The Tide Is High
John Holt & The Paragons Lyrics

@scottthompson3493

Soooo true!

@hannahs1683

Same lol

@Wanted__Man

I've been singing along with Blondie's version for 40 years, just found out today it's actually a cover. Good times.

@melissameowodonnell7106

Most songs are covers. Never trust a song to be individual:)

@richatlarge462

@@melissameowodonnell7106 Every song is an original haha, but we do not always hear the original versions.

@jonburgess4179

Wait till you find out about Hanging On The Telephone :)

@tamaela1

Good for you, many modern radio dj's still think that it's a Blondie song.. Just don't know.

@hroschke1947

I was born in 1947 and what I listened to back then, now I’ve found out were covers of songs like it is every 15 years. Covers thank god bring back originals that are much appreciated and sound so real even with the imperfections intact. Long live first recorded artists songs.

@paulshields6234

I am 48 years old a white man living in western europe with many friends from the west indies i have tried all my life to embrace culture food and music and yet again have ive been taught something YOU ARE NEVER TO OLD TO LEARN { we are but one people }

@blessed6252

Jamaica's influence in the world runs deep!

@blue-fj9ky

Respect to Blondie for finding and appreciating this gem!

@sohosean

And making a fortune off it without crediting the creators

@nigel65deck

of course the writers were credited @@sohosean

@TheDancingWuliMasters

​@@sohosean
Well... That's the way capitalism works isn't?

@tinnakornsuwasoontree5173

Exactly!!

@tinnakornsuwasoontree5173

The original had been credited.😊

@suemilner9691

Absolutely beautiful ( born 1957 ) memories … went onto be a skinhead.I’m so glad I was born in this era.Beatles .. Bowie … Stones( who I absolutely loved ) …. ( Reggie .. ska .. northern soul ) I’m spoilt for choice. … my life ( music ) has been the best ! I still love all .. thank you x

@WaltGillette

Loved the "Missing File" part, very inspiring.

@RickVaughn

LOL I just saw that and your comment simultaneously!

@princessroxas1

😂😂😂

@obedmaldonado4256

+Rick Vaughn I saw it right after reading yours

@briant2492

Very NIN

@dand4305

"Missing File" has always been a trademark of Treasure Isle records. A "Missing Treasure" if you will.

@Nihilianth

I knew blondie was a cover, but this was the first I ever heard the original. of course it was a black artist from back in the day. :D

what wonderful music.

@seahawkman50

+CharlesVariations all good music? That's a bit of a stretch...

@bradspicks

+Mike Morrison True Jamaican music mon'

@myeshajarrell2069

Likewise, I was thinking the same thing. I said some black magic was put on that beat , especially around that time. Sad how white artist was stealing music back then trying to make it theirs , Not saying that Blondie did it but people will associate the group with this song and not the originators 😑😩😒

@albertcolomo8481

+Myesha Jarrell if it were not for Blondi that 1800 violin sonata ,fuck me it was perfect timing

@JourneyForgedbyHeat

+Myesha Jarrell it's a universal thing in music. Red Red Wine is most associated with UB40, but they covered what they thought was an original by Tony Tribe, which turned out to be a cover of the original by Neil Diamond. Everyone is going to have their preferences and really all it is doing is exposing good music to those who might otherwise overlook it. I love Blondie's version, but I'm also a huge fan of traditional ska and two tone. They did the song justice and that's what matter in my opinion.

@duality7

I KNEW IT! The song had way too much soul and love in it to have not been done originally by some black dudes. Much respect! Beautiful song with great vibes!

@monsieurgolem3392

Lol.....yeah

@J.K.Moerkved

I find it that especially with reggae and ska, the original is often the best version

@billyaitken1713

The warmth and richness of the sound of this track is unsurpassed 😍👍. my junior school schoolteacher played this in the classroom to us around the time Blondie released her version. That's a lady who believed in a 'real education'! 🎼🎸🎺🎧😎👏👏👏

@zenzimakeba2248

Yesssss
. Sweet Sweet Jamaican History.. The Paragons and my parents were friends. Grew up together in Trench Town Kingston Jamaica 🇯🇲. Blondie must have given them some major cash for covering The Tide Is High.❣️💕

@paulajordan8113

Zenzi Makeba i hope so x

@pizzawar

I'm jealous, the music you were listening to when you were a kid is some of the best pop music ever recorded.

@camnelson1

Wait they were friends?? That’s actually really amazing!

@mackdanny1703

Sadly, the Paragons didn't receive a dime in royalties. The producer back then took all the publishing. That goes for all Jamaican singers of that time. See the movie, "The harder they come" with Jimmy Cliff & it will explain.

