Drummond was an alumnus of the famous Alpha Boys' School where he developed his musical skills. With the birth of ska, he joined The Skatalites. He became a household name in Jamaica, before suffering mental problems. He was rated by pianist George Shearing to be amongst the world's top five trombone players.
In 1965 he was convicted of the murder on January 1, 1965 of Anita "Margarita" Mahfood, an exotic dancer and singer with whom he'd recorded the hit "Woman A Come" for Clement Dodd's Studio One label. He was interned at Belle Vue Asylum, Kingston where he remained until his death. The official cause of death was "suicide", but other theories remain; some of his colleagues believed it was a government plot against the Kingston musical scene, and some believed that he was killed by gangsters as revenge for the murder of Mahfood.
Occupation
Don Drummond Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sounding the trumpet loud and clear
Devil find work for idle hands
So get an occupation
Get up don't be a drag
Come on no need to brag
Get up set yourself free
Who have eyes to see let them see
Nothing in life is ever free
Big hit for Mr. Don Drummond
Called Occupation
Don Drummond's song "Occupation" is a call to action for listeners to not succumb to idleness and to find meaningful work or a purpose in life. The lyrics suggest that the devil preys on those who have nothing to do and that an occupation is a means of avoiding this. Drummond encourages listeners to take action, get up, and set themselves free. He also reminds listeners that everyone is created equally, emphasizing that everyone has the ability to find and pursue their passion.
Line by Line Meaning
Who have ears to hear let them hear
Those who are willing to listen should pay attention and take heed.
Sounding the trumpet loud and clear
Making a powerful and unambiguous statement about the importance of finding employment.
Devil find work for idle hands
People who are idle and without work are more susceptible to the temptation of wrongdoing and bad influences.
So get an occupation
It is better to have a job or career than to have nothing to do.
Get up don't be a drag
Do not be complacent or reluctant to take action, especially when it comes to finding work.
Come on no need to brag
There is no reason to boast or be arrogant about one's abilities, but rather to use them constructively and productively.
Get up set yourself free
Having a job can lead to personal and financial independence, and can be a freeing experience.
All a we created equally
Everyone is created equal and should have access to opportunities to improve their lives, including access to employment.
Who have eyes to see let them see
Those who are observant and aware can recognize the importance of having a job and being productive.
Nothing in life is ever free
There is always a price to pay, including the effort and hard work required to achieve success in one's career.
Big hit for Mr. Don Drummond
This song by Don Drummond is an important and impactful message about the value of employment and its role in personal and societal success.
Called Occupation
The title of the song, which is a reference to the importance and relevance of work and employment.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind