Before the ascent of Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker was the best-known Jamaican musician outside of his country, and one of the most popular within it. He was orphaned as a teenager. Dekker began working as a welder, singing around his workplace while his coworkers encouraged him. In 1961, he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle). Neither were impressed by his talents, and the young man moved on to Leslie Kong's Beverley record label, where he auditioned before Derrick Morgan, then the label's biggest star. With Morgan's support, Dekker was signed but did not record until 1963, because Leslie Kong wanted to wait for the perfect song. Dekker's "Honour Your Father and Mother" was to be that song.
007
Desmond Dekker & The Aces Lyrics
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0-0-7
At Ocean 11
And now rude boys have go wail
?Cause them out of jail
Rude boys cannot fail
'Cause them must get bail
Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail
Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail
A Shanty Town
Dem rudely get a probation
A Shanty Town
And rudely a bomb up the town
A Shanty Town
Police get taller
A Shanty Town
Soldier get longer
A Shanty Town
Rude boy a weep and a wail
A Shanty Town
Rude boy a weep and a wail
A Shanty Town
The lyrics of "007" by Desmond Dekker & The Aces describe the rise of Jamaican rude boys, who were known for their rebellious behavior and involvement in criminal activities. The title refers to the fictional British spy James Bond, whom the rude boys admired and imitated in their dress and attitude. The opening lines "0-0-7, at Ocean 11" suggest that the rude boys are gathered at a club or casino, perhaps plotting their next heist or escape from the police.
The next lines "And now rude boys have go wail/Cause them out of jail" imply that some of the rude boys have been arrested and sent to prison, but are now free and causing trouble again. The chorus repeats the phrase "Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail/A Shanty Town", indicating that the rude boys are looting, shooting, and causing chaos in the impoverished neighborhoods of Kingston, where they live. The verses also mention the police and soldiers, who are trying to stop the rude boys but are sometimes powerless against their numbers and weapons.
Overall, "007" reflects the social and political turmoil of Jamaica in the early 1960s, when poverty, inequality, and gang violence were rampant. The song also highlights the cultural influence of James Bond, who became a symbol of coolness and rebellion for many young Jamaicans, especially those who felt marginalized by society.
Line by Line Meaning
0-0-7
A reference to the fictional British spy James Bond, indicating a cool and composed demeanor.
At Ocean 11
An allusion to the Ocean's Eleven movie, suggesting a scene of criminal activity and plotting.
And now rude boys have go wail
The rebellious youth, who consider themselves above the law, are now in trouble and will be punished.
?Cause them out of jail
The reason for the rude boys' distress is that they have been released from jail.
Rude boys cannot fail
Despite their current setback, the rude boys are confident in their abilities and will eventually succeed.
'Cause them must get bail
The rude boys believe they are entitled to bail and will do everything in their power to secure it.
Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail
The rude boys engage in criminal behavior, such as looting and shooting, and their actions result in negative consequences.
A Shanty Town
The setting for the rude boys' actions is a poor neighborhood or slum with limited resources and opportunities.
Dem rudely get a probation
The rude boys receive a lenient punishment, such as probation, despite their previous criminal offenses.
And rudely a bomb up the town
In a show of defiance, the rude boys commit a destructive act, such as setting off a bomb, to convey their anger and frustration.
Police get taller
The authorities, such as the police, become more vigilant and imposing in response to the rude boys' actions.
Soldier get longer
The military, represented by the soldiers, become more involved and extend their reach to maintain order and control in the Shanty Town.
Rude boy a weep and a wail
Despite their bravado, the rude boys are now experiencing fear and vulnerability, as they face the consequences of their actions.
Rude boy a weep and a wail
Repetition of the previous line emphasizes the emotional distress and despair felt by the rude boys.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DESMOND DEKKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@janicejames1953
Someone in 2024 listening to this
@janicejames1953
Im here
@VajrabhairavaSamantabhadra
We are always here..eh🇨🇦
@janmeuleman8470
Yes, ever since the early seventies.
@JeanClarke-hi3gc
Wow wow.love it.
@janicejames1953
Who grow up with this song
@Lizoki
Was in Jamaica in 1966 for the Commonwealth Games. This song was being played literally everywhere - you couldn’t avoid it. Great times! Got home and the UK were just being introduced to it and the kids here went crazy for it too. A great Summer!! Great memories
@ervineokuboh7459
I went to Barbados in November 1966 with my mother and aunt to see my grandmother. I was 8 years old at the time. On the way to Barbados, we stopped off at Kingston and I can clearly remember hearing this tune booming out as our ship docked at Kingston harbour, as people were mashing up the floor dancing ! Brilliant tune and great memories !
@kenkovar2647
wow
@rebeccaw1674
Great story!