Originally formed in 1997 for Easy Star Records’ first recordings, the All-Stars primarily existed as a studio entity until releasing Dub Side of the Moon. The success of that album led to the formation of a touring version of the collective. The core of the touring line-up has remained relatively intact, including Ras Iray (bass/vocals), Junior Jazz (guitar/vocals), Ive-09 (drums) and Jeremy Mage (keyboards) in the rhythm section. Tamar-kali and Menny More provide additional lead and backing vocals, while the group is filled out by the Chronic Horns (Jennifer Hill on saxophone & flute and Buford O’Sullivan on trombone). The band is always mixed live by a dub engineer, usually Marcos Ferrari or Jocko Randall (of John Brown’s Body). Other members of the musical collective, such as Victor Rice (Victor Rice Octet, Version City All-Stars and bassist on Dub Side of the Moon), reggae legend Ranking Joe, trumpet player Pam Fleming (of the Burning Brass), singers Kirsty Rock (of Trumystic) and Stephanie McKay, Groove Collective’s Jay Rodriguez, Antibalas’s Stuart Bogie, John Brown Body’s Josh Driscoll, and even Ticklah and Michael G join the All-Stars on specific gigs, adding their abilities to the already talented ensemble.
The Easy Star All-Stars—in any combination of members—have been a resounding success. The band has played at numerous major festivals or headlined their own shows in the U.S., U.K., France, Italy, Chile, Poland, Turkey, Mexico, Argentina, Israel, Croatia, Ireland, Egypt, Brazil, and beyond.
As individuals, the band’s vocalists and instrumentalists have toured and recorded with Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Gil Scott-Heron, The Toasters, The Meditations, Bernie Worrell, DJ Logic, MC Solaar, King Django, Antibalas, The Scofflaws, Diana King, Dennis Brown, Monty Alexander, Sister Carol, and many others. Each of these musicians gets a chance to shine in the typical Easy Star set, whether it is through soloing, composing, or singing, or simply through playing an essential part in this tight-knit collective. Each line-up may result in slightly different sounds for this unique reggae band, but regardless of who plays, the one thing that never changes is that the Easy Star All-Stars deliver a fun, exciting, and different show every time out.
Airbag
Easy Star All-Stars Lyrics
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I am born again
In the neon sign, scrolling up and down
I am born again
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe
I am born again
In a fast German car, I'm amazed that I survived
An airbag saved my life
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe
In an interstellar burst
I am back to save the universe
The lyrics to Easy Star All-Stars' song "Airbag" are full of imagery and metaphors. The song begins by establishing a sense of rebirth, with the singer being "born again" in the midst of chaos and destruction. The "jackknifed juggernaut" represents the next world war, a looming catastrophe that the singer has somehow emerged from, ready to face the challenges of the future.
The imagery of the neon sign suggests a fast-paced, technological world, with information scrolling constantly up and down. Despite this dizzying pace, the singer finds a sense of renewal and purpose. The interstellar burst is a moment of pure energy and potential, as the singer is "back to save the universe." The lyrics suggest a cosmic significance to the singer's rebirth, as if they are a hero rising to take on a cosmic battle.
The deep, deep sleep of the innocent is an interesting contrast to the chaos and destruction of the first line. It suggests a state of innocence, perhaps even of oblivion, that the singer must emerge from in order to face the challenges of the world. In the second verse, the reference to a "fast German car" ties into the theme of rebirth and survival, as the airbag saved the singer's life. Overall, the lyrics of "Airbag" are a powerful evocation of renewal and survival in the face of chaos and destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
In the next world war, in a jackknifed juggernaut
Despite being in the midst of a chaotic and devastating warzone where everything seems to be falling apart, I am granted a new beginning.
I am born again
I am given a fresh start, allowing me to leave behind the challenges and struggles of my past.
In the neon sign, scrolling up and down
Through the flickering of a bustling city, I am reborn and ready to face the unknown.
In an interstellar burst
In a sudden and dramatic explosion of energy, I am transformed and propelled to a new plane of existence.
I am back to save the universe
With a newfound power, I am ready and willing to step up and protect the world around me.
In a deep, deep sleep of the innocent
During times of great calm and tranquility, I am once again granted a new beginning.
In a fast German car, I'm amazed that I survived
Despite the dangers and risks of life, I find myself grateful for every moment I am alive.
An airbag saved my life
Through the use of advanced technology and protection, I am allowed to walk away from a potentially fatal accident unharmed.
In an interstellar burst
Once again, I find myself propelled to a higher plane of existence, ready and willing to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead.
I am back to save the universe
With an unbreakable spirit and the determination to change the world, I am ready and eager to take on whatever obstacles come my way.
In an interstellar burst
My energy and courage continue to grow, propelling me ever forward towards new horizons.
I am back to save the universe
With each step I take, I am driven to protect and defend the world around me, making a difference wherever possible.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind