“Amplify is a daring record with an overall vision to avoid the rut that North American reggae bands often find themselves unable to climb out of…the sound of a band recreated, retooled and refreshed.” - Exclaim Magazine [Canada]
“JBB is an eight-piece outfit that delivers some of the most forward-thinking reggae music in the world today.” - LA2DAY
“Amplify is some of the most invigorating, progressive reggae released in some time.” - All About Jazz
“Amplify is tight, well-produced and thought-provoking.” - Revue
“Instead of relying on traditional foundations to create their songs, Martin takes the band’s old world foundation and builds a complex and multi-genre crossbreed that places the band squarely on the forefront of the world music arena.” - Sentimentalist Magazine
“Amplify …. fuses Kweli-like beats with Massive Attack funk…Invokes the tripped-up rhythms of Radiohead” - Weekly Dig [Boston]
“…the band’s energy is soaked up and spread out in all the right places, never allowing Amplify to slow down and catch its breath. A heck of an achievement…” - Glide Magazine
“Their stage presence is something to be witnessed. No member goes unnoticed. The bassist moves to his steady beats. A focused drummer‚ bouncing keyboardist‚ and a grooving guitar player make up the colorful background. Adding to all that are three intense horn players moving and grooving up front along with an emotive‚ charismatic lead singer leaving no shortage of visual stimulus onstage.” - State Of Mind
- Popmatters
Ambrosia
John Brown's Body Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The strength of thieves can′t hold my hand
The wealth of the field provide what we fed
The family survived the punishment
In this violence
Starve the innocent
Blood runs into me
Sweet ambrosia
Heal a heart of sorrow
Good grace will live in me
Sweet ambrosia
Heal right to the marrow
No one to k!ll
Sweet ambrosia
Heal a heart of sorrow
Good grace will live in me
Sweet ambrosia
Heal right to the marrow
No doubt we'll carry
Lord i will carry now
Oh, god! oh, god! oh!
You can′t
We break no bread my brother
What sight of faith forces defend
You can't sit at the table in prayer
In this violence
Starve the innocent
Blood runs into me
We seek serenity
Sweet ambrosia
Heal a heart of sorrow
Good grace will live in me
Sweet ambrosia
Heal right to the marrow
No one to k!ll
Sweet ambrosia
Heal a heart of sorrow
Good grace will live in me
Sweet ambrosia
Heal right to the marrow
No doubt we'll carry
Lord i will carry now
The lyrics of John Brown's Body's "Ambrosia" are about the pain and struggles of everyday life, but also about finding peace and healing through a higher power. The world is a place of great suffering, and even the strength of thieves can't offer much comfort. The only sustenance that truly matters comes from the earth, and even though the family may have endured great hardship and punishment, they still managed to survive.
The chorus of the song offers a sense of hope and redemption, as the sweet ambrosia is a metaphor for a spiritual healing. It can help to heal a heart full of sorrow and bring good grace into one's life. The violence of the world may make it seem impossible to find peace, but by seeking serenity and turning to a higher power, there is still hope for salvation. The lines "No one to k!ll" and "No doubt we'll carry" further emphasize this message of hope and perseverance in the face of difficulty.
Overall, "Ambrosia" is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles and challenges of life, but also offers hope for a better future through spiritual healing and perseverance. It is a call to turn away from violence and hatred and seek a higher path.
Line by Line Meaning
The world all lives decidedly in pain
The world is filled with suffering and agony.
The strength of thieves can′t hold my hand
I am not afraid of those who seek to harm me.
The wealth of the field provide what we fed
We are sustained by the bounty of nature.
The family survived the punishment
Despite our trials, we have endured and survived together as a family.
In this violence
Amidst the turmoil and chaos of our world,
Starve the innocent
Innocent people are suffering and going hungry,
Blood runs into me
I am deeply affected by the violence and suffering around me.
We seek serenity
We long for peace and tranquility in the midst of all this turmoil.
Sweet ambrosia
A metaphor for something that brings comfort and healing
Heal a heart of sorrow
Bringing healing and comfort to those who are suffering
Good grace will live in me
I will carry myself with kindness and compassion towards others.
No one to k!ll
There is no one to be punished or harmed any further.
No doubt we'll carry
We will continue to endure and persevere no matter what challenges come our way.
Lord i will carry now
I will trust in a higher power and carry on.
You can′t
You cannot control me or dictate my actions.
We break no bread my brother
We do not share in the abundance of life together.
What sight of faith forces defend
What kind of faith demands violence and aggression to protect itself?
You can't sit at the table in prayer
You cannot be at peace with yourself and your fellow humans while also committing acts of violence.
Writer(s): Carole King, David Palmer
Contributed by Blake F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.