1) Raggae metal … Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two groups sharing the name Dub War:
1) Raggae metal band from the UK;
2) 2-step UK garage / dubstep duo.
1) Formed in 1993, Dub War were a rock antidote to the Britpop hegemony.
Diminutive, livewire frontman Benji Webbe joined three established Newport musicians, and released a couple of 12" singles and a now sought-after mini album with local hardcore label Words Of Warning. The Dub Warning mini album was released in 1994, then, following a rapid rise in their profile, re-released with extra tracks as Words Of DubWarning later in the year.
Explosive live performances, always prefaced by Webbe winding a huge air raid siren, propelled their public profile upwards and while the indie press concentrated on the likes of Sleeper, Menswear and Echobelly, Dub War carved out a niche for themselves with discerning and open-minded rock fans.
Extreme music label Earache decided that Dub War were perfect for their roster and by 1995 they'd inked the deal. Pain was released in the same year, and featured two tracks that became over time rock club floor-filling staples. Gorrit took Faith No More and made it even more intense and twisted, while Strike It was a huge shout-along with an infectious rap metal refrain.
Dub War were never the types to tread water, so after the Pain album cycle, they experimented more with their sounds and influences, trying to avoid being pigeonholed in any one bracket. The new material was softer, more subtle, and without some of the bombast of their previous material. It was challenging - and of course that has knock-on effects when an audience expects a certain sound.
The singles Enemy Maker and Cry Dignity weren't a million miles from their previous hit singles, but their impact was minimal. The release of Wrong Side Of Beautiful in late 1996 saw their live reputation unchanged but their chart action lessened. They released the Soundclash EP, which showcased their dance influences the same year.
1997 saw the last singles from their second album proper released, then in 1998 they began to lay the foundations for their current work. Webbe stepped out on his own with his 1999 sideproject Mass Mental? (featuring Robert Trujillo of Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious Grooves and Metallica) as well as two guest appearances with ex-Sepultura man Max Cavalera's new outfit Soulfly.
In 1999 the band split, with Webbe, Rose and Ford reforming as Skindred, and Glover joining The Jones. Following the release of their debut album, Babylon, in late 2002 Ginge and Jeff left Skindred, citing their record label's constant lack of support for the band as their source of frustration, especially after their decade of hard work and still having to work day jobs. Skindred now continues with an all new line-up, whilst the rest of Dub War, namely Jeff, Ginge and Richie regrouped as Raw Bud (released as Raw Bud Vs Roni Size on their debut single, Rise Up). In 2010, Earache released The Dub, The War & The Ugly, a CD & DVD compilation package that included unreleased demos for the band's never-released third album, along with rare tracks, a DVD of an entire live concert as well as a documentary and all of the group's music videos.
2) UK garage/dubstep group consisting of Benny Ill and B. Fuller. They released the cult Murderous Style/Generation 12" on Tempa in 2001.
Gorrit
Dub War Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the worst we ever had
it's time that we did someting about it
instead of staying in bed with the covers on your head
ya know we got the power to fight it
world disaster
killer disease
problem with the goverment
nobody cares
children screaming please
somebody help dem
down on my knees
original bad boy
guning down the street
gunshot fire
an just kiss dem teet
when mama she's dead
and the kids are dead
an the worlds gorn crazy
in his head
crime is on the increase
police are getting worst
all the real bad boys
end up in a hearse
now mama she's dead
and the kids are dead
an the worlds gorn crazy
in his head
In Dub War's song Gorrit, the lyrics express a feeling of hopelessness and desperation in the face of the current state of the world. The opening lines clearly indicate this, "things are getting bad, the worst we ever had". The song addresses a number of issues plaguing society such as world disaster, killer diseases, problems with the government, deforestation, crime, and police brutality. The lyrics lament the fact that nobody seems to care about these issues, and the children are left screaming and pleading for someone to help.
The song is divided into two parts, with the second part dealing with a specific scenario. The "original bad boy" is portrayed as gunning down the street with no regard for the consequences. Mama and the kids are dead, and crime is on the increase, with the police becoming more and more ineffective. Once again, the lyrics highlight how this scenario seems to be happening in the minds of people, with the line "an the worlds gorn crazy in his head". The song ends on a note of desolation and futility, with no clear resolution in sight.
Line by Line Meaning
things are getting bad
The current state of affairs is deteriorating.
the worst we ever had
This is the worst it has ever been.
it's time that we did someting about it
It is now essential that we take action to remedy the situation.
instead of staying in bed with the covers on your head
We cannot afford to ignore the problems any longer.
ya know we got the power to fight it
We have the capability to combat the issues we face.
world disaster
Global catastrophes are occurring.
killer disease
Deadly illnesses are rampant.
problem with the goverment
There are significant issues with governmental systems.
cutting down trees
Environmental destruction is taking place through deforestation.
nobody cares
There is a general lack of concern or care about the problems we face.
children screaming please
Innocent children are desperately calling for assistance.
somebody help dem
A plea for help from those in need.
down on my knees
I am humbly begging for assistance.
original bad boy
A person who has a history of illegal or violent activity.
guning down the street
Acting violently and recklessly in public spaces.
gunshot fire
Shots being fired as a result of violent behavior.
an just kiss dem teet
The perpetrator feels powerful and invincible when engaging in violent activity.
when mama she's dead
When a mother has passed away.
and the kids are dead
Children have also lost their lives.
an the worlds gorn crazy
The world has become increasingly chaotic and nonsensical.
in his head
This all exists in the mind of the perpetrator.
crime is on the increase
Criminal activity is becoming more prevalent.
police are getting worst
Law enforcement is becoming less effective.
all the real bad boys
Individuals who are truly dangerous and violent.
end up in a hearse
They will eventually meet their demise.
Contributed by Zoe P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
TX-606
this should have been a huge hit song.
Nick Prior
Been a Skindred fan for years.. can't believe this is the first I'm seeing this! Getting Faith No More vibes and then some..
Kaye Gillanders
me too, I m going to see them this coming Saturday in Nottingham. Can't freakin wait. x
Philip Whitehead
The 90s in a music video
Mat Lam
Monument!!!!!!!!
Nicolas Durand
warning for epileptic :D
Bring Me The Peace
he said, “we came to take ova”