By 1988, however, Ini Kamoze had effectively disappeared from the music scene following lukewarm reactions to his intermittent releases.
In 1994, Kamoze burst back onto the scene with a harder sound and the song which would become his signature - "Here Comes The Hotstepper". Adopting his nickname from the song title, Kamoze would become known as the "Hotstepper", from the Patois for a man on the run from the law. The infectious song found its way onto several soundtracks, including the fashion-industry satire, "Prêt-à-Porter". The resulting video featured a much more solid Kamoze and the obligatory scantily-clad women for this genre of music. "Hotstepper" still remains one of dancehall's more well-known hits, with its call-and-response chorus of "Here come de hotstepper - MURDERER (often misheard as "Word it up") - I'm de lyrical gangsta - MURDERER" lighting up clubs worldwide. "Here Comes The Hotstepper" remains Kamoze's only US #1 hit (see Hot 100 No. 1 Hits of 1994).
A Little Love
Ini Kamoze Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What comes from ma heart is no lie
They say my
Heart share too many
Hay what do you say
They say thoughts worth no more than a penny
Hay what do you say
Can ya deal with it can ya deal with it
Ah child
Im glad ya came oh praise Jah name
Love will keep ya fit ma love will keep ya fit
Ah child
To live a little love
They say some dread full up of too much reasoning
Hell what do they know
They say some dread dont have any feeling
Well what do they know
But I see I as an Irie I
Know what a mean know what a mean queen
And I know I would never lie
Just to get by just to get by, no I
To live a little love with you
means everything to me. It brings joy to my soul, and everything that comes from me is honest. Some people criticize me for loving too much, but I don't care about their opinions. They say that my thoughts are worthless, but my love is genuine, and it's unconditional. Can you handle that kind of love? I'm grateful that you're here with me. Love will make you stronger and healthier.
The song highlights the value of love and how it affects one's life. The singer emphasizes that if there is one thing worth living for, it is love. The lyrics also touch on how some people criticize or question the authenticity of one's emotions, but the singer doesn't let this deter him from expressing his love authentically. Love is one of the strongest and most powerful emotions that can transform and enrich a person's life. It is expressed as the central theme of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
To live a little love with you is joy to I and I
Being with you and experiencing love brings immense joy and happiness to me and my inner being.
What comes from ma heart is no lie
Everything that I say and do comes from the sincerity of my heart and I don't believe in telling lies.
They say my Heart share too many
Some people say that my heart is too generous and I give away too much love.
Hay what do you say
What is your opinion about it?
They say thoughts worth no more than a penny
People may think that my thoughts and feelings are insignificant and not valuable enough.
Its heartical unconditional
The love that I have for you is genuine, unconditional and comes straight from my heart.
Can ya deal with it can ya deal with it
Can you handle the intensity and depth of my love?
Ah child
An expression of affection and endearment, used to address the person being spoken to.
Im glad ya came oh praise Jah name
I am grateful that you are in my life and thank God for bringing you into my world.
Love will keep ya fit ma love will keep ya fit
Love will strengthen and nourish you both mentally and physically.
They say some dread full up of too much reasoning
Many people believe that too much thinking and analysis can lead to fear and anxiety.
Hell what do they know
Who cares about their opinions and beliefs anyway!
They say some dread dont have any feeling
It is believed that some individuals lack the capacity to feel and be compassionate.
Well what do they know
Their opinions are not relevant or significant for me.
But I see I as an Irie I
I see myself as a positive and happy soul, full of good vibes and energy.
Know what a mean know what a mean queen
Do you understand and relate to my message, my dear?
And I know I would never lie
I promise to always be honest and truthful in my words and actions.
Just to get by just to get by, no I
I will not resort to dishonesty or shady tactics just to survive or get ahead in life.
Writer(s): Ini Kamoze
Contributed by Amelia C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.