Brown's first recording was "Lips of Wine" recorded for Derrick Harriott (The Musical Chariot), but this was not released initially. He then recorded for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, and Dodd released Brown's first single, "No Man is an Island". Brown recorded two albums for Dodd, No Man is an Island and If I Follow my Heart (the title track penned by Alton Ellis). Around this time, Brown recorded material for Lloyd Daley ("Baby Don't Do It" and "Things in Life") and material for Derrick Hariott, which was eventually released as the Super Reggae and Soul Hits album. He also worked for Earl Hayles and the Charmaine label early in his career. He had a Top 10 hit in the United Kingdom in 1977. This led to his contract with A&M Records, and to the formation of his own label, DEB records, which produced several hits, including many by Junior Delgado.
His first big hit was "Money In My Pocket" on the Joe Gibbs label, and by the late 1970s, Brown had recorded and performed chart-toppers such as "Sitting & Watching", "Wolves and Leopards", "Here I Come" and "Revolution"; many featuring Sly and Robbie as the rhythm section. As the dancehall era of the 1980s arrived, Brown frequently recorded with King Jammy and Gussie Clark. His song "Revolution" is featured on the reggae radio station K-JAH Radio West in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. According to some sources, Brown became addicted to crack cocaine, which affected his career and may have lead to his premature death. Jamaican Prime Minister P. J. Patterson and opposition leader Edward Seaga of the Jamaica Labour Party both spoke at Brown's funeral, which was held on July 17, 1999 in Kingston, Jamaica. The service, which lasted for three hours, also featured live performances by Maxi Priest, Shaggy, and five of Brown's sons. Brown was then buried at Kingston's National Heroes Park.
Hold on to What You've Got
Dennis Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
If you can excel lot of criticism
Then you'll know you're on your way
If you can excel on your journey
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
If you can excel on your journey
Then you know, on your way
If you can excel on your journey
Then you know my heart is really yearning
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
If you on the way [Incomprehensible]
Then you know how I'm feelin'
If you only wait just for a minute
Then you'll know my heart is really yearning
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
Hold on to what you got
The lyrics of Dennis Brown's "Hold On To What You Got" emphasize the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself in the face of criticism or adversity. The repeated chorus of "Hold on to what you got" serves as a reminder to listeners to hold onto their values, talents, and strengths. This is further emphasized by the lines "If you can excel on your journey, then you know my heart is yearning," suggesting that the singer wants the listener to succeed and reach their full potential.
The song also acknowledges the difficulties that can arise on the path to success. In the lines "If you on the way [Incomprehensible], then you know how I'm feeling / If you only wait just for a minute, then you'll know my heart is really yearning," Brown acknowledges that the journey may not always be easy, but encourages listeners to persevere.
Overall, the song is a message of hope and encouragement, urging listeners to stay strong and true to themselves in order to succeed.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold on to what you got
Keep what you have, don't let it go
Hold on to what you got
Keep what you have, don't let it go
Hold on to what you got
Keep what you have, don't let it go
Hold on to what you got
Keep what you have, don't let it go
If you can excel lot of criticism
If you can handle criticism well
Then you'll know you're on your way
You'll know you're making progress
If you can excel on your journey
If you can do well on your journey
Then you know my heart is yearning
Then you know how much I want you to succeed
If you can excel on your journey
If you can do well on your journey
Then you know, on your way
You'll know you're making progress
If you can excel on your journey
If you can do well on your journey
Then you know my heart is really yearning
Then you know how much I want you to succeed
If you on the way [Incomprehensible]
If you're on your way and moving forward
Then you know how I'm feelin'
You'll know how much I care
If you only wait just for a minute
If you can be patient for just a little while
Then you'll know my heart is really yearning
Then you'll know how much I want you to succeed
Hold on to what you got
Keep what you have, don't let it go
Hold on to what you got
Keep what you have, don't let it go
Hold on to what you got
Keep what you have, don't let it go
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: DENNIS EMANUEL BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@paullane2481
Still listening in 2024 ... im a 45 yr old white guy who been listening to reggae since i was teen and when my black queen heard me playing reggae she was shocked . 🎧🔥💛🔥🎧💛🔥🎧
@winsomeg1124
SING it D Brown! Who's still listening in 2023😊 Brilliant! The greatest Reggae Artist ever!! RIP🌹 Live on in the music.
@gezbyphillip984
I'm still listening ❤ 2023
@XGRIMYONEX
One of the greatest
@prolificrebel7750
Iam still listening its 2024❤❤❤D Brown the greatest
@user-lq4mh5oc1q
Dennis Emanuel Brown theee crowned Prince of Reggae music
@ngolinyirenda6421
2024 me deyah so ✌🏼🎉
@indigoGoddess7
I don't say this often, but he is one of my favourite singers and I fell in love when I first heard his voice. Waking up early Saturday mornings to clean and couldn't turn on the TV, the smell of soup brewing on the stove. ❤❤❤❤❤❤ RIP The Crown Prince of Reggae!!! 💐💐💐💐
@ricardobarker7322
One of the best reggae songs of all time!!! 🎶🥇🏆
@lifeofgianni6237
Never pray for what you want. Always give thanks in prayer for what you presently have. Jah Love