1) Jacob Mil… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least 2 singers sharing the name Jacob Miller.
1) Jacob Miller (born in Mandeville, Jamaica on 4 May 1952 – 23 March 1980) was a Jamaican reggae artist. He was the first to record with Clement Dodd. While pursuing a prolific solo career, he became the lead singer for reggae group Inner Circle with whom he recorded until his death in a car accident at the age of 27.
He recorded three songs for Dodd, including “Love is a Message” in 1968, which the Swaby brothers, (Horace, later called Augustus Pablo, and Garth) played at their Rockers Sound System. While the song did not garner much success nor maintain Dodd's attention in Miller, it resulted in Pablo’s sustained interest in Miller.
Jacob was featured in the film Rockers, alongside Gregory Isaacs, Big Youth and Burning Spear. In the movie, he plays the singer of a hotel houseband, played by Inner Circle, who are joined on drums by the films hero, Horsemouth (Leroy Wallace) and play a wicked live version of Tenement Yard.
Miller had close links with Bob Marley, who was known to promote him as 'My favourite singer'. One of Jacob Millers biggest Jamaican hits 'Tired Fe Lick Weed' betrayed his political leanings as can be seen in his performance of the song in the film 'Heartland Reggae', where his open enjoyment of a 'ganja spliff' on stage was intended to be seen as a militant statement.
Millers most potent works are often attributed to the 'rockers' singles of the mid 1970's with the band Inner Circle, with tracks like 'Tenement yard', 'Tired fe Lick Weed' and 'Stand Firm' among them. However the track which has brought him the most lasting recognition is the rockers standard 'King Tubby Meets The Rockers Uptown' with Augustus Pablo. Other notable tracks with Augustus Pablo include 'Keep on Knocking, 'False Rasta' and 'Who Say Jah No Dread', all produced by King Tubby.
Jacob Miller had a unique vocal style, using staccato motifs in counter play with the rhythm section, a perfect example of which is 'Tired Fe Lick Weed'. Miller was an intelligent and original artist, and recognised his own potential to lead, releasing a re-cut of his own track 'Tenement Yard' with the title 'To Much Imitator', a straight out attack on those trying to copy his style.
With an obvious energy, Jacob Miller was a magnetic presence on stage,and his appearance at the 'One Love Peace Concert' in Jamaica, April 1978 was typical 'Killer' Miller. Mesmerising and full of life, Jacob Miller invited members of the Jamaican political coalition, the 'Peace Committee' on to the stage for a rendition of 'Peace Treaty Special', conducting crowd, band, press and guests all with his customary zeal.
Some of Millers later work has been seen by reggae purists to be too much of an attempt at finding a commercial avenue for his music, with his yearning for success becoming evident on the track, 'I've Learned My Lesson Well', from the Island Records album 'Everything Is Great' from 1979.
This album, from musical point of view, is almost totaly unconnected to his earlier 'roots' work, and exhibits the ability of the Inner Circle band to adapt to different genres, using strong disco themes here. It is with some irony then, that Jacob Millers lasting contribution to the reggae genre will be forever focused on those 'rockers' tracks, which are, at least culturally, perhaps more important than reaching 'The top 100'.
Miller died very young in a car accident, cutting abruptly short a promising career that had already taken young Jacob from 'yard' (Jamaica) to an international record deal with Island Records.
Miller had planned to perform along with Bob Marley and Inner Circle in Brasil and then to tour with them; this tour was cancelled after Miller's untimely death.
2) Wisconsin native Jacob Miller left his hometown for Portland, OR the summer of 2009 via Amtrak, bringing with him only a suitcase and an electric guitar. After one year in the city he left to travel North America, both to study and perform music while working on various farms and ranches between travels. Time spent as a farm hand in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina shaped his devotion to the finger-picking style of the region. Spending countless hours playing alongside vintage recordings and local old-timers in the surrounding areas of Appalachia, Miller delved into the inner workings of the music’s style and history.
After 7 years leading a jazz sextet and performing both internationally and throughout North America, Miller now focuses his efforts on a different kind of songwriting and storytelling. Whether it be playing for thousands at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or for 5 people in a Midwest living room, Jacob's passion, voice and laid-back demeanor create an intimate connection with audiences far and wide.
With an affinity for minimalist pop and firm roots planted in American traditional music, Jacob Miller crafts a timeless sound unique to his voice, style and abilities.
