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).
Them Thing Deh
Ini Kamoze Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah man a just one a them thing deh, don't be no fool
Yea a just one a them thing deh, easy Iah easy
Yeah man a just one a them thing deh
I've got a few things to announce
Since you can't take the pound
Gonna give you the ounce
You've got your life
That is all you need to see wha' deh g'wan
Yeah a just one a them thing deh, maintain your cool
Yeah man a just one a them thing deh, don't be no fool
Yea a just one a them thing deh, easy Iah easy
Yeah man a just one a them thing deh
So your friends them switch and handle you coarse
And you getting less when you're giving most
Don't let that get you out
Bad vibes don't last, they always pass
Tru you nah know
Yeah a just one a them thing deh, maintain your cool
Yeah man a just one a them thing deh, don't be no fool
Yea a just one a them thing deh, easy Iah easy
Yeah man a just one a them thïng deh
The lyrics of Ini Kamoze's song "Them Thing Deh" is a reminder to the listener to maintain their composure during difficult situations. The phrase "them thing deh" could imply a range of different issues or concerns that may be troubling the listener, but it's clear that the singer is telling them to remain calm and collected. The repetition of the line "a just one a them thing deh" reinforces the simplicity of the message, emphasizing that there's only one way to deal with these situations: maintaining your cool.
The second verse talks about dealing with friends who may not be treating you well, or taking advantage of your kindness. The singer acknowledges that bad vibes may come and go, but it's important to not let these negative experiences weigh you down. The line "Tru you nah know" adds another layer to this message, suggesting that the listener may not always know the reasons behind someone's negative behavior towards them, and it's better to just let it go than dwell on it.
Overall, the song is a laid-back and positive message of encouragement for the listener to stay level-headed and not let external forces bring them down. With its catchy hook and reggae-infused groove, "Them Thing Deh" is a classic song from Ini Kamoze's discography.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah a just one a them thing deh, maintain your cool
You should remain calm in situations like these because it's just one of those things that happen.
Yeah man a just one a them thing deh, don't be no fool
Don't do anything foolish because it's just one of those things that happen.
Yea a just one a them thing deh, easy Iah easy
Just take it easy, it's just one of those things that happen.
Yeah man a just one a them thing deh
It's just one of those things that happen, that's all.
I've got a few things to announce
I have some important things to say.
Since you can't take the pound
Since you can't handle the intensity.
Gonna give you the ounce
I'm going to give you a smaller amount instead.
Don't feel some way if this is not your day
Don't take it personally if things aren't going your way today.
You've got your life
You have everything you need in life.
That is all you need to see wha' deh g'wan
That's all you need to understand what's going on.
So your friends them switch and handle you coarse
Your friends are treating you badly now.
And you getting less when you're giving most
You're not getting as much back as you're putting in.
Don't let that get you out
Don't let that bring you down.
Bad vibes don't last, they always pass
Negative emotions and situations won't last forever.
Tru you nah know
True, you never know what will happen.
Contributed by Camilla E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.