One of the few Jamaican singers to truly bridge the gap between the roots a… Read Full Bio ↴One of the few Jamaican singers to truly bridge the gap between the roots and dancehall reggae styles is the man known as Everton "Blender." When reggae fans hear the opening notes of "Lift Up Your Head," "Ghetto People Song," "Blend Dem," etc., they instantly recognize these songs as the cultural anthems of our time. The large number of hits Everton has accrued is most impressive for an artist who has been in the business for such a seemingly short period of time. But like many of Jamaica's biggest musical stars, the road to fame wasn't a short or easy one.

Everton Williams was born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, but grew up in Kingston 13 on Maxfield Avenue. Everton worked as a painter, construction worker, and decorator, but he realized that the strong chemicals he was working with were not good for his voice or his health in general. With divine help and direction, he decided to leave his job to pursue a singing career. In 1980, he met Phyllis Thompson (who would later become his wife), and moved back to Clarendon. In 1985, Everton and Phyllis' first child, Isha, was born.

Although Everton had recorded a handful of singles for various producers, he had yet to score with a hit on the island. But that was all about to change in 1991 he voiced the autobiographical "Create a Sound." The song described Everton's experiences in the music business and with the Rasta faith. It was released the following year on the Star Trail label, and it was Everton Blender's first hit. Everton continued to record for Star Trail, who had a distribution deal with Heartbeat Records. 1994's Lift Up Your Head (HB 169) was Everton's full length debut, and featured "Create a Sound," along with the hits, "Family Man," "Bring di Kutchie," "My Father's Home," "Gwaan Natty," and the title track, which would go on to become one of the biggest anthems of the 1990's.

Everton continued to record for Star Trail and other labels, scoring hits including "Blend Dem," "World Corruption," "Bob Marley," "Piece of the Blender," "The Man," and "Coming Harder," all collected on the 1996 album, Piece of the Blender: The Singles (HB 209). At this time, Everton decided to take charge of his career and start his own label, which he named Blend Dem Productions. He began to finance most of his own recordings, a move that proved to heighten tension between him and many who wished to control the music production and promotion on the island. But he persevered, knowing that being in control of his career was the right decision, and his relationship with Heartbeat became even stronger. In 1999, Heartbeat released Everton Blender's first album of Blend Dem productions, Rootsman Credential (HB 227). Alongside boom shots like "Ghetto People Song," "Why Do We Have to War," and "False Words" was Everton's own productions including "Slick Me Slick," "These Hands," and many more strong statements of Everton's faith and will to succeed. Since the release of Rootsman Credential, Everton has toured the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean-establishing himself as one of the top touring forces from Jamaica. Live at the White River Reggae Bash (HB 242) captures Everton performing his most popular material with the Blend Dem band.

As the millennium came to a close, Heartbeat released an album of new Blend Dem productions that includes top acts riding Everton Blender produced rhythms. Dance Hall Liberation (HB 246) features Anthony B, Tony Rebel, Louie Culture, Richie Spice, Everton Blender, daughter Isha, and others. Everton was also executive producer on Richie Spice's debut album, Universal (HB 103), and plays a role in Spanner Banner's new release, Real Love (HB 249).

Blender's album released in 2001, Visionary (HB 254), consisted of his trademark conscious commitment over sizzling roots and dancehall self-productions. With guest appearances by Bennie Man, Anthony B, Tony Rebel, and Marcia Griffiths along with Everton's own strong performance, the album garnered favorable reviews throughout the music press. 2001 and 2002 also marked excellent touring year for Blender, where he headlined several major reggae events.

King Man (HB 258) is the latest work of Blend Dem Productions. This new album is the latest installment in Blender's legacy of excellent reggae music for the discerning listener. Expect to see Everton Blender somewhere near you as he tours later this year to support the release.

Where Do the Children Play
Everton Blender Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

WHERE DO THE CHILDREN PLAY?- Cat Stevens

D G D G D G D G C Em C Em A D G D G

D G D G
Well I think it's fine, building jumbo planes
D G D G
Or taking a ride on a cosmic train

D G D G
Switch on summer from a slot machine
D G D G
Yes, get what you want to if you want 'cos you can get anything
Em A Em A
I know we've come a long way, we're changing day to day
Em A D G D G D G D G
But tell me, where do the children play?

Well you roll on roads over fresh green grass
For your lorryloads pumping petrol gas
And you make them long, and you make them tough
C G C G
But they just go on and on, and it seems you can't get off

Oh, I know we've come a long way
We're changing day to day
But tell me, where do the children play?

