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.
have you ever
Dennis Brown Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Have you ever been in love?
Have you ever, have you ever?
Have you ever been in love?
Before, before
Oh yeah, yeah
Before, before
To be in love is not a crime
So if you're not loving someone
You're wasting your time
Gotta know from my woman
Just the other day
I got to return on home
Come what may, 'cause
You're my sugar
See you're my honey
You're my sugar
In my bad day
You're my sugar
And you're my honey
You're my daddy
See you're my sugar, yeah
To be in love is not a crime, no
So if you're not loving someone
You're wasting your time
Gotta know from my woman
Just the other day
Say you got to return on home
Come what may, 'cause
I need my love and I need my squeezin?
Need my lovin? all night long
You need my lovin?, need my squeezin?
You need my lovin? all night long
The lyrics of Dennis Brown's song "Have You Ever" revolve around the theme of love. It explores the question of whether the listener has ever truly been in love. The repetition of the phrase "Have you ever" emphasizes the importance of experiencing love, and the verses that follow indicate that it is not a crime to be in love. The lines "To be in love is not a crime / So if you're not loving someone / You're wasting your time" emphasize the message that love is a vital part of human life and that it should be embraced.
The mention of "my woman" and "my sugar" suggests that the song is a love letter addressed to a specific person, and that the singer is expressing his deep affection and devotion towards her. The repetition of the phrase "You're my sugar / see you're my honey" further emphasizes this point. The lines "I need my love and I need my squeezin' / Need my lovin' all night long / You need my lovin', need my squeezin' / You need my lovin' all night long" suggest a physical manifestation of love, highlighting that love is both emotional and physical.
In summary, Dennis Brown's "Have You Ever" is a soulful and romantic song that expresses the singer's belief in the importance of love. It encourages the listener to embrace love and explores the emotional and physical aspects of a romantic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Have you ever, have you ever?
Asking if someone has experienced the feeling of being in love
Have you ever been in love?
Asking if someone has ever experienced love before
Before, before
Repeating the previous questions
Oh yeah, yeah
Expressing agreement and anticipation for the answer
Before, before
Repeating the previous questions
Oh babe, yeah
Reiterating the earlier response in a loving way
To be in love is not a crime
Stating that it is not a bad thing to fall in love
So if you're not loving someone
Implying that someone who is not in love is missing out
You're wasting your time
Suggesting that someone who isn't in love is wasting their life
Gotta know from my woman
Referring to a conversation with a significant other
Just the other day
Recent conversation
I got to return on home
Feeling the need to go back to where he belongs
Come what may, 'cause
No matter what happens
You're my sugar
Affectionate name for a significant other
See you're my honey
Another affectionate name
In my bad day
Someone who makes him feel better on a bad day
And you're my daddy
Referring to his partner as a dominant or caring figure like a parent
So if you're not loving someone
Reiterating the idea that not being in love is a missed opportunity
Gotta know from my woman
Referencing his significant other again
Just the other day
Continuing the earlier conversation
Say you got to return on home
His partner has to go home
I need my love and I need my squeezin'
Expressing a physical and emotional need for affection
Need my lovin' all night long
Desiring long-lasting love and connection
You need my lovin', need my squeezin'
Affirming that his partner also needs affection and attention
You need my lovin' all night long
Repeating the earlier desire for long-lasting love and connection
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JONNICE BROWN, D. BROWN, ORVILLE THOMAS, TODD A. THOMAS, LAURNEA WILKERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@juanicebrown1710
Dennis Brown still rockin me with smooth vibes ❤️#1995-2019☺️
@MarkRoach-dm6fs
1. King. Of. Reggae. Robert. Nesta. Marley. 2. Prince. Of. Reggae. Dennis. Brown. Mad. Ting. Rip. Legends. 🙏🏿😔😭😭🙏🏿🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
@michelletucker6556
I love this classic from Dennis Brown.20/20 and beyond.🎤💯❤️
@normanfl6592
There’s no word in the dictionary to adequately describe this icon voice.timeless and effortlessly delivered.
@sroberts6457
This tune literally soothes my heart and soul. 💞💓
@joycepaul8856
I fell in love with his music first time I heard him. His voice is sweet and mellow.
@EVER4MJ
True words
Melodious badddd
@lorrainereprogramshermind1821
Reggae clubs in NYC in the 80’s, Dennis Brown stayed on repeat because of his numerous hits. Such great times. RIP to a LEGEND yardie fuh life 🇯🇲
@daphne8871
I remember those days, lol.
@lesterthms2975
@Daphne me too Dapne!! remember "Luv People"..Tings was nice up in those days until the guns n the crack came in