One of the most rock & roll acts out there, Barry Ashworth’s merry band of reprobates — the unstoppable Dub Pistols — are staying true to form with their sixth long-player. It’s called ‘White Lines’, although Barry is keen to stress that the title isn’t some sort of blatant drug reference. “It’s about the number of white lines we see on motorways and at airports when we’re travelling around all the time,” he says.
Bass. The Dubs continue to be one of the busiest bands on the circuit. Seemingly no music festival is complete without their riotous blend of ska, dub, hip-hop, electro, breakbeat, punk and drum & bass. Good times are guaranteed when the Dub Pistols blaze in to fire up the joint, and they’ll party all night — if you let them — until the motorway sun comes up with the morning light.
Over the years the Dubs have earned their ticket to ride the white line highway — and if you aren’t already hooked, baby, it’s nobody else’s fault. They originally grew out of the DJ sound system that Barry Ashworth started with cohort Jason O’Bryan in the mid-90s.
Along with contemporaries the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, the Dubs initially surfed the late ‘90s big beat wave with tracks like ‘Cyclone’, ‘Westway’ and ‘There’s Gonna Be A Riot’ before swerving into the more political ‘Six Million Ways To Live’ album after the Millennium and their first hook-up with unforgettable Specials frontman Terry Hall.
The procession of guest vocalists who’ve joined them in the intervening decade or so reads like a roll call of urban legends. UK hip-hopper Rodney P, late reggae great Gregory Isaacs, Freak Power man Ashley Slater, Beats International’s Lindy Layton, acid house original Justin Robertson, the sweet tones of Horace Andy, UK rapper Akala, TK from New York, Red Star Lion from the West Indies, Dan Bowskills… the list goes on. Despite these top collaborators, they’ve somehow still managed to remain a cohesive unit, and it’s for their riotous sense of fun, entertainment value and tireless ability to make crowds jump that the Dubs have carved a niche for themselves. Verily, they’re something of a phenomenon.
‘White Lines’ is more of a party album than the conscious vibes of previous LP ‘Worshipping The Dollar’, and also has its fair share of top-notch guests. Reggae don Earl 16, eminent hip-hopper Seanie T,Dark Horizon, Rodney P in-demand rhymer Serocee — as well as regulars TK, Darrison, Sir Real, Ashley Slater and Barry Ashworth himself on vocals — all make an appearance, as well as the dubwise horns of Tim Hutton.
Back To Daylight
Dub Pistols Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're living it up, think you're a player
And I know there's something in the air
Are you giving it up? Do you like to share?
It's the same dirty game burning like a flame
It's gonna fail you but it wouldn't be mine, no
Down on your sleep, living like a liar
Long time, it's the same vibe
It's a long climb back to daylight
High crime, it's no my time
I don't know why you can't see it
Well, you're living life without a care
Are you living enough or are you scared?
It seems to me you're unaware
Maybe living too much, playing solitaire
It's the same dirty groove, wouldn't you like to move?
It's gonna fail you, you can never be wise
You're down on your game, just the same old same
Feel the pointed fingers, they're for you
Long time, it's the same vibe
It's a long climb back to daylight
High crime, it's not my time
I don't know why you can't see it
Long time, it's the same vibe
It's a long climb back to daylight
High crime, it's not my time
I don't know why you can't see it
Well, I ain't defending my decision
You call me a liar, well you ought to know
Well there ain't no swerve in my division
It isn't my trial
Now I got to go, oh yeah
Long time, it's the same vibe
It's a long climb back to daylight
High crime, it's no my time
I don't know why you can't see it
Long time, it's the same vibe
It's a long climb back to daylight
High crime, it's no my time
I don't know why you can't see it
The lyrics of "Back To Daylight" by Dub Pistols reflect the artist's concerns about someone close to them who is living a wild and reckless life. The song talks about the rumors of this person's infidelity and promiscuity, and how they are laughing in their sleep without knowing their real name. The artist questions whether this lifestyle is worth it and whether it's making the person happy or just filling them with fear. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a long climb back to daylight," emphasizing the idea that this person needs to make a change and get their life back on track.
The song's verses suggest a sense of desperation, as the artist tries to reason with this person and get them to see the error of their ways. The chorus, on the other hand, reflects a sense of hopefulness, as the artist acknowledges that there is a way back from this dark place. The lyrics make use of metaphors such as "the same dirty game burning like a flame" and "the same dirty groove, wouldn't you like to move?" to describe the repetitive and self-destructive nature of this person's behavior.
