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.
So Much Youths
Israel Vibration Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I call upon the youths cause they're strong, yeah
Is this your solution?(your solution)
Why did you then get the blame?(get the blame)
Time are revelation(revelation)
Why did you then feel the pain?(feel the pain)
So much youths locked up in your pens
So much youths easily convicted
So much youths are victims now tell me
Is this your solution?(your solution)
Why did you then get the blame?(get the blame)
Time are revelation(revelation)
Why did you then feel the pain?(feel the pain)
Something went wrong with your society
You try to stick it to the youths
You′re the farmer plant, till and cultivate
Time to reap your fruits
Your worst nightmare
Becomes your greatest fear
What was hidden from the wise and prudent
Now revealed unto the babe and suckling
Your solution?(your solution)
Why did you then get the blame?(get the blame)
Time are revelation(revelation)
Why did you then feel the pain?(feel the pain)
Is this your solution?(your solution)
Why did you then get the blame?(get the blame)
Time are revelation(revelation)
Why did you feel the pain?
Common, common, yeah(feel the pain)
Something went wrong in your society
You try to stick it to the youths
You're the farmer plant, till and cultivate
Time to reap your fruits
Your worst nightmare
Becomes your greatest fear
What was hidden from the wise and prudent
Are now revealed unto the babe and suckling
Your solution?(your solution)
Why did you then get the blame?(get the blame)
Time are revelation?(revelation)
Why did you then feel the pain?(feel the pain)
Why so much youths locked up as your captives
So much youths locked up in your pens
So much youths finally convicted
So much youths are victims now tell me(so much youths)
Revelation time
Revelation time(so much youths)
Children are be children
Pestilence and famine(so much youths)
Revelation Time
Revelation time(so much youths)
Call upon the youth
Cause they're strong(so much youths)
Revelation time
Revelation time, oh(so much youths)
The lyrics of Israel Vibration's song "So Much Youths" address the issue of a society that has failed its youth. The song starts by highlighting the journey from Genesis to Revelation, symbolically referring to the span of human civilization. The artist then speaks directly to the youth, calling them strong and asking them to pay attention as to why they are suffering. The artist questions the actions of society, asking why so many youths are locked up as captives, convicted, and ultimately victims.
The chorus of the song repeatedly asks society "Is this your solution? Why did you then get the blame? Time are revelation. Why did you then feel the pain?" suggesting that society has responsibility in the suffering of the youth. The artist points out that something has gone wrong in society, blaming and punishing the youth instead of nurturing and guiding them. The artist then warns society that its worst nightmare is becoming its greatest fear, as the hidden truths of corruption and failure are becoming known.
The song speaks to the power dynamics between the youth and society, calling on the youth to recognize their strength, while simultaneously challenging society to reflect on its choices and actions towards the youth. The song reveals the themes of societal failure towards the youth and the need for accountability, growth, and reparation. It is a powerful call to those responsible for the well-being of the future generation.
Line by Line Meaning
We've been traveling from genesis down to revelation
We have been on a journey from the beginning of time to the present day
So I call upon the youths cause they're strong, yeah
I am calling upon the younger generation because they have strength and power
Is this your solution?(your solution)
Is this your answer to the problems we face?
Why did you then get the blame?(get the blame)
Why were you held responsible for the negative effects of your solution?
Time are revelation(revelation)
This is a time of great change and enlightenment
Why did you then feel the pain?(feel the pain)
Why did your solution cause so much suffering?
Why so much youths locked up as your captives
Why are there so many young people being imprisoned?
So much youths locked up in your pens
So many young people are being held in detention centers
So much youths easily convicted
So many young people are being easily found guilty
So much youths are victims now tell me
So many young people are being treated unfairly, explain why
Something went wrong with your society
The society has failed to protect its citizens
You try to stick it to the youths
You are putting the blame on the young people
You're the farmer plant, till and cultivate
You have created this problem and helped it grow
Time to reap your fruits
It's time for you to face the consequences of your actions
Your worst nightmare
The thing you fear the most
Becomes your greatest fear
Will come true and be even worse than you expected
What was hidden from the wise and prudent
What the experts failed to recognize
Now revealed unto the babe and suckling
Is now obvious to everyone, even the youngest children
Revelation time
This is a time of great change and enlightenment
Children are be children
Let children be themselves without putting adult expectations on them
Pestilence and famine
This is a time of hardship and suffering
Call upon the youth
We need to rely on the younger generation to bring about change
Cause they're strong
They have the power to make a difference
Writer(s): Cecil Spence
Contributed by Joshua Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@RankingRobert
yes so much good songs selectah! ;)
@dondonner1971
Listen to the lyrics
This is the truth
Thank you israel vibration
Your song give strenght to fight for my,our black youths
@cynthiapaita8993
Rootsofskelly