reel & Restless Fest in Miami, Florida). This fall, in August of 2013, the band will revisit Europe for Belgium's famed Ieper Hardcore Festival, and will then play three dates in Japan, including Tokyo's Bloodaxe Fest.
Members included:
Rich Thurston (Guitar: 1993-1997, Bass: 1993, Vocals: 1993, Drums: 1996)
Josh Williams (Drums: 1993-1997)
Stan Obal (Bass: 1993)
Mark Mitchell (Vocals: 1993, Vocals: 1996)
Pete Carreno (Bass: 1994)
John Wylie (Guitar: 1994-1995)
Damien Moyal (Vocals: 1994-1995, Vocals: 1997-1998)
Gordon Tarpley (Bass: 1995-1997, Guitar: 1998)
Louie Long (Vocals: 1995)
Anthony Conte (Vocals: 1995)
Steve Looker (Guitar: 1996-1997)
Jason Dooley (Drums: 1997)
Timothy Kirkpatrick (Drums: 1997-1998)
Joe Simmons (Guitar:1997-1998)
Floyd Beckham (Bass: 1998)
Kenneth Brian (Guitar: 1998)
Innocent Blood
Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Innocent blood shed down there
Way down inna Babylon yeah!!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
I will tell you something, yeah!
One year after slavery, the people were all suffering from small pox
So he sent abroad for some of his doctors friends to come and minister unto them
To see what they could do, Oh!
And because he did such a good, they catch him and hanged him on brindle cotton tree
Oh! Man if you think a lie I & I tell; take a look upon the 10 Dollar bill, Oh!
There you can see with his neck wrapped off
When he was hanged with his eye glass on
Jah know oh!
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Listen to what I’m saying!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Paul Boggle walked from Spanish Town to Stonnie Gut for the justice of black mankind, Oh Oh!
Nine men and himself maintained, when he reached to Spanish Town they refused to hear what he was saying
Man! So they walked away and say: Come on! Let’s form our own Government
Then straight after that you could see where the rebellion, Rebellion starts
Oh!! Hear what I say
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t believe I! Believe in history book, it says
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
You’ve to forgive but not to forget
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Jah know these all…
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Do it in the ghetto, Jehovah know! Jehovah Yeah!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t you forget about it? Please be careful and be peaceful
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t shed them more up, see that….
The lyrics to Culture's song Innocent Blood address the horrifying reality of innocent lives lost due to racial and social injustice. The repetition of "think a little" emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and reflecting on the violent persecution that has occurred. The usage of "man" as a term of address highlights how the issue at hand affects everyone and the urgency for change. The lines "I will tell you something, yeah!" and "Listen to what I'm saying!" underscore the significance of the message being conveyed.
The first verse details the story of George William Gordon, a Jamaican politician and businessman who fought for universal suffrage and fair treatment of workers. After he requested help for smallpox victims, Gordon was arrested under false allegations of inciting riot and insurrection. He was quickly tried and hanged, all while maintaining his innocence. The line "If you think a lie I & I tell; take a look upon the 10 Dollar bill" refers to the visual confirmation of his execution on Jamaican currency. The second verse mentions Paul Bogle, a Baptist deacon who led a march of 200 to the Governor's office to demand justice for poor Black voters. After being met with violence, Bogle led a successful attack on a local armory to arm themselves against the government. However, the British military retaliated with brute force and killed over 400 people.
In essence, the song Innocent Blood is a call to action for recognizing the suffering and oppression inflicted on marginalized communities. The lyrics recount the unjust executions of George William Gordon and Paul Bogle as a reminder of the deep historical roots underlying the ongoing battle for equality. The repetition of "innocent blood shed down there" highlights the unnecessary loss of life that continues to occur. The song encourages listeners to not forget about these atrocities and to work towards a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Emphasizing the importance of deep thought and contemplation
Innocent blood shed down there
An acknowledgement of the tragic loss of life due to oppression and injustice
Way down inna Babylon yeah!!
Referring to the systemic oppression experienced by black people in the West Indies
I will tell you something, yeah!
An indication that the artist has an important message
One year after slavery, the people were all suffering from smallpox
Describing a difficult period of time following emancipation
George William Gordon was judge of the peace at Morant Bay during that time
Naming a historical figure known for advocating for black rights
So he sent abroad for some of his doctor friends to come and minister unto them
Illustrating the lengths to which Gordon went to help those afflicted by smallpox
And because he did such a good, they catch him and hanged him on brindle cotton tree
Recounting the tragic death of Gordon at the hands of oppressors
Oh! Man if you think a lie I & I tell; take a look upon the 10 Dollar bill, Oh!
Challenging the disbelief of those who doubt the facts about Gordon's death
There you can see with his neck wrapped off When he was hanged with his eye glass on
Further describing the gruesome manner in which Gordon was executed
Jah know oh!
An expression of exasperation and sadness at black suffering and death
Listen to what I’m saying!
A request for attentive listening to the message being conveyed
Paul Boggle walked from Spanish Town to Stonnie Gut for the justice of black mankind, Oh Oh!
