Dave Barker (born David John Crooks, 10 October 1947, Kingston, Jamaica), a session vocalist, and Ansell Collins (born 1949, Kingston, Jamaica) , a keyboards player, were working for producer Lee “Scratch” Perry in Kingston, Jamaica in the late 1960s, and joined forces in 1971, for the ska single “Double Barrel”. Released on Techniques Records, part of the Trojan Records label, it topped the Jamaican and UK charts in March of that year. It was the first record the celebrated drummer, Sly Dunbar, ever played on. He was aged fourteen at the time.
The follow-up release, the similarly styled “Monkey Spanner” enjoyed the same international success. Most of their recorded work was written by Winston Riley. After cutting an album, Collins and Barker parted company; Collins becoming a top class session player and Barker, now resident in the UK, singing with a number of undistinguished soul groups. They attempted a comeback in 1981 without success.
In 1986, Ansell appeared as one of Ernest Reed’s (Jimmy Cliff) back-up musicians in the reggae-themed comedy film, Club Paradise. He was billed as “Ansel (sic) “Double Barrel” Collins”[3].
Ansell Collins has played and worked with The Upsetters, Black Uhuru, The Mighty Diamonds, Barrington Levy, Gregory Isaacs, U-Roy, Pama International and Jimmy Cliff in a long career.
Keep on Trying
Dave & Ansel Collins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the heavy lifting every time we're talking
And I hope you know that it's not about you
I'm stuck in my own head 24/7
And I really am interested
So tell me some more about it
With my earbuds in, closed off from everything
And sometimes you'll find me sitting alone
Close to the action, watching it happen
But I'm always glad I came
And I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Turns out it doesn't get less hard
When I'm not practicing human interaction
Now I can tell when I'm going too far
Feels like I'm drifting towards total isolation
I really love you all
And I'm gonna keep trying
I really love you all
And I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
The lyrics to Dave & Ansel Collins's song "Keep On Trying" reflect the inner struggles and emotions of the singer. The opening lines acknowledge the feeling of burden and responsibility they often experience in their conversations with others. However, they clarify that this feeling is not a reflection of the other person's actions or intentions but rather a result of being trapped in their own mind constantly.
Despite this internal struggle, the singer expresses a genuine interest in the other person and encourages them to share more. The following verses reveal the singer's conflicting desires for solitude and human connection. They sometimes prefer to isolate themselves, shutting off from the world with their earbuds, but at times they also find themselves close to the action, observing things unfold.
Nevertheless, regardless of their inclination towards isolation, the singer acknowledges the importance of pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone and being present in social situations. They express gratitude for the experiences and interactions they have had and affirm their determination to continue trying.
Overall, the song highlights the singer's ongoing battle between their preference for isolation and their recognition of the value of human connection. It portrays their willingness to overcome their struggles and continually strive to engage with others, despite the challenges they face.
Line by Line Meaning
I know it feels like you gotta do
I understand that it may seem like you have to make all the effort
All the heavy lifting every time we're talking
Handle most of the work in our conversations
And I hope you know that it's not about you
But please understand that it's not your fault
I'm stuck in my own head 24/7
I constantly have my thoughts consuming me
And I really am interested
However, I genuinely want to engage with you
So tell me some more about it
Please share more details with me
Sometimes I'd rather be at home
There are occasions when I prefer being alone
With my earbuds in, closed off from everything
Listening to music, shutting out the outside world
And sometimes you'll find me sitting alone
There are moments when I isolate myself
Close to the action, watching it happen
Yet observing what's going on nearby
But I'm always glad I came
Regardless, I'm always happy I participated
And I'm gonna keep trying
And I'll continue putting in effort
Turns out it doesn't get less hard
Surprisingly, it doesn't become easier over time
When I'm not practicing human interaction
When I avoid socializing
Now I can tell when I'm going too far
Now I'm aware when I'm isolating myself excessively
Feels like I'm drifting towards total isolation
It feels like I'm slowly separating myself from everyone
I really love you all
I genuinely care about each and every one of you
And I'm gonna keep trying
And I'll persist in my efforts
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Oh, I'll continue giving it my all
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Oh, I'll persist and not give up
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Oh, I'll persist and not give up
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Oh, I'll persist and not give up
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Oh, I'll persist and not give up
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Oh, I'll persist and not give up
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Oh, I'll persist and not give up
Ooo, I'm gonna keep trying
Oh, I'll persist and not give up
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Dave Richardson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark B
ITs the first time iam hearing this Version. Who Ever put dis on YouTube must be keeping it all those years for himself. But anyway let good music play🎶🎶🎶🎶