Israel Vibration is a reggae harmony trio, originating from Kingston, Jamai… Read Full Bio ↴Israel Vibration is a reggae harmony trio, originating from Kingston, Jamaica. Lascelle "Wiss" Bulgin, Albert "Apple Gabriel" Craig, and Cecil "Skeleton" Spence all overcame adversity in the form of childhood polio and went on to be one of the most successful roots groups to form in Jamaica in the late 1970s. The trio initially met at a rehabilitation center.

After going their separate ways, and each converting to the Rastafari movement, they reunited in Kingston and formed a vocal group. Funding for their first album came in the form of a grant from the Twelve Tribes of Israel branch of Rastafari after Hugh Booth, a member of the Twelve Tribes, had overheard the three men singing in a wooded area outside Kingston. Apple and Wiss were living in the area, which they had converted into a home.

Israel Vibration recorded three albums; "The Same Song", "Unconquered People", and "Why You So Craven" before temporarily disbanding in 1981 after recording sessions for the latter were left incomplete. The three men moved to the United States to seek professional health care and escape the growing Dancehall movement in Jamaica. In 1988, Gary "Dr. Dread" Himmelfarb, founder of RAS Records, urged the trio to reunite and record an album. Skelly, Apple, and Wiss were flown to Washington, D.C. to record a new album at Lion and Fox Recording Studios. "Strength of my Life", the group's fourth album and first of 18 CD releases on the RAS label, was met with great praise and is considered one of the few post-golden era touchstones of the roots reggae genre.

In 1997, Apple Gabriel left the group to pursue a solo career. Skelly and Wiss continue to record albums and tour the world as Israel Vibration, backed by longtime associates Roots Radics.

Be Careful
Israel Vibration Lyrics

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Oh Jah Jah ah ahh
Living in a Babylon
You′ll almost understand keep think easy
Keep think easy
You're so much on pressure man
They only set there plan
Causing much confusion
In a Babylon

Belong in a Babylon

Some will come quick
And that′s a walkie walkie quick now
Some snuckin' cocaine
So much strain on their brain
Offer them a junkie
And them really want kingpin

I and i and i, i take no trash
I and i and i, i take no trash
No oh no oh

Living in a Babylon
You'll almost understand, keep think easy
Keep think easy
There′s so much confusion man
No meditation
For sin and fighting everyday(for sin and fighting)
For sin and fighting all the way(for sin and fighting)
Keep think easy

Some will come quick
And that′s a walkie-walkie quick now (walkie)
Some snuckin' cocaine (walkie-walkie uh)
So much strain on their brain
Offer them a junkie punkie (junkie punkie)
And them really want kingpin

I and i and i, i take no trash
No oh no oh
I and i and i, i take no trash
No oh no oh

Be careful
Of where you go and things you say
Put God before, evil is always is always behind
Seek him for good life you′ll surely find

So, living in a Babylon
You'll almost understand keep think easy
Keep think easy
There′s so much of pressure man
They try to keep you down
Causing much confusion
In a Babylon
Belong in a Babylon

Life in a Babylon is ain't easy
Is ain′t easy
So be careful
Of where you go and things you say
So be careful
Of things you say and where you go
For there's much for you to know

In a Babylon
In a Babylon

Overall Meaning

In the song "Be Careful" by Israel Vibration, the opening lines express the challenges and difficulties of living in Babylon, a metaphor for a corrupt and oppressive society. The singer calls on listeners to approach life with caution and clarity of thought, emphasizing the need to navigate the pressures and confusion that Babylon brings with a cool head. The repetition of "keep think easy" serves as a reminder to stay calm and focused despite the chaos around.

The following verses highlight the prevalence of harmful influences in Babylon, such as drug addiction and the pursuit of power and status. The lyrics describe the temptation and strain that many face, as well as the consequences of indulging in destructive behavior. The defiant declaration "I take no trash" reflects a refusal to succumb to the negative forces at play, showing a stance of resistance against the harmful elements of Babylon.

The chorus of the song warns against the pitfalls of Babylon, urging caution in one's actions and words. The singer emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God and seeking a righteous path to avoid falling into darkness and evil. The call to seek goodness and steer clear of negativity is a recurring theme throughout the song, reinforcing the message of mindfulness and spiritual resilience amidst a corrupt environment.

In the closing verses, the lyrics underscore the challenges of life in Babylon, acknowledging the hardships and struggles that individuals face in such a society. The repeated refrain of "Be careful" serves as a guiding principle for navigating the complexities of Babylon, reminding listeners to be mindful of their choices and surroundings. The song ultimately encourages listeners to seek truth, resist temptation, and strive for a better life beyond the confines of Babylon, offering a message of hope and empowerment in the face of adversity.

Writer(s): Lacelle Bulgin

Contributed by Austin M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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