C Em C Em A D G D G D G D G

When you crack the sky, scrapers fill the air
Will you keep on building higher
'til there's no more room up there?
C G C G
Will you make us laugh, will you make us cry?
C G C G
Will you tell us when to live, will you tell us when to die?
Em7 A
I know we've come a long way
Em7 A
We're changing day to day--hey
Em A D G D G
But tell me, where do the children play?
D G D G
Do doot do, do de do doot do
D G D D
Do de do doot do do de do do

MAIN PATTERN:
D G (almost)
E ---2-0-2--0------0---0---------0-
B ---3-3-3----3------3---3-(3)-3---
G ---2-2-2-----------0---0---------
D -0-------------------------------
A ---------------------------------
E --------------3------------------

NOTE: Generally pick the pattern on all D G sections and strum in other
places, but listen to the record to catch it all.
(from Tea for the Tillerman, 1970)
(sent by Harlan at harlant@hawaii.edu)

Cat Stevens "Where do the children play"

I'll send this in chord now, and tab when I've got more time.

Verses: D...........G (some exceptions)

Well I think It's fine/ Building Jumbo planes
Taking a ride/ on a cosmic train
Switch on summer/ from a slot machine (?)
Do anything you want, 'cause you can do anything

Chorus:

Em A
I know we've come a long way
We're changing day to day
Well tell me where do the children pla-
D G
a-a-a-a-a-ay

D G D G
Well you roll on roads/ over fresh green grass
For your lorry loads/ pumping petrol gas
C G C G
Oh, you make thm long/ and you make them tough
but they just go on and on/ and it seems that you can't get off

(CHORUS)

D G D G
well you've cracked the sky/ scrapers fill the air
but will yu keep on building higher/ till there's no more room up there C
G C G
will you make us laugh/ Will you make us cry?
Will you tell us when to liive, will you tell us when to die?

Chorus (I think A11 is substituted for Em)

sorry 'bout the mess, I'll send tab when I'm done moving _ _

Overall Meaning

The song "Where Do the Children Play" by Everton Blender was originally written and performed by Cat Stevens in 1970. The opening verse speaks about progress and the wonders of technology, such as building "jumbo planes" and "riding on a cosmic train." Stevens acknowledges that humanity has come a long way and is constantly changing, but he questions where the children can play in this world of progress. The chorus reiterates this question, asking where the children can enjoy the natural world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Verse two paints a picture of humanity's impact on the environment with references to driving trucks that pump petrol and the development of long-lasting, tough buildings. The chorus returns, emphasizing the theme of natural space for children to play in. The final verse brings the focus back to development and expansion, asking if builders will continue to scrape the sky and fill the air with skyscrapers until there is no more space. Stevens asks if this development will bring joy or sadness, and if it will dictate when people live or die. The final chorus returns to the original question of where the children will play, as the song fades out.

Overall, the song is a statement on the balance between progress and preserving natural spaces, particularly for children to enjoy. It raises questions about the consequences of technological developments and the impact on the environment and society. Stevens suggests that artificial man-made inventions cannot replace the natural world as a source of wonder and discovery, and that more should be done to protect these spaces for future generations.

Line by Line Meaning

Well I think It's fine/ Building Jumbo planes
The singer acknowledges the advancements in technology and transportation in society, like building airplanes.

Taking a ride/ on a cosmic train
The singer acknowledges the advancements in space exploration and traveling.

Switch on summer/ from a slot machine (?)
The singer acknowledges the consumer culture and the ability for people to have access to whatever they want through technology and money, like being able to have a summer feeling year-round.

Do anything you want, 'cause you can do anything
The singer refers to the sense of limitless possibility in modern society thanks to advancements in technology and economy.

I know we've come a long way/ We're changing day to day/ Well tell me where do the children pla-a-a-a-a-ay
Despite the progress made in society, the singer wonders the impact it has on the younger generation and where they can find their place in this changing world.

Well you roll on roads/ over fresh green grass
The singer observes the impact that industrialization and commerce has on the environment, with roads and pollution affecting natural landscapes.

For your lorry loads/ pumping petrol gas
The singer acknowledges the dependence on fossil fuels for transportation and the impact it has on the environment.

Oh, you make them long/ and you make them tough/ but they just go on and on/ and it seems that you can't get off
The singer reflects on the monotony and yet seemingly impossible escape from the grind of modern life and society.

well you've cracked the sky/ scrapers fill the air/ but will you keep on building higher/ till there's no more room up there
The singer reflects on the endless ambition of society and the push to constantly build and expand, even if it ultimately leads to destruction and lack of space.

will you make us laugh/ Will you make us cry?/ Will you tell us when to liive, will you tell us when to die?
The singer questions the power structures and mentality driving progress, wondering whether it truly benefits humanity or only serves the interests of those in power.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Yusuf Islam

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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