To-Isis (to everything beautiful) was formed within the Cathy Levy Players in 1996. The members of the former 7-member group, (now 5) were all major players in this company.
The group embarked on their recording career with the release of their debut single Ghetto Pain, in 2003 and its accompanying music video. This song was written by Duane Stephenson, produced by Dean Fraser and arranged by Ewan Simpson and Dean Fraser. The follow-up single and video for Heavens Will Rise Up premiered on Entertainment Report on Television Jamaica on Friday, January 16, 2004. Again written by Duane Stephenson, Renardo Lewis and Robert Morgan and produced and arranged by the same team as Ghetto Pain.
In 2005 To-Isis signed on to the official face of the Juici Patties 25th anniversary celebrations, also writing and recording the theme song and video for their One Jamaica campaign.
Duane Stephenson recently went solo and has 'opened' for a several local and international artistes in Jamaica and overseas. He performed at Reggae Sumfest last summer as a solo artiste.
Ghetto Pain
Duane Stephenson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
searching for our identity
while the rich man says
we are a menace to society
but they dont know what its like (they dont know)
what its really like
what its really like
To face real ghetto pain
to face real ghetto pressure
to face real ghetto pain
to face real ghetto pressure
Verse 2
On and on we go
for it we try to uphold
our brothers turn to crime
killing each other for a dime
while the opressor say
that turnin to qualities
is the only way
Chorus
We face real ghetto pain
we face pain pressure
we face real ghetto pain
we face real pressure
Verse 3
One day one day the table will turn
and to all me out there (to all me out there)
beware for our barriers will burn (burn burn burn)
Verse 3
Chorus
repeats verse 3 and chorus
In Duane Stephenson's song "Ghetto Pain," the lyrics explore the struggles of living in poverty in the ghetto. The song discusses the search for identity that many individuals from impoverished communities experience, while simultaneously being viewed as threats to society by the wealthy. Despite the rich man's negative perception of those from the ghetto, they do not understand the true pain that comes with living in such conditions. The chorus calls attention to the real pressure and pain faced in the ghetto on a daily basis.
The second verse explores the impact that the oppressor's label of being a "menace to society" has on individuals. It explains that despite efforts to uphold oneself, some people turn to crime, even killing one another for a small amount of money. The oppressor claims that turning to "qualities" (presumably education and ethics) is the only way out of poverty, falsely suggesting that everyone has the same opportunities to do so.
Line by Line Meaning
From day to day we live
Every day we go about our lives
searching for our identity
Trying to understand who we are as individuals and as a community
while the rich man says
Meanwhile, the wealthy individuals in society believe that we are a threat to their way of life
we are a menace to society
They view us as a dangerous force that needs to be controlled
but they dont know what its like (they dont know)
However, they don't understand the struggles that we face every day
what its really like
The true hardships that come with living in poverty
Chorus
We face the harsh realities of living in the ghetto every day
On and on we go
Despite the challenges, we continue to persevere
for it we try to uphold
We do our best to maintain our dignity and pride in our culture and heritage
our brothers turn to crime
Sadly, some members of our community resort to illegal activities to survive
killing each other for a dime
This often leads to violence and tragedy within our own community
while the opressor say
Meanwhile, those in power tell us that conformity and assimilation is the only way to succeed
that turnin to qualities
They try to convince us that abandoning our culture and values is the only path to success
is the only way
Ignoring our heritage is the only way to integrate into society
Verse 3
We hold onto hope that one day things will change
One day one day the table will turn
Someday, we believe that the power dynamic will shift in our favor
and to all me out there (to all me out there)
We call out to all those who share our struggles
beware for our barriers will burn (burn burn burn)
We will break down the walls that society has built around us, and rise above our adversary's expectations
Writer(s): Duane Stephenson Copyright: Duane Stephenson
Contributed by Aaron T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@emmanuelbanda9538
2024 still listing to this uplifting songs ❤❤❤
@maxwellkukacha4030
Malawi on my way to south Africa listen to this song while driving a track full volume jah jah be blessed Duane.
@chimwemwemwakhuyu504
Please keep liking this comment so that I should always listen to this master piece....
@geanmitchell5066
This song is truly a source of inspiration to those who was raised in the Getto but tell you there is still hope. Don't give up. Thanks to Duane Stephenson. Grenada love
@enieshaswaby5358
Who listening in 2020? 🙋🏽♀️
@georgenjuguna9712
ghetto pressure
@patiencewanjiru9476
🙋🏿
@JustinTaba
🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪
@djikaicva1009
People still suffering
@carolalexander6206
These kind of music never dies