Born in Stewarton, in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, Derrick Morgan entered in 1957 the Vere Johns Opportunity Hour, a talent show held at the Palace Theatre in Kingston. He won with rousing impressions of Little Richard and, shortly after that, was recruited to perform around the island with the popular Jamaican comedy team Bim and Bam. In 1959 Morgan entered the recording studio for the first time. Duke Reid, the acclaimed sound system boss, was looking for talent to record for his Treasure Isle record label. Morgan cut two popular shuffle-boogie sides "Lover Boy", a.k.a. "S-Corner Rock", and "Oh My". Soon after, Morgan cut the bolero-tinged boogie "Fat Man", which also became a hit. He also found time to record for Coxsone Dodd.
In 1960 Morgan became the only artist ever to fill the places from one to seven on the Jamaican pop chart simultaneously. Among those hits were "Don't Call Me Daddy", "In My Heart", "Be Still", and "Meekly Wait and Murmur Not". But it was the following year that Morgan released the biggest hit of his career, the Leslie Kong production of "Don't You Know", later retitled "Housewives' Choice" by a local DJ. The song featured a bouncing ska riddim, along with a duet by Morgan and Millicent "Patsy" Todd.
"Housewives' Choice" began the legendary rivalry between Morgan and Prince Buster, who accused Morgan of stealing his ideas. Buster quickly released "Blackhead Chiney Man", chiding Morgan with the sarcastic put-down, "I did not know your parents were from Hong Kong" – a swipe at Kong. Morgan returned with the classic "Blazing Fire", in which he warns Buster to "Live and let others live, and your days will be much longer. You said it. Now it's the Blazing Fire". Buster shot back with, "Watch It Blackhead", which Morgan countered with "No Raise No Praise" and "Still Insist". Followers of the two artists often clashed, and eventually the government had to step in with a staged photo shoot depicting the rivals as friends.
Morgan had a major success in 1962 with "Forward March", a song celebrating Jamaican independence from Great Britain.
In the mid-1960s, when ska evolved into the cooler, more soulful rocksteady, Morgan continued to release top quality material, including the seminal rude boy classic, "Tougher Than Tough", "Do the Beng Beng", "Conquering Ruler", and a cover of Ben E. King's soul hit, "Seven Letters". Produced by Bunny Lee, "Seven Letters" is often cited as the first true reggae single. In 1969 Morgan cut the famous skinhead anthem "Moon Hop" (on Crab Records). However, failing eyesight then forced him to give up regular stage appearances. Morgan still performs occasionally at ska revival shows across the world – often backed by the guitarist Lynn Taitt. He remained popular in Jamaica and the UK into the early 1970s, and has lived primarily in the UK or the US since the late 1960s.
Morgan has written several songs that have won the Festival Song Contest for other artists, including "Jamaica Whoa" (1998, Neville Martin), "Fi Wi Island A Boom" (2000, Stanley Beckford), and "Progress" (2002, Devon Black).
In July 2002 in Toronto, Canada, a two-night "Legends of Ska" concert was held. Reuniting were The Skatalites, Lloyd Knibb, Rico Rodriguez, Lloyd Brevett, Lester Sterling, Johnny Moore and Lynn Taitt; along with Prince Buster, Alton Ellis, Owen Gray, Lord Creator, Justin Hinds, Derrick Harriott, Winston Samuels, Roy Wilson, Patsy Todd, Doreen Shaffer, Stranger Cole, Lord Tanamo and Derrick Morgan. In 2007 Morgan appeared on the bill at the annual Augustibuller music festival. His song "Tougher Than Tough" was featured in the video game Scarface: The World is Yours.
He worked with Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley, and Jimmy Cliff a.o..
Discography
Albums
Seven Letters (1969)
Derrick Morgan in London (1969)
Moon Hop (1970)
Feel So Good (1975) (featuring Hortense Ellis)
People's Decision (1977)
Still in Love (1977) (also featuring Hortense Ellis)
Sunset at Moonlight City
Love City
The Legend of Derrick Morgan (1980)
I Am the Ruler (1992) – Trojan Records
Tougher Than Tough (Rudie in Court) (1992)
The Conquering Ruler (and the Sensational Yebo) (1994) – Pork Pie Records
Ska Man Classics (1995)
Ska Man Classics (1997)
21 Hits Salute (1997)
Meets the High Notes Live (2003)
Moon Hop: Best of the Early Years 1960–69 (2003)
Derrick:Top the Top (2003)
Derrick Meets the High Notes (2004)
Shake A Leg (2014)
Singles
"The Hop" / "Tell It To Me", 7-inch: Island WI 006, UK, 1962
"Forward March" / "Please Don't Talk About Me", 7-inch: Island WI 011, UK, 1962
"See The Blind" / "Cherry Home", 7-inch: Island WI 013, UK, 1962
"I Am The Ruler" / "I Mean It" Pyramid 1968
"No Dice" / "I Mean It" Pyramid 1968
"Moon Hop" – 1970 – UK No. 49
Singles on Crab Records
"River to the Bank" / "Reggae Limbo", 7-inch (B side – Peter King)
"Seven Letters" / "Lonely Heartaches", 7-inch (B side – The Tartons)
"The First Taste of Love" / "Dance All Night", 7-inch
"Don't Play That Song" / "How Can I Forget You", 7-inch
"Mek It Tan Deh" / "Gimme Back", 7-inch
"Send Me Some Loving" / "Come What May", 7-inch
"Hard Time" / "Death Rides A Horse", 7-inch (B Side – Roy Richards)
"Man Pon Moon" / "What A Thing", 7-inch
"Moon Hop" / "Harris Wheel", 7-inch (B Side – Reggaeites)
"A Night at the Hop" / "Telephone", 7-inch
"Oh Baby" / The Rat", 7-inch (B Side – The Thunderbirds)
"Need To Belong" / "Let's Have Some Fun", 7-inch (with Jennifer Jones)
"I Wish I Was An Apple" / "The Story", 7-inch
"Take A Letter Maria" / "Just A Little Loving", 7-inch (with Owen Gray)
"Rocking Good Way" / "Wipe These Tears", 7-inch (with Jennifer Jones)
"My Dickie" / "Brixton Hop", 7-inch
"I Can't Stand It No Longer" / "Beyond The Wall", 7-inch
"Endlessly" / "Who's Making Love", 7-inch
"Hurt Me" / "Julia", 7-inch
"Searching So Long" / "Drums of Passion", 7-inch
Tougher Than Tough
Derrick Morgan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rudies in court, now boys, rudies in court
Order, now, this court is in session
And I order all you rude boys to stand
You're brought here ?
Now tell me, rude boys
Your honor, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear, no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear, no boys, rudies don't fear
Rougher than rough, tougher than tough
Strong like lion, we are iron
Rudies don't fear, no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear, no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear, no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear, no boys, rudies don't fear
Rougher than rough, tougher than tough
Strong like lion, we are iron
Rudies not free yet, boys, rudies not free
Rudies not free yet, boys, rudies not free
Court adjourn
The lyrics to Derrick Morgan's song Tougher Than Tough speaks to the pride and fearlessness of the rude boys or the Jamaican youth culture of the 1960s who were known for their love of ska music and fashion as well as their involvement in gang-related activities. The song begins with the call of "rudies in court" which puts the listener in a courtroom setting where the judge is addressing the rude boys who are being prosecuted. However, despite being in such a serious and tense situation, the rude boys remain unafraid and stand tall, as they are not intimidated by the authority of the court. This is reinforced through the repeated chorus of "rudies don't fear" which comes off as a boastful declaration of their bravado and resilience.
The second part of the song is more celebratory and festive rather than defiant as it praises the strength and toughness of the rude boys, comparing them to lions and iron. The line "rougher than rough, tougher than tough" emphasizes their physical and emotional strength while still being able to enjoy life and have fun. It's almost as if Morgan is saying "we may live in a tough world, but we're tougher and we'll have a good time while doing it".
Overall, the song Tougher Than Tough is a statement of resistance and pride in the face of adversity. It highlights the young, rebellious, and energetic culture of Jamaican ska in the 1960s and how that subculture served as a form of empowerment for those who felt marginalized or oppressed.
Line by Line Meaning
Rudies in court, now boys, rudies in court
Attention all rudies, we are currently in court
Order, now, this court is in session
The court is now in session
And I order all you rude boys to stand
All rudies are to stand for the court
You're brought here ?
What charges have been brought against you?
Now tell me, rude boys
Let's hear from the rudies
What have you to say for yourselves ?
What is your defense?
Your honor, rudies don't fear
We, the rudies, are not afraid
Rudies don't fear, no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies have no fear
Rougher than rough, tougher than tough
We are incredibly strong and resilient
Strong like lion, we are iron
We are as strong as a lion and as hard as iron
Rudies not free yet, boys, rudies not free
The rudies are not yet free from their charges
Court adjourn
The court session has ended
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DERRICK SEYMOUR MORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zzzwy777
[Chorus]
Rudies in court, now boys, rudies in court
Rudies in court, now boys, rudies in court
[Verse 1]
Order
Now, this court is in session
And I order all you rude boys to stand
You are brought here by a verdict for shooting, ratchet using and bomb throwings
Now tell me, rude boys, what have you to say for yourselves?
[Post-Verse]
Your honour
Rudies don't fear
[Chorus]
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
[Bridge]
Rougher than rough, tougher than tough
Strong like lion, we are iron
[Chorus]
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
[Instrumental]
[Chorus]
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
[Bridge]
Rougher than rough, tougher than tough
Strong like lion, we are iron
[Chorus]
Rudies are free, yeah boys, rudies are free
Rudies are free, yeah boys, rudies are free
@meruliouslacrimens5154
I didn't know it was possible ( or even legal ) to dislike this brilliant genre of music.
@colleenhenry940
Love this genre of Music, I grew up hearing this!!❤❤❤👍👍👍🕺🕺💃💃
@jarnwarker1361
This is probably one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard in my life I heard it on the Scarface game on PlayStation to you I really love this song so much I looked up the history of it I love this song so much to my heart
@jarnwarker1361
Me too rude boy
@mysticgeneie4668
Totally forgot, all that misspent youth selling yayo on a video game ha
@rolandthompson8771
There's something particularly cute about the "court" coming into session and adjourning with a gavel-like strike of the snare. Love this track.
@colmbrady1192
I love this guy. His music is entwined with my love. Hes such a legend and he stands out as a nice guy
@richone2540
Absolutely brilliant arrangement this song.
@rogerpeachey2212
Great classic. From a great label.
@zzzwy777
[Chorus]
Rudies in court, now boys, rudies in court
Rudies in court, now boys, rudies in court
[Verse 1]
Order
Now, this court is in session
And I order all you rude boys to stand
You are brought here by a verdict for shooting, ratchet using and bomb throwings
Now tell me, rude boys, what have you to say for yourselves?
[Post-Verse]
Your honour
Rudies don't fear
[Chorus]
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
[Bridge]
Rougher than rough, tougher than tough
Strong like lion, we are iron
[Chorus]
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
[Instrumental]
[Chorus]
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
Rudies don't fear no boys, rudies don't fear
[Bridge]
Rougher than rough, tougher than tough
Strong like lion, we are iron
[Chorus]
Rudies are free, yeah boys, rudies are free
Rudies are free, yeah boys, rudies are free