- - -
The reggae group Inner Circle was formed in 1968 by the brothers Ian and Roger Lewis in Jamaica. At first they covered soul and R&B hits from the United States, and then also a few reggae songs, predominantly from Bob Marley.
The band released two albums as The Inner Circle in 1974 for jamaican label "Starapple"(and they were distributed by "Trojan" in UK), and resigned to Capitol Records in 1976, and Island Records(where the internationally successful album "Everything Is Great" originated. This album reached top 20 in the UK and preceded their other chart success by some years) in 1979.
Inner Circle was decidedly influenced through the original member Jacob Miller, the frontman and lead singer who was killed in a car crash on March 23, 1980. At the end of the 1970s Inner Circle with Jacob "Killer" Miller was more popular in Jamaica than Bob Marley. The band also appeared in the reggae cult film Rockers in 1978.
After the loss of Jacob Miller, Inner Circle broke up, but in 1982 another album called Something So Good was released. In 1986 Ian and Roger Lewis reestablished Inner Circle with the singer Carlton Coffie, and the band experienced a comeback with the album Black Roses.
In 1989, Inner Circle released the song "Bad Boys." Since then, the band calls itself "The Bad Boys of Reggae". They had another big hit with the 1993 song "Sweat (A La La La La Long)."
The lead singer Carlton Coffie was ill for a long period in 1995 and decided after his recuperation to start a solo career. The current singer Kris Bentley took his place.
Sweet Jamaica
Inner Circle Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The song "Sweet Jamaica" by Inner Circle is a celebration of the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica. The lyrics speak of the people's desire for more of the unique Jamaican sound, which they refer to as Sweet Jamdown. The song tells the story of a journey from the capital city Kingston to the coastal city of Montego Bay, with beautiful weather and dreadlocked locals on the way. The chorus repeats the phrase "Sweet Jamaica is calling me, Sweet Jamdown gonna rock this sound," emphasizing the strong pull and pride they have for their home country.
The song also speaks to the complexities of Jamaican culture, where there may be people who are trying to scam or take advantage of those who are not familiar with their customs. However, the overall message of the song is positive and joyful, celebrating the spirit of the Jamaican people and the beauty of their country.
Line by Line Meaning
Well it's hardcore...
This music is rough and edgy.
And the people want more...
There is a demand for this type of music.
Sweet Jamaica is calling me
Jamaica is beckoning me to come.
Sweet Jamdown gonna rock this sound
I am going to create great music in Jamaica.
Take a ride from Kingston to Mobay
Travel from one city to another in Jamaica.
Sun a shine, breeze a blow
The weather is beautiful.
Dreadlocks on the go
People with dreadlocks are in a hurry.
Bashment time, rock this rhyme
It's time to party and dance.
You no have to worry
Don't worry.
You no have to fret
Don't be anxious.
You ain't seen nothing yet
You haven't experienced the best yet.
Nuff girls in a hurry
Many girls are in a rush.
Tell you there story
They want to share their experiences with you.
Steal your heart and take your money
They may try to scam you.
Sweet Jamaica is calling me
Jamaica is still alluring.
Sweet Jamdown gonna rock this sound
I will continue to make great music here.
Sweet Jamaica is calling me
Jamaica's appeal can't be denied.
Sweet Jamdown gonna rock this sound
I will continue to create great music in Jamaica.
Sweet Jamaica is calling me
Jamaica is still beckoning.
Sweet Jamdown gonna rock this sound
I will continue to make great music in Jamaica.
Contributed by Isabelle F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.