1. Groundation is a Fusion-Reggae band based in Sonoma County, California. … Read Full Bio ↴1. Groundation is a Fusion-Reggae band based in Sonoma County, California. It was established in 1998 by Harrison Stafford, Ryan Newman and Marcus Urani upon their meeting at the Jazz program at Sonoma State University. Groundation's music incorporates the lyrical struggle of Roots Reggae, the progressive musicianship of Funk/Jazz fusion, and other-worldly transcendental Dub.

The 9-piece band creates an altogether new Reggae sound, featuring swirling horns, stout poly-rhythmics, and soulful harmony vocals. Their concerts utilize live improvisation, in classic jazz fashion, and are renowned for their high energy, communion-type atmosphere.

“Groundation” comes from the Rasta term "Grounation." Grounations were gatherings based on using music to attain common vibration, with the focus on manifesting positive energy to affect social change.

Having toured in over 30 countries on 4 continents, Groundation has truly become a world-wide movement and is the biggest American Reggae band touring the world today...come and find out why.

2. The original Groundation were formed in 1979 in Leicester, UK: http://spectrumleicester.co.uk/singer/groundation/

Weeping Pirates
Groundation Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

To all those weeping pirates
Oh your words shall fall on deaf ears now
For we hear Mount Zion calling dem, higher to the world
And those words were spoken softly
Of a dragon which conquers my soul

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Groundation's song Weeping Pirates are filled with metaphors and imagery that suggest a message of hope and encouragement. The song begins with addressing the "weeping pirates", those who are broken and discouraged in life. The reassurance given is that their cries and complaints will not be heard as there is something greater and more powerful- a spiritual journey that Israelites call "Mount Zion." The song suggests that the focus must be moved to this journey which calls on people "higher to the world."

The second part of the verse speaks of the power of words spoken. The words are linked with a "dragon." This dragon is not a physical presence, but it represents something internal, something that has control of one's soul. The lyrics suggest that one must be careful of the words they utter as they can have a significant impact on the singer and their journey of discovering their inner self.

Overall, the lyrics promote the idea of self-discovery, a higher purpose, and the importance of being mindful of what we say.

Line by Line Meaning

To all those weeping pirates
To those who persist in crying over lost treasure and missed opportunities,

Oh your words shall fall on deaf ears now
Your words, which were once heard and engaged with, will no longer be given attention or significance.

For we hear Mount Zion calling dem, higher to the world
We have become awakened to the call of Mount Zion, beckoning us towards spiritual growth and a greater purpose in the world.

And those words were spoken softly
The message we receive from this divine calling is subtle and gentle, yet powerful in its effect on us.

Of a dragon which conquers my soul
The dragon represents the inner battles and challenges we face as we strive to accept the call of Mount Zion and better ourselves, presenting as an obstacle or hurdle that we must overcome.

Contributed by Makayla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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