@ApKNJ

For those who care, look up "Compulsory licensing." A license to cover a song is relatively cheap, and you don't need express permission from the copyright owner.

@xxxmickyxxx3

Outerbanks 3 ending. What a song to end the season on Tbf 👌🏾👌🏾

@peteremmert8551

It's amazing how many songs are lost, it seems forever, until a major artist hears it, re-records it, then the general public thinks that the reissue is the original.

@barrymcgowan4600

This amazing record was never lost , just you never found did . Open your eyes !

@ChrisfromGeorgia

@@barrymcgowan4600 I see says the blind man! Glad Mr. Emmert got a chance to hear the original. Peace

@at4080

They are not lost its 2020

@estherpacheco2822

I don't mind a replay of the original, but not when they tear it up and change it! Don't even try please!!

@actionscott8033

Peter Emmert seriously l never knew this version only blondie like wtf in shocked

@ruthdixon7807

demonstrates the resilience of a great song: Blondie....Atomic Kitten....as the lyric says, it's number one!

@tomlee02152

Never knew that Blondie covered these guys. God, this version is great. Should have got played nearly 50 years ago on the radio.

@liegan5271

Agree

@niapor

best voices and raw talent is the paragons but if we go by softness and pleasant sound we have to go with Atomic Kittens but if we go by uniqueness and most memorable, has to be Blondie's

@cirrus1964

Almost all hits of Blondie were covers. Among them I'm gonna love you too, Buddy Holly. Denise Randy and the Rainbows!

@skipacuff5104

niapor Right on. I love all of them. Fantastic song that will never fade away. It cuts across many cultures. I treasure the memory of riding in a van with a group of high school exchange students who came to Phoenix from Sweden, Turkey, Thailand, and Germany. Blondie’s version of “The Tide Is High” came on the stereo, and the youngster from Sweden cried “Please turn this way up!”, everyone else yelled “Yes, yes!!” , and all of us, including us seniors, began to dance in our seats and sing along with Debbie at the top of our lungs🥰🥰🥰

@zenzimakeba2248

Thomas Lee Jr It did. My mom has great stories that she tells me. She knew all the reggae stars.

@soljah2062

John sadly  passed away on Sunday morning, he was aged 67. He had a beautiful singing voice, one of the best and he'll be sadly missed. :-(

@peterjswayze

:(

@FizzNFries

R.I.P. to him

@ccSkydog

RIP... and thanks for the tunes.

@jxy_dn

Sol Jah R.I.P :(

@chuffpup

Respect and thanks. At least Blondie had good taste. Love this music.

@michaelsutton6300

Remember this in my youth. And now I'm old man this brings all the good memories flooding back.

@FunkySalsero

"Oldie but goodie", eh (and I'm referring to the song) 🤣😆

@kerenobara3434

All along i thought Blondie had composed this...this just shows how much talent black people have

@AlexDivaX

At first: "Oh The Atomic Kitten have a great song!!"
Then: "OMG I never knew they covered this song from Blondie!!"
Now: "WTF !! BLONDIE'S SONG WAS A COVER FROM THIS!!!!"

@swegkilla2015

Future:(An another singer did this song in the 1950's) WHO ACTUALLY DID THIS SONG

@ihavenonoseandimustsneeze

I would like some info or proof of this. I read your comment and looked for more info online but found nothing. I would love to hear what this song would be like in the 50's

@jasonblair298

Atomic Kitten version was so fucking bad.

@issoartfashion

that is exactly how i feel now :)

@esmeraldacontreraslanuevad7779

Jason Blair no it wasn't

@chuffpup

The early Ska and reggae groups were resourceful with instruments. Early (very) Bob Marley, had tuba playing bass, which gave a fat punchy sound, and these guys have lead violin. Love it. And no, I wasn't really aware of this original gem. Cheers.

@ska_jerk

This is the first I've heard of tuba being used. What songs what it used on? I haven't heard it on any of his recordings from 1962 and on.

@johnasker2816

I discovered this song by outer banks. Amazing. Love it

@colinbuddz3542

RIP John Holt, who died today (19/20 oct 2014)

@petergriffin6483

R.I.P

@CandyAngelTv

R. I. P

@stefanx8344

Police in helicopter?

@Mr-DowNBeat

stefan x yep that John holt

@Maverick4023

I believe that 'the tide is high' means when your eyes are filling up with tears but aren't falling down your face yet.

@nightmaretomb5294

It comes from "swimming against the tide", that is not giving up and fighting against what seem to be impossible odds.

@jupiter-8405

Only the guy who wrote it knows!

@