He soloed from then on, interrupted only by a short stint as Cultural Roots' lead singer, with whom he waxed Money, Sex and Violence for Runn Records. His first solo album Bible and Gun was produced by Coxson Dodd for Sweet Music Records in 1982, the title track hit in Jamaica. Not exactly prolific, he recorded when the opportunity arose and when free to do so. Tamoki Wambesi Records dropped Prison Life, produced by Roy and Norma Laul Cousins; a single from it, "Jah Is Watching You," did some business. P-Vine Records (the Japanese reissue giant) issued Home Bound Train, which includes tracks by Russell. House of Reggae Records treated music fans with Darker Than Blue in 1996, a poignant tribute to Curtis Mayfield that's destined to be Devon's most successful album.
A duet with Nina Soul, "Sometimes," came out on Tamoki Wambesi; other significant singles include Mayfield's "My Woman's Love" originally the flip of the Impressions' "This Is My Country," "Thanks & Praise," "Story of the Drum," "Race Track Riot," "Jah Holds the Key" credited to Devon Russell & Zion Train, and "Three the Hard Way" with Nitty Gritty and Willie Williams. Producing credits include: Big Youth's 1978 Isaiah First Prophet of the Old album; "Happy Birthday" with Sugar Minott (a co-production with Minott); he drummed on the Mighty Diamonds' Never Get Weary (1988) album and supplied vocals to Doctor Alimantado's 1988 Privileged Few LP, most of Russell's accomplishments are uncredited and undocumented. He succumbed to a brain tumor June 18, 1997 a year after the release of Darker Than Blue.
Vampire
Devon Irons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jah Jah send us here to ketch vampire
Obadiah, Obadiah
Jah Jah send us here to ketch vampire
I have the chalice to lite up Jah fire
When I and I catch dem vampire
I and I a go set dem a fire
See a Dreadlocks running down a Rastaman
Swear that if him catch him, him will kill him down
The Dreadlocks couldn't catch the Rastaman
Obadiah, Obadiah
Jah Jah send us here to ketch vampire
Obadiah, Obadiah
Jah Jah send us here to ketch vampire
I have the chalice to lite up Jah fire
When I and I catch dem vampire
I and I a go set dem a fire
A true Rastaman na catch up a betting shop
A true Rastaman do not gamble
A true Rastaman do not play card pack
A true Rastaman always humble
Obadiah, Obadiah
Jah Jah send us here to catch brown fire
The lyrics of Devon Irons's song Vampire depict a story of a Rastafarian man on a mission to catch a vampire. The chorus of the song repeatedly states that Jah Jah, referring to God, sent the Rastafarian man, represented as "I and I" in the song, to catch the vampire. The lyrics suggest that the Rastafarian man is armed with a chalice to light up Jah fire, which may refer to a spiritual or mystical energy that will empower him in catching the vampire. The "fire" may also be a metaphor for the wrath of God that the vampire will face when they are caught.
The verse that follows in the song describes the Rastafarian man walking down "unity lane" and encountering a fellow Dreadlocks who is running down a Rastaman. The Rastafarian man swears that he will kill the Rastaman if he catches him, but the Dreadlocks is unable to catch the Rastaman. This verse can be interpreted as a comment on the importance of unity and brotherhood among Rastafarians, and how violence should not be the solution to conflicts among them.
Line by Line Meaning
Obadiah, Obadiah
Acknowledging the prophet Obadiah two times for emphasis.
Jah Jah send us here to ketch vampire
Believing that God (Jah) brought them here to catch and defeat vampires.
Obadiah, Obadiah
Repeating the prophet Obadiah's name to further emphasize their mission.
Jah Jah send us here to ketch vampire
Reiterating their belief that God sent them here to catch vampires.
I have the chalice to lite up Jah fire
Stating that he has the chalice (a ceremonial cup) to light the fire for God and show his devotion to him.
When I and I catch dem vampire
Assuming that he and his fellow Rastafarians will be successful in catching the vampires.
I and I a go set dem a fire
Promising to set the vampires on fire when they are caught.
I-man trod up down a unity lane
Referring to himself as 'I-man' and indicating that he is walking down 'Unity Lane', which could signify his belief in the importance of unity among people.
See a Dreadlocks running down a Rastaman
Spotting a person with dreadlocks (who may not be a Rastafarian) running away from a Rastafarian.
Swear that if him catch him, him will kill him down
Promising to kill the person with dreadlocks if caught.
The Dreadlocks couldn't catch the Rastaman
Implied to be a response to the previous line, saying that the person with dreadlocks was unable to catch the Rastafarian.
Obadiah, Obadiah
Again invoking the prophet's name.
Jah Jah send us here to ketch vampire
Repeating their belief in God's involvement in their mission.
Obadiah, Obadiah
Re-emphasizing the prophet Obadiah's name.
Jah Jah send us here to ketch vampire
Reiterating their belief in God's role in their mission.
I have the chalice to lite up Jah fire
Restating that he has the chalice to show his devotion to God.
When I and I catch dem vampire
Reiterating their confidence in catching the vampires.
I and I a go set dem a fire
Repeating their promise to set the vampires on fire.
A true Rastaman na catch up a betting shop
Asserting that a true Rastafarian does not waste their time gambling or betting.
A true Rastaman do not gamble
Repeating that a true Rastafarian does not gamble or participate in games of chance.
A true Rastaman do not play card pack
Indicating that a true Rastafarian does not play card games, perhaps because they are seen as corrupt or sinful.
A true Rastaman always humble
Stating that a true Rastafarian is always humble and does not seek to boast or show off.
Obadiah, Obadiah
Reiterating the prophet Obadiah's name one last time.
Jah Jah send us here to catch brown fire
This line does not appear in the original song, but is written in the instructions for the task. I cannot provide a meaning for this line, as it is not part of the lyrics and seems to be an error in the prompt.
Writer(s): LEE PERRY
Contributed by Logan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Luan Ventura
Killer vocal with Devon Irons... the B side is so heavy!!! Man like Lee... enters the gate of Zion with praise.
B Matic
Will always be in my most Top of Top Upsetter Tune chart
koio ala
Same!🎉😍
Uku Man
Too many vampires in those days, that song must be learned in schools all over the world.
Depro-Z-Pro G@m!n
Rasta elders knew what has and is being hidden and are still trying to warn us with catchy little songs that call out the evil ones right under their noses. Makes me smile to this day. Lol Nothing but respect! and love.. Rasta prophets are definitely what is left of humanities roots . Give thanks
Ralph Bah
Un GODLY WILL PERISH N BELISH
Captain Izabella Sparrow Syzygy Chill MD
BIG TUNE!!!! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
bosrahh h
the dub 🔥🔥
Yve Williams
First time hearing this tune. Very catchy. 🔥 28/10/20
Justyn Thyme Taylor Coleman
Sineed o'connor did a cover