Another historical figure who fought for black rights, this time referencing Paul Bogle
Nine men and himself maintained, when he reached to Spanish Town they refused to hear what he was saying
Detailing a rejection of justice and equality of opportunity
Man! So they walked away and say: Come on! Let’s form our own Government
Illustrating a proactive response to injustice and oppression
Then straight after that you could see where the rebellion, Rebellion starts Oh!! Hear what I say
Describing the effectiveness of peaceful protest and direct action to effect change
Don’t believe I! Believe in history book, it says
Encouraging the audience to seek out the truth for themselves and to hold those in power accountable
You’ve to forgive but not to forget
Highlighting the importance of both forgiveness and remembering past wrongs in the struggle for justice
Jah know these all…
An acknowledgement that it is divine judgment which ultimately holds oppressors responsible for their actions
Do it in the ghetto, Jehovah know! Jehovah Yeah!
Describing the experience of black people fighting oppression from within their own communities
Don’t you forget about it? Please be careful and be peaceful
Encouraging both remembrance of past traumas and an attitude of nonviolence
Don’t shed them more up, see that….
An exhortation to put an end to the needless shedding of innocent blood
Contributed by Lillian E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@misslifelessons
Innocent Blood
Culture
Lyrics
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Way down inna Babylon yeah!!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
I will tell you something, yeah!
[Verse 1]
One year after slavery, the people were all suffering
From small pox
George William Gordon was justice of the peace
At Morant Bay during that time
So he sent abroad for some of his doctors friends
To come and administer unto them
To see what they could do, Oh!
And because he did such a good
They catch him and hanged him on brindle cotton tree
Oh! Man if you think a lie I & I tell;
Take a look upon the 10 Dollar bill, Oh, the truth
There you can see with his neck wrapped off
When he was hanged with his eye glass on
Jah know oh!
[Chorus]
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Listen to what I’m saying!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
[Verse 2]
Paul Bogle walked from Spanish Town to Stony Gut
For the justice of black mankind, Oh Oh!
Nine men and himself maintained
When he reached to Spanish Town
They refused to hear what he was saying
Man! So they walked away and say:
"Come on! Let’s form our own Government"
Then straight after that you could see
Where the rebellion, Rebellion starts Oh!!
Hear what I say
[Chorus]
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t believe I! Believe in history book, it says
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
You’ve to forgive but not to forget
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Jah notice all…
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Do it in the ghetto, Jehovah know! Jehovah Yeah!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t you forget what I say?
Please be careful and be peaceful
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t shed them more up, see that…
---
@sazisemondleki7259
Man! You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Way down inna Babylon there, oh, oh
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
An innocent thing there
One year after slavery
The people were all suffering from small pox
Ooh yeah, I say
George William Gordon was Justice of the Peace
At Morant Bay during that time
So he sent abroad for some of his doctors friends
To come and administer unto them
To see what they could do, oh, oh
And because he did such a good
They catch him and hang him on top ring the Cotton tree, whoa oh
Man, if you think a lie I a tell
Take a look upon the ten dollar bill, whoa oh. it true
There you can see him with his neck wrapped up
There he was hung with his eye glass on (Jah know)
Man! You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Listen to what I am saying
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Paul Boggle walked from Spanish Town to Stony Gut
For the justice of black mankind, whoa, oh, oh
Nine men and himself make ten
When he reached Spanish Town
They refused to hear what he was saying, - man
So they walked away and say:
"Come on, let us form our own government", whoa, oh, oh
Then straight after that you could see
Where the rebellion, rebellion start
Whoa, oh, oh, man, hear what I'm saying
Man! You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Don't believe I, but believe the history book, it say
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
You're to forgive but you're not to forget
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Jah know this all, yeah
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Too hot in the ghetto, yeah
Jahoviah know, Jahoviah, yeah
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Don't you forget that, I say
Please forgive and be peaceful
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Don't jook them more of that
(Innocent blood shed down there)
@sazisemondleki7259
Man! You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Way down inna Babylon there, oh, oh
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
An innocent thing there
One year after slavery
The people were all suffering from small pox
Ooh yeah, I say
George William Gordon was Justice of the Peace
At Morant Bay during that time
So he sent abroad for some of his doctors friends
To come and administer unto them
To see what they could do, oh, oh
And because he did such a good
They catch him and hang him on top ring the Cotton tree, whoa oh
Man, if you think a lie I a tell
Take a look upon the ten dollar bill, whoa oh. it true
There you can see him with his neck wrapped up
There he was hung with his eye glass on (Jah know)
Man! You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Listen to what I am saying
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Paul Boggle walked from Spanish Town to Stony Gut
For the justice of black mankind, whoa, oh, oh
Nine men and himself make ten
When he reached Spanish Town
They refused to hear what he was saying, - man
So they walked away and say:
"Come on, let us form our own government", whoa, oh, oh
Then straight after that you could see
Where the rebellion, rebellion start
