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Horace Andy is a legendary roots reggae singer, notable for such tracks as Government Land, You Are My Angel and Skylarking.
Born Horace Hinds on 19 February 1951 in Kingston, Jamaica, he made his earliest recordings in the late 1960s. Known for his distinctive falsetto vocal style, he sung on many classic production for reggae producers, including Phil Pratt, King Tubby and Prince Jammy. He is a devout Rastafari and, like many reggae singers, much of his material deals with themes of religion and social justice.
Andy found a new generation of fans in the 1990s, thanks to his work with trip hop pioneers Massive Attack. He continues to record new music, with an album called Living in the Flood released in 1999 on Massive Attack's Melankolic record label.
Sky Larking
Horace Andy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's what youth do today
Skylarking, skylarking
Before they stand up firm on their feet
Get a likkle work, a likkle work
And earn their bread honestly
Beggin' you a five cent, sir
Beggin' you a ten cent, sir
So if you all keep on doing what you all are doing
You will end up, up up in jail
The song "Sky Larking" by Horace Andy is a commentary on the lifestyle of youth in Jamaica, particularly their tendency to engage in aimless, careless behavior. The chorus of the song, "Skylarking, skylarking, that's what youth do today," is a reference to this behavior, which involves loafing around and not taking responsibility. Andy suggests that this behavior is a result of the youth not having yet found their footing in life, and needing to earn their living honestly in order to stand up firmly on their own two feet.
The verses go on to highlight the consequences of this behavior, which include begging and eventually leading to jail time. The line "Begging you a five cent, sir, begging you a ten cent, sir, cannot help" speaks to the poverty that many youth face, leading them to resort to begging for even small amounts of money. However, Andy suggests that this is not a sustainable way of life, and that young people need to focus on finding honest work in order to achieve long-term success.
Overall, "Sky Larking" is a call to action for youth to take responsibility for their futures, stop engaging in aimless behavior, and focus on building a better life for themselves. It serves as a commentary on the challenges facing young people in Jamaica, and the need for them to be proactive in creating a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Skylarking, skylarking
Engaging in reckless behavior and having fun with friends
That's what youth do today
Adolescents tend to engage in such behavior in the present times
Before they stand up firm on their feet
Before they become self-sufficient and responsible adults
Get a likkle work, a likkle work
Get a small job to earn some income
And earn their bread honestly
To earn honest livelihood
Beggin' you a five cent, sir
Asking for petty cash
Beggin' you a ten cent, sir
Asking for a small amount of money
Cannot help, no, cannot help
Unable to provide any support
So if you all keep on doing what you all are doing
If you continue with your current actions
You will end up, up up in jail
You may end up in jail for engaging in reckless or illegal behavior
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALBERTO BLACKWOOD, CLEMENT N DODD, HORACE N HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sonnetsandtruth1642
My mum loves reggae. This reminds me of her and I’m thankful for the amazing richness of the music I was surrounded with growing up. Music for the spirit.
@Wanstagco
Ganja farmer dub
@user-ov8qv3hp9d
May the whole SPIRIT be with you my sister.
@nigelAshby
@@Wanstagco
1975
@skinheadsoulbhoy2858
One of the sweetest voices to come out of Jamaica, such a talent such a great record . 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
@miggy2times
So timeless, reggae is old now and still thrilling well, I particularly choose roots over modern day reggae in my opinion. Bless!
@jarkokoo
Saw Horace Andy performing live yesterday. His voice is still amazing.
@0601989m
ditto, saw him perform this classic yesterday a mere 10 years after your comment.... what a voice, what a band!!
@dpianist1
Anyone still jamming to classics like these in September of 2019 give me a thumb up!!!
@CoDNaMoPRaTioNBLuDRaoN
November 2019 here