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)
Oath
Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to Culture's song "Oath" express a fierce commitment to individuality and societal reform. The opening line, "This is my manifest function," sets the tone for the song's message that each individual has a purpose and responsibility to make positive changes in the world. The word "altruistic" emphasizes that this is not a self-serving endeavor. The use of the word "systematic" implies a thoughtful and methodical approach to these changes.
The next lines, "I will sacrifice for the good of the whole/Oppressed and undressed by oligarchic control" suggest that there is a cost to this commitment. The singer is willing to put themselves at risk for the greater good and to challenge the power structures that oppress them. The phrase "heckle me through my revolution" acknowledges that this is not an easy path and that there will be resistance from those who benefit from the status quo.
The lyrics then shift to a more hopeful tone with the lines, "We are born to a world of beauty and color/Why must you gouge out your eyes/Just to feel around in the comfortable dark." The singer laments the destructive tendencies of those who prioritize convenience over responsibility and encourages them to reconnect with the beauty of the world around them. The use of the words "renounce" and "reinstate" in the final lines emphasizes the transformative nature of this commitment and the potential for revolution.
Overall, "Oath" is a call to action for individuals to take responsibility for their impact on the world and to work towards positive change. It emphasizes the importance of individuality and the power of grassroots movements to challenge oppressive power structures.
Line by Line Meaning
This is my manifest function...
I have a clear purpose and principles that I stand by
altruistic...
I am motivated by a desire to help others
systematic...
I approach things in a logical, organized way
I will sacrifice for the good of the whole...
I am willing to make personal sacrifices for the greater good
oppressed and undressed by oligarchic control...
I feel oppressed and stripped of my dignity by those in power
so heckle me through my revolution...
I expect to face resistance and criticism for my beliefs and actions
it's the only thing keeping you alive...
My revolution is necessary for the survival and wellbeing of everyone
I put the air you've stolen back into your lungs...
I want to restore what has been taken from people and give them back their rightful resources
and the water you blacken back into oyur blood...
I want to purify the environment and make it safe for all living beings
we are born to a world of beauty and color...
The world is inherently beautiful and full of diversity
why must you gouge out your eyes...
Why must you ignore the beauty around you and engage in destructive behavior?
just to feel around in the comfortable dark...
Why must you rely on harmful habits and behaviors to navigate through life?
know nothingness of convenience...
Do you realize that your convenience comes at a cost to others?
I can't hold it completely against you...
I understand that you have been conditioned by society and culture to act a certain way
you've been conditioned by tradition as so many before...
You have been taught to conform to tradition and the status quo like many others
so here I am again cleaning up your mess...
I am taking responsibility for fixing the problems created by those in power
here we are again picking up your tab...
We are paying for the consequences of your actions
everything turns a threatening shade of gray...
The world becomes dangerous and uncertain when we ignore the problems around us
but this is where we'll stand...
We will stand our ground and fight for what is right
VEGAN...
I choose not to participate in the exploitation of animals for food or other products
STRAIGHT EDGE...
I choose not to partake in any addictive or harmful substances
terms that seem stupid to you...
You may not understand or agree with my lifestyle choices
but these are terms that separate me from the destruction you refuse to attempt to...undo...
My choices represent my commitment to avoid contributing to the destruction of the environment and exploitation of living beings
love...
I believe in the power of love to transform people and the world
life...
I value all forms of life and believe in protecting them
reform...
I believe in changing the systems and structures that perpetuate injustice and harm
redirect...
I believe in putting our resources and energy towards positive goals and outcomes
rebuild...
I believe in working towards creating a better world and repairing the damage done
reassess...
I believe in critically examining our actions and beliefs to see where we can improve
relearn...
I believe in constantly learning and growing to become better people
reinstate...
I believe in restoring what has been taken or lost
repeal...
I believe in overturning laws and policies that perpetuate harm and injustice
relive...
I believe in reconnecting with the beauty and wonder of the world around us
renounce all acclaimations...
I renounce any status or power that comes at the expense of others
renounce indoctrinations...
I renounce any teachings or beliefs that perpetuate harm and injustice
renounce all intoxication...
I renounce any substances or activities that harm myself or others
consumption of populations...
I reject the idea of exploiting or treating other people as commodities
my goal is liberation...
My ultimate goal is to achieve freedom for all people and living beings
my goal is integration...
My ultimate goal is to create a harmonious and inclusive society
self determination...
I believe in empowering individuals and communities to determine their own destinies
my goal is revolution...
My ultimate goal is to bring about societal and systemic change through radical means
revolt
I am willing to challenge authority and the status quo in pursuit of a better world
Contributed by Lillian O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@spraymaster
one of the best songs ever
@vadermasktruth
Ahhh, 90s hardcore rules, OK?!
@irekXedge
"my goal is revelution...revolt" xVx!
@TechnicalStealth
XVX. That is all.
@postlex
Sounded like shit. Was amazing.