Overall, the song presents a message of concern and a call to action, urging listeners to recognize when they are straying off the right path and to make the necessary changes to get back to a more positive and fulfilling way of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, They say you're having a affair
Rumors are spreading that you're cheating on your partner
You're living it up, think you're a player
You're enjoying your life and think you're good at playing the game
And I know there's something in the air
There is a feeling that something is not right
Are you giving it up? Do you like to share?
Are you giving up on your relationship or do you like to share partners?
It's the same dirty game burning like a flame
It's the same old dishonest behavior that will catch up with you
It's gonna fail you but it wouldn't be mine, no
Your actions will lead to your downfall, but I am not responsible
Down on your sleep, living like a liar
You're living in guilt, lying to yourself and others
Laughing at your sleep, you don't know your name
You're pretending everything is fine, but you're lost and don't know who you are
Long time, it's the same vibe
This has been going on for a while and it feels familiar
It's a long climb back to daylight
It's going to be difficult to get back to a place of honesty and clarity
High crime, it's not my time
Cheating is not my style or my time to be involved in this drama
I don't know why you can't see it
I don't understand why you can't see the consequences of your actions
Well, you're living life without a care
You're living recklessly and without regard for others
Are you living enough or are you scared?
Are you trying to fill a void in your life or are you afraid of facing the truth?
It seems to me you're unaware
It appears that you're oblivious to the damage you're causing
Maybe living too much, playing solitaire
Perhaps you're trying to fill a void in your life by pursuing pleasure alone
It's the same dirty groove, wouldn't you like to move?
You're stuck in a pattern of bad behavior, wouldn't you like to change?
It's gonna fail you, you can never be wise
Your actions will lead to your downfall and you will never gain wisdom from them
You're down on your game, just the same old same
You're losing at life and stuck in a cycle of deceit
Feel the pointed fingers, they're for you
Others are starting to point fingers at you and blame you for your actions
Well, I ain't defending my decision
I am not trying to justify or defend my choice to distance myself from this situation
You call me a liar, well you ought to know
You accuse me of being dishonest, but you should be aware of your own behavior
Well there ain't no swerve in my division
I am sticking to my principles and won't change my mind
It isn't my trial
This situation is not mine to deal with or fix
Now I got to go, oh yeah
I need to distance myself from this situation and move on
Contributed by Colin S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@cruelitsa
Well, They say you're having a affair
You're living it up, think you're a player
And I know there's something in the air
Are you giving it up? Do you like to share?
It's the same dirty game burning like a flame
It's gonna fail you but it wouldn't be mine, no
Down on your sleep, living like a liar
Laughing at your sleep, you don't know your name
Long time, it's the same vibe
It's a long climb back to daylight
High crime, it's no my time
I don't know why you can't see it
Well, you're living life without a care
Are you living enough or are you scared?
It seems to me you're unaware
Maybe living too much, playing solitaire
It's the same dirty groove, wouldn't you like to move?
It's gonna fail you, you can never be wise
You're down on your game, just the same old same
Feel the pointed fingers, they're for you
Long time, it's the same vibe
It's a long climb back to daylight
High crime, it's not my time
I don't know why you can't see it
@sandman2995
this is one of the best songs ive ever heard so glad to discover this in feb 2021
@WEBBERSPADE
And I've discovered it in Nov 2023! Already listened to it around 50 times today. Epic track!
@sandman2995
@@WEBBERSPADE almost 3 years later and my opinion is the same 👍 still one of my fav songs
@hunnybunny7708
2009, I was 18. Home was hell. But whenever I'd listen to this, I felt hope. Still one of the best tracks ever.
@jansongunn4214
Man I’m sorry things were like that for you. I can totally understand how this track could’ve brought hope though. Moments in time eh bro?
@jansongunn4214
Oh, I think you’re a lady. Sorry, sis!🤣
@MasterOfSayajins
... youre not alone, same time, same problems, different place. Keep your head(s) up high ^-^
@paulgatunopaulgatuno6490
But looking back and see it know doesnt feel with pride that you got your head up! 💪Keep it up.
@skatergirlbieber
Used to listen to this when I was about 14 years and now a melody reminded me of this song so I searched it. Still remember the name. Still loving it
@szabolcskomaromi
Love this song! So underrated...