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.
My Time
Dennis Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now this is my time, oh yeah
Lord have mercy
Now it's my time
It's not your time
Now is my time
All liars and a thieves must confess
When it's their turn to meet the almighty one
Oh what a day it is today
Today now it's my time
Sing revelation time
It's a blessed time
It's Negast's time
Although children are having children
Brothers are fighting brothers
Mother against their own sons
Fighting against their religion
This is rasta time
A blessed time
It's a very great time
It's the right time
Wooy
Now it is rasta time oh yeah
Now it is my time
Now it is my time yeah wow
I said, there'll be no mercy for the merciless
All liars and-a thieves must confess
When it's their turn to meet the almighty one
Oh what a day it is today
Now it's my time
Singing revelation time
It's a blessed time
It's Negast time
Say it's rasta time
It's my time
Singing revelation time
A very great time
This is rasta time, whoo yeah
Sayin' this is rasta time, whoo yeah yeah
This is my time
A very great time....
The song "My Time" by Dennis Brown is a powerful reggae track that emphasizes the importance of seizing the perfect opportunity to fulfill one's purpose. The song starts off with a fervent and urgent cry to the Lord for mercy before Brown emphasizes that it is his time, and not others. Brown makes a reference to the Day of Judgment, where the merciless and unrepentant ones will have to face the almighty God. He sings about Rasta time, or the present moment in which the lyrics, which delves into the hardships that the world currently faces, but even in the midst of turmoil, it remains the best time to make progress.
Brown's use of the word "Negast" emphasizes the importance of the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I, who is considered as an inspirational figure among Rastafarians. The song invokes the idea that it is a blessed time, and one that should be utilized for achievement. Brown's lyrics can be seen as an exhortation to utilize the present moment to accomplish great things. The song also makes it clear that this is a unique time that cannot be missed, and once it is gone, it can never be regained.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh-aah
Ad-lib sounds, no specific meaning.
Now this is my time, oh yeah
The singer acknowledges that it is their time to shine.
Lord have mercy
An expression of pleading or surprise to God.
Now it's my time
The artist emphasizes, once again, that it is their time.
It's not your time
The artist affirms that it is not anyone else's time but theirs.
Now is my time
The singer repeats, strengthening the statement that it is indeed their time.
There'll be no mercy for the merciless
Those who show no mercy should expect the same treatment in return.
All liars and a thieves must confess
Anyone who has sinned must confess and repent for their wrongdoings.
When it's their turn to meet the almighty one
When they face judgment before God.
Oh what a day it is today
The day of judgment is significant and impactful.
Today now it's my time
The singer once again asserts that today is their day to succeed.
Sing revelation time
Call to sing and celebrate a revelation from God.
It's a blessed time
The singer expresses gratitude for the fortunate time they are experiencing.
It's Negast's time
Referencing Negast Haile Selassie, who is seen as a spiritual leader in Rastafarian beliefs.
Although children are having children
Despite the unfortunate circumstances of young people having children.
Brothers are fighting brothers
Conflict between siblings.
Mother against their own sons
Conflict between parent and child.
Fighting against their religion
Conflict between people and their religious beliefs.
This is rasta time
Affirming that the current time is significant in Rastafarian beliefs.
It's a very great time
The artist emphasizes how important and meaningful the time is.
It's the right time
The artist affirms that it is the correct time for their success.
Wooy
Ad-lib sounds, no specific meaning.
Now it is rasta time oh yeah
Reiterating the importance of the current time in Rastafarian beliefs.
I said, there'll be no mercy for the merciless
Restating that those who do not show mercy should not expect the same treatment in return.
Singing revelation time
Reiterating the call to sing in celebration of a revelation from God.
Say it's rasta time
Explicitly stating that the current time is significant in Rastafarian beliefs.
This is my time
Affirming once again that it is the singer's time of opportunity and success.
Singing revelation time
Repeating the call to sing in celebration of a revelation from God.
A very great time
Continuing to emphasize how wonderful and significant the time is.
This is rasta time, whoo yeah
Reiterating once again that the current time is significant in Rastafarian beliefs, with added emphasis.
Sayin' this is rasta time, whoo yeah yeah
Reiterating that the current time is especially significant in Rastafarian beliefs.
This is my time
Continuing to repeat that it is the artist's time of opportunity and success.
A very great time....
Ending with the same emphasis and affirmation of the wonderful and meaningful nature of the current time.
Contributed by Sydney M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mickey
Wicked Tune!!! Winston "Niney The Observer" Holness at the Controls!! ❤️❤️
Curtis Thomas
wicked tune. I grew my locks when I was going through a time of trial and tribulation I cut them when I felt they served their purpose but I still hold fast to the fact that RASTA IS NOT ONLY LIVITY BUT LOVE. HAIL THE TEACHINGS OF H.I.M SELASSIE I. LOVE JESUS THE CHRIST WORSHIP THE ALMIGHTY FATHER AND LOVE MANKIND. BLESSED LOVE !!!!!
Chris Manning
@Curtis Thomas
WHICH JESUS!? 🤔
Curtis Thomas
@Chris Manning the jesus H.I.M. taught about
Patsie Bentley
Blessings always!
Lord Skeletro
@Chris Manningjesus christ messiah i n i greatness
Izzy
Serious times we are in brethren, this music is vital! 💯
regsis
Happy blessed bday to The Great Dennis Brown . My favourite artiste . You have left behind great works for people all over the world and walks of life to enjoy . You will always be amazing to me . Big up 🎉❤
morokiox
This is rasta time
A blessed time
It's a very great time
It's the right time
🔥🔥🔥
Rio-G E60-V10
I love this D-Brown the lyrics motivates me