In 2019, Jacob released his debut record, ‘This New Home,’ which displays his abilities as a performer, writer and composer. Recorded and performed entirely by Miller in a Portland home-turned-studio, songs and ideas come together to form an album that is honest and heartfelt.
In 2020, he was also a featured performer on NBC’s The Voice; working with Nick Jonas and James Taylor among others.
On May 15th, Jacob will release new music since his debut solo release. “Quarantine,” out May 15th, is a collaborative project accomplished through isolation during the period of COVID-19 and shelter-in-place. It features 2 new singles, an accompanying music video, and a cast of PNW artists.
Forward Jah Jah Children Orig
Jacob Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
South Africa
Blood fire rastafari
[Chorus]
Forward jah jah jah jah children
Forward jah jah jah jah children
Day after day the children of zion try to reach up to you
But they stopping us with their guns and brutality
Oh lord!
[Chorus]
Let's sing praises unto the most high jah rastafari
I and I I jah rastafari, I and I I jah rastafari
Wowowooo yes yes yes yes come on now men
Can ever be free our own land
Can ever be free our own land
The wicked them turn it into battle ground
Can even smoke our little ilie (collie)
Can even smoke our little ilie
Let's sing praises unto jah
I and I I jah rastafari, I and I I jah rastafari
Yes yes yes yes come on now men
[Chorus]
Let's sing praises unto the most high jah rastafari
I and I I jah rastafari, I and I I jah rastafari
Yes yes yes yes
Oh now now now
I never know, never know
I say forward jah jah children
The song "Forward Jah Jah Children" by Jacob Miller is a powerful piece of music that speaks to the struggles faced by the people of Africa, particularly South Africa, during times of oppression and violence. The opening lines of "Africa must be free/South Africa/Blood fire rastafari" are a call for liberation and self-determination for the continent, and specifically for South Africa, which was under apartheid rule at the time. The use of the phrase "blood fire rastafari" emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for action.
The chorus of the song, "Forward jah jah jah jah children," is a rallying cry for people to come together and work towards a brighter future. The song acknowledges the obstacles that stand in the way of progress, including guns and brutality, but encourages people to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity. The verses that follow continue to lament the difficulties of living under oppressive regimes, but also express hope and a belief in the power of music and faith to bring people together.
Overall, "Forward Jah Jah Children" is a passionate and uplifting anthem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for justice and freedom in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Africa must be free
The continent of Africa must achieve freedom from oppressive forces.
South Africa
Specifically referencing the country of South Africa, which at the time was embroiled in apartheid and needed to be liberated.
Blood fire rastafari
A declaration of solidarity with the Rastafari movement and a call to action through passionate and revolutionary means.
Forward jah jah jah jah children
Urging the children of Jah (Rastafari believers) to keep moving forward in their pursuit of liberation and justice.
The time has come when we all should sing unto jah
It is time to raise voices in worship and call upon Jah for guidance and support.
Day after day the children of zion try to reach up to you
The faithful followers of Rastafari continually attempt to connect with and honor Jah through their daily lives and routines.
But they stopping us with their guns and brutality
Oppressive forces aim to silence and subdue the people through violence and intimidation tactics.
Let's sing praises unto the most high jah rastafari
Reaffirming the importance of giving thanks and showing reverence to Jah through song and worship.
I and I I jah rastafari, I and I I jah rastafari
Emphasizing the individual connection and unity between the artist and Jah, highlighting the idea of 'oneness' within the Rastafari faith.
Wowowooo yes yes yes yes come on now men
An expression of encouragement and motivation to move forward in action and solidarity.
Can ever be free our own land
As long as oppressive forces hold power, the people will not be able to experience true freedom in their own country.
The wicked them turn it into battle ground
The tyrannical and oppressive powers have turned the land into a place of conflict and repression.
Can even smoke our little ilie (collie)
The people are even being denied the simple pleasure of using cannabis (a sacramental herb in the Rastafari faith) due to restrictive laws and enforcement.
Yes yes yes yes come on now men
Reiterating the call to action and unity among followers to push forward for change.
Oh now now now
A pointed expression of frustration and urgency.
I never know, never know
Admitting that there is much to be learned and discovered when it comes to the struggles for liberation and justice.
I say forward jah jah children
A final rallying cry for the people to continue striving and pushing forward in their quest for equality and freedom.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JACOB MILLER, ROGER M. LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind