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.
Hard Road
Israel Vibration Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's so much different things
That are happening (things are happening)
People have to do a little hustling
Just to make ends meet
Cost of living swing them off their feet
And a situation that should be trampled way beneath
You don't want to be mixed up (to be mixed up)
In no violence or strife
Yet according to the penetration
It's hard to avoid the bribe, woa-oh, oh, oh
If you want something to buy
You ain't got no money, it's hard to get it
If you need something to eat
You got to go and find your way, yeah
Unemployment is rising (rising)
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, where there's no employment
It's like you can't find no rent
And all your friends, they've got nothing to lend
Whoa, oh, oh, oh
(..)
If you want something to buy
You ain't got no money, it's hard to get it
If you need something to eat
You got to go and find your way, yeah
Violence in the city
The people protest for their rights
Though their cry seem hopeless
They're still looking for the best
What do you think about the present situation?
All I can say, it seem like hatred, anger and confusion
Unemployment - no food on the table, which makes them unable
Whoa-oh, oh, oh
In these times (in these times, in these times)
There's so much different things
That are happening (things are happening)
No food on the table
The children are hungry
Confusion in the city
The people protest for their rights
Whoa-oh, oh, oh whoa-oh, oh, oh
Unemployment!
Hatred, anger and confusion
No food on the table
Confusion in the city
Whoa-oh...
The lyrics of Israel Vibration’s song "Hard Road" reflect the struggles of life in modern times. The song starts with acknowledging the various issues people face in their daily lives, such as the cost of living, unemployment, poverty, and violence. It highlights how people have to hustle just to make ends meet, and no matter how much they try to avoid violence and strife, it’s hard to escape it.
The song speaks of how poverty and unemployment can push people to do things they wouldn’t otherwise have done. The desperation for money or basic resources like food can lead to criminal activities, and it’s hard to avoid the bribe that comes with it. The lyrics also touch upon the helplessness of people when they cannot afford basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare, and how they often have to rely on themselves to make ends meet.
The song's last verse speaks of how the people protest against the situation in the country, hoping for change to come. However, the protests seem hopeless as they are constantly facing issues such as hatred, anger, and confusion. The lyrics of the song aptly capture the struggles of the people living in harsh conditions and the events going around them.
Line by Line Meaning
In these times (in these times, in these times)
In the current era of society, there are many issues and challenges that people are facing.
There's so much different things
A variety of different problems and complications are present.
That are happening (things are happening)
These issues and challenges are actively taking place and affecting people's lives.
People have to do a little hustling
Individuals are having to work hard and find ways to make ends meet.
Just to make ends meet
This hard work is necessary in order to simply survive.
Cost of living swing them off their feet
The high cost of living is causing people to struggle and become overwhelmed.
And a situation that should be trampled way beneath
This struggle and difficulty is unjust and should be remedied.
You don't want to be mixed up (to be mixed up)
It is important to avoid getting involved in any violence or conflict.
In no violence or strife
This violent behavior is detrimental and not helpful.
Yet according to the penetration
Despite this understanding, it can be difficult to avoid temptation and corruption.
It's hard to avoid the bribe, woa-oh, oh, oh
Bribes and corruption can be enticing and difficult to avoid.
If you want something to buy
If you need to purchase something
You ain't got no money, it's hard to get it
If you do not have any funds, it will be difficult to make the necessary purchase.
If you need something to eat
If you are in need of food
You got to go and find your way, yeah
You will have to find a way to obtain food.
Unemployment is rising (rising)
The amount of individuals who are jobless is increasing.
Whoa, oh, oh, oh, where there's no employment
In areas without employment, it can be difficult to find work.
It's like you can't find no rent
Housing may be unaffordable or unattainable.
And all your friends, they've got nothing to lend
Even friends and family members may be unable to offer financial assistance.
Violence in the city
There is violence occurring within the community.
The people protest for their rights
Individuals are protesting and fighting for their rights.
Though their cry seem hopeless
Even though their actions may seem futile and hopeless.
They're still looking for the best
People continue to work towards a better future.
What do you think about the present situation?
The singer is asking for the listener's opinion of the current state of affairs.
All I can say, it seem like hatred, anger and confusion
The singer believes there is a prevalent sense of negativity and chaos.
Unemployment - no food on the table, which makes them unable
The lack of employment opportunities creates financial difficulties and leads to hunger.
No food on the table
There is insufficient food for individuals and families to eat.
The children are hungry
Children are specifically suffering from hunger.
Confusion in the city
There is chaos and confusion within the community.
Whoa-oh, oh, oh whoa-oh, oh, oh
This is a refrain that is repeated throughout the song, expressing the difficulty and despair of the current situation.
Contributed by Miles H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@frankc.8534
Great song.
@nala1214
Hard road to travel, VERY long way to go. LOVE YOU CHEIKH TIDIANE NDAO!!!! :)