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).
England Be Nice
Ini Kamoze Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Un
Understand me man
Un
England B nice
England big on the ice
England B nice
I dunno what else to pass to you
I done pass mi Dutchie and mi ridim too
I dunnoi what else you want to see
I done show you mi aunt and I show you mi daddy
Now for pay Blimey, piece a cake and a cuppa tea yea
My reward, Oh no′, slice a bread and an avocado
England B nice
England big on the ice
England B nice
England big on the ice
I gave you the lion on your shilling
I was the cook in a your kitchen
And if it wasn't for me you would win no war now
Is I rata-ta-ta-ta-ta-and a bow, bow, bow
Now for pay Blimey, piece a cake and a cuppa tea yea
My reward, Oh no′, slice a bread and an avocado
England B nice
England big on the ice
England B nice
England big on the ice
Understand me man
Un
I gave you the lion on your shilling
I was the cook in a your kitchen
And if it wasn't for me you would win no war now
Is I rata-ta-ta-ta-ta-and a bow, bow, bow
Now for pay Blimey, piece a cake and a cuppa tea yea
My reward, Oh no', sl
ice of bread and an avocado
The song "England Be Nice" by Ini Kamoze is a playful and satirical commentary on the relationship between Jamaica and England. The repetition of the phrase "England B nice" and "England big on the ice" is a nod to both the perceived politeness of English people and their love for ice skating. Ini Kamoze also references Jamaican culture with the mention of "passing mi Dutchie and mi ridim" - a nod to the popular song "Pass the Dutchie" by Musical Youth, which refers to a marijuana smoking device.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that England owes Jamaica for their contributions to the country. Kamoze mentions giving England the lion on their shilling - a reference to the Jamaican coat of arms which features a lion. He also claims to have been the cook in their kitchen and suggests that without Jamaica's help, England would not have won any wars. The use of "rata-ta-ta-ta-ta-and a bow, bow, bow" in reference to military action further reinforces this idea.
The lines "Now for pay Blimey, piece a cake and a cuppa tea yea, My reward, Oh no', slice of bread and an avocado" highlight the power dynamic between the two countries. While England reaps the benefits of Jamaica's contributions, Jamaica is left with little reward.
Overall, "England Be Nice" is a commentary on colonialism, power dynamics, and cultural exchange between Jamaica and England.
Line by Line Meaning
Understand me man
Listen to me clearly
Un
I emphasize that you must understand me
England B nice
England is good
England big on the ice
England is powerful on the world stage
I dunno what else to pass to you
I don't know what else to offer you
I done pass mi Dutchie and mi ridim too
I have already given you my best
I dunnoi what else you want to see
I don't know what else you expect from me
I done show you mi aunt and I show you mi daddy
I have shown you everything I have
Now for pay Blimey, piece a cake and a cuppa tea yea
Now it's your turn to repay me with the simplest of gifts
My reward, Oh no?, slice a bread and an avocado
My expectations are low, just basic necessities
I gave you the lion on your shilling
I have contributed to your national identity and currency
I was the cook in a your kitchen
I have humbly provided service
And if it wasn't for me you would win no war now
My contribution was integral to your success
Is I rata-ta-ta-ta-ta-and a bow, bow, bow
I am proud of my contribution
Understand me man
Listen to me clearly
Now for pay Blimey, piece a cake and a cuppa tea yea
Now it's your turn to repay me with the simplest of gifts
My reward, Oh no', sl
My expectations are low, just basic necessities
England B nice
England is good
England big on the ice
England is powerful on the world stage
Writer(s): Dunbar Lowell, Shakespeare Robert Warren Dale
Contributed by Sarah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mikefelix6338
I can’t stop listening to this jammy jam - love the live versions too where he talks about “BIG BEN WOKE I UP THIS MORNING”
@blessingnkosa1087
Last heard this song back in 1993! Big up YouTube!
@morriskimaniwanjohi5109
Blessed with sweet voice
@evertongriffiths7815
This man is the realest greatest showman of all time #inikamoze#reggaegeneral
@titongigi1074
England🇫🇴just b nice!
@neilmcmurdock1107
Tune and A Half. I Gave You The Lion On Ya Shilling. Much respect to You for Posting xxx
@wavykay3228
Hate much.
@wavykay3228
Envy much.
@KINGxLIZARDx22
Kingston Be wise.. Protoje. I was sure i listen before that beat
@ron29jen
Protege version is great too!!