Dennis Emanuel Brown (February 1, 1957–July 1, 1999) was a Jamaican reggae … Read Full Bio ↴Dennis Emanuel Brown (February 1, 1957–July 1, 1999) was a Jamaican reggae singer. He recorded more than 75 albums and was one of the pioneers of lovers rock. Bob Marley dubbed him the "Crown Prince of Reggae".

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.

So Long Rastafari
Dennis Brown Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

So Long Rastafari
Travelling Man
You're No Good
Voice of My Father
Open the Gate
Go Now
God Bless Our Soul
My Mama Say

Shame

Tribulation

Overall Meaning

In the song “So Long Rastafari” by Dennis Brown, the lyrics revolve around the theme of the singer renouncing his Rastafarian beliefs and leaving the movement. The song is specifically addressed to the Rastafarian community and expresses his personal journey and reasons for his departure. The song’s title, “So Long Rastafari”, is a play on the phrase “goodbye” and shows a sense of finality and closure to his time with the movement.

The opening lines of the song, “Travelling Man, You’re No Good” speaks of his longing to travel and the inability of the Rastafarian community to provide him with the freedom to do so. The singer then goes on to express his debt to the Rastafarian community, stating that they informed his “Voice of My Father” and allowed him to discover his sense of identity. However, he ultimately decides to leave and urges others to “Go Now” and not be held back by the philosophy.

The song includes a range of emotions, from gratitude to sadness and ultimately determination. The overall message is one of personal autonomy and the need to follow one’s own path in life. It also highlights the complexity of leaving a community that has provided so much support and guidance.

Line by Line Meaning

So Long Rastafari
Goodbye to the Rastafarian faith

Travelling Man
Wanderer searching for deeper meaning

You're No Good
The Rastafarian faith has failed to deliver on its promises

Voice of My Father
Longing for guidance and wisdom from a higher power

Open the Gate
Hoping for access to a better future and newfound knowledge

Go Now
Leaving the Rastafarian faith behind and moving on

God Bless Our Soul
A plea for protection and guidance from a higher power as they move forward

My Mama Say
A reference to the wisdom and guidance passed down from family members

Shame
Regret over the time spent pursuing the Rastafarian faith

Tribulation
Difficulties and challenges faced on their journey

Contributed by Amelia T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.