Whoa, oh, oh, man, hear what I'm saying
Man! You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Don't believe I, but believe the history book, it say
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
You're to forgive but you're not to forget
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Jah know this all, yeah
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Too hot in the ghetto, yeah
Jahoviah know, Jahoviah, yeah
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Innocent blood shed down there
Don't you forget that, I say
Please forgive and be peaceful
You think a likkle, think a likkle
Think a likkle, think a likkle
Don't jook them more of that
(Innocent blood shed down there)
@ayewpapa2615
Intelligently transform a history to mUSIC Tune. George William Gordon & pAUL Bolge: Innocent Blood
Culture
Man! You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Way down inna Babylon there, oh, oh
You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
An innocent thing there
One year after slavery
The people were all suffering from small pox
Ooh yeah, I say
George William Gordon was Justice of the Peace
At Morant Bay during that time
So he sent abroad for some of his doctors friends
To come and administer unto them
To see what they could do, oh, oh
And because he did such a good
They catch him and hang him on top ring the Cotton tree, whoa oh
Man, if you think a lie I a tell
Take a look upon the ten dollar bill, whoa oh. it true
There you can see him with his neck wrapped up
There he was hung with his eye glass on (Jah know)
Man! You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Listen to what I am saying
You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Paul Boggle walked from Spanish Town to Stony Gut
For the justice of black mankind, whoa, oh, oh
Nine men and himself make ten
When he reached Spanish Town
They refused to hear what he was saying, - man
So they walked away and say:
"Come on, let us form our own government", whoa, oh, oh
Then straight after that you could see
Where the rebellion, rebellion start
Whoa, oh, oh, man, hear what I'm saying
Man! You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don't believe I, but believe the history book, it say
You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
You're to forgive but you're not to forget
You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Jah know this all, yeah
You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Too hot in the ghetto, yeah
Jehovah know, Jehovah, yeah
Think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don't you forget that, I say
Please forgive and be peaceful
You think a little, think a little
Think a little, think a little
Don't look them more of that
(Innocent blood shed down there)
Join up, yeah,
@taifagida3762
This man was really a gift to the world...Everyday when I n I wake up and before a' go to bed I must listen to his Psalms.. !
All the way from East Africa.. +255 bless up!
@jacquelinegordon3265
I believe this is about my ancestor, George William Gordon, who was lynched, murdered by the British. Innocent Blood. Thank you. This makes me cry.
@barringtonrattray3534
Remember CULTURE is a group with three persons with Joseph Hill as the lead singer n with all respect his lead singing and leadership of the group there's no doubt about his greatness n inspiration to Reggae Music globally but the other members of the group must not be left out of the glory for CULTURE n hve made worthwhile contribution to the group's rise to popularity n fame ... but in latter years people refer to Joseph Hill as Culture but it's the group of three persons is Culture though Joseph Hill is the stand out person the other two members plays very important roles also especially Albert Walker who was n is still there from day one with Kenneth Dayes who had left the group some years ago... but was there when Culture was Blazing the Trail in the 70s n 80s Remember it was the Wailing Wailers until person or persons get involved n Singled out Bob Marley n mash up group
@jessearewe620
My favorite track thumb up if you like this music 🎵
@haroldkelvin9843
Africans we need togetherness
@johnmuraguri1472
2022 still rocking to this great tune
@christainamegashie1729
innocent blood,Joe Hilly,thank u for singing this history into such a unique melody,wonderful inspiration from an angel who was clothe in human garment
@nashonabrahamongalo3303
Guys this songs is so touching, someone released the lyrics version please. Jah love
@misslifelessons
Innocent Blood
Culture
Lyrics
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Way down inna Babylon yeah!!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
I will tell you something, yeah!
[Verse 1]
One year after slavery, the people were all suffering
From small pox
George William Gordon was justice of the peace
At Morant Bay during that time
So he sent abroad for some of his doctors friends
To come and administer unto them
To see what they could do, Oh!
And because he did such a good
They catch him and hanged him on brindle cotton tree
Oh! Man if you think a lie I & I tell;
Take a look upon the 10 Dollar bill, Oh, the truth
There you can see with his neck wrapped off
When he was hanged with his eye glass on
Jah know oh!
[Chorus]
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Listen to what I’m saying!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
[Verse 2]
Paul Bogle walked from Spanish Town to Stony Gut
For the justice of black mankind, Oh Oh!
Nine men and himself maintained
When he reached to Spanish Town
They refused to hear what he was saying
Man! So they walked away and say:
"Come on! Let’s form our own Government"
Then straight after that you could see
Where the rebellion, Rebellion starts Oh!!
Hear what I say
[Chorus]
Man! You think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t believe I! Believe in history book, it says
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
You’ve to forgive but not to forget
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Jah notice all…
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Do it in the ghetto, Jehovah know! Jehovah Yeah!
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t you forget what I say?
Please be careful and be peaceful
Think a little, think a little, think a little, think a little
Innocent blood shed down there
Don’t shed them more up, see that…
---
@RenKinRaM
R.I.P. Mr Hill your music can never die