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Born in Kingston, Jamaica as Ripton Hylton, Eek-a-Mouse began his foray into reggae music when he was in college, but did not begin to garner a substantial audience until 1979 with his hit "Once a Virgin". This same year, he changed his singing name to "Eek-a-Mouse", the name of the racehorse he always bet on. In 1981, he cheered up the Reggae Sunsplash Festival, which was still mourning over the death of reggae icon Bob Marley. After this, his fame continued increasing through the year 1982 until 1988, when he released "Eek-A-Nomics", his last full-length CD until 1996.
Eek-a-Mouse is a regular at the Jamaican music festival Reggae Sunsplash and often teams up with reggae duo Michigan and Smiley. He has also been featured on Christian rock group P.O.D.'s (Payable on Death) album Satellite, lending his vocals to the rock-reggae track "Ridiculous".
Physically Critically
Eek-a-Mouse Lyrics
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Mhhmm
But some of you folks don't understand
How it's so hard in the Carribbean
Black man black man
And they tell me don't trust the other man
How can I even trust my own brother, man?
Mhhm who just bite the hand
I've been blackmailed now I set a sail
To see a foreign land
But some of you folks to don't understand
How it's so hard in the Carribbean
What I'm supposed to do?
But some of you folks don't understand
How it's so hard in the Carribbean
Black man just a beat black man
To go see a foreign land
But some of you folks still don't understand
How it's so hard in the Carribbean
You come 'pon the island fi get a sun tan
And fi swim inna da ocean
You no see the mob hatred inna Kingston
An the Carribbean sun mhhmHhm
What I'm supposed to do?
Eek-a-Mouse's song "Physically Critically" speaks about the struggles faced by black individuals living in the Caribbean. The song begins with a sense of confusion - the singer doesn't know what to do. He then goes on to talk about how hard it is to survive in the Caribbean, especially as a black man. He expresses his distrust of both other people and his own community, feeling as though they've turned against him.
The singer then raises the issue of being blacklisted and blackmailed, and decides to leave his home in search of a better life. However, he acknowledges that not everyone understands the struggles he's faced, particularly those who come to the Caribbean for vacation, just to get some sunshine and go swimming. He ends the song with the same sense of confusion and hopelessness as in the beginning, wondering what he's supposed to do.
"Physically Critically" brings attention to the socioeconomic issues faced by black individuals living in the Caribbean. It highlights the lack of trust within communities, the exploitation of individuals for personal gain, and the feeling of hopelessness in a decaying society. The song serves not only as a critique of the situation but also as a cry for help to the outside world.
Line by Line Meaning
Mhhmm what I'm supposed to do?
I'm not sure what actions I should take in this situation.
Mhhmm
I am unsure and hesitant about what to do next.
But some of you folks don't understand
There are people who do not grasp the reality of the hardships we face.
How it's so hard in the Carribbean
Living in the Caribbean is extremely difficult and presents many challenges.
Black man black man
The struggle and difficulties is faced by black men in particular.
And they tell me don't trust the other man
Advice given to me is to not trust anyone outside of my immediate circle.
How can I even trust my own brother, man?
I do not even feel comfortable trusting my own family in this climate.
Mhhm who just bite the hand
Even those closest to me have betrayed me.
Mhm i've been blacklisted and
I have been subjected to being placed on a blacklist and ostracized from certain opportunities.
I've been blackmailed now I set a sail
I was extorted and coerced, but have since left and gone to another land.
To see a foreign land
I have ventured outside of my home region to find better opportunities.
But some of you folks to don't understand
People still fail to grasp the reality of the hard circumstances we find ourselves in.
Black man just a beat black man
There is animosity and tension between black men in this area.
To go see a foreign land
Some may risk leaving their home in search of a better future.
But some of you folks still don't understand
There are those who stubbornly refuse to see or consider just how difficult it is to survive here.
How it's so hard in the Carribbean
This place is characterized by an intense set of struggles and tribulations.
You come 'pon the island fi get a sun tan
People may come here seeking a leisurely vacation.
And fi swim inna da ocean
Perhaps swimming in the water is also a desirable activity.
You no see the mob hatred inna Kingston
Outsiders may not realize the true extent of the violence and aggression present here in Kingston.
An the Carribbean sun mhhmHhm
Despite all of these challenges, the sun continues to shine relentlessly on the islands.
What I'm supposed to do?
I don't know which way to turn in order to forge my own path and destiny.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ripton Hylton, Steve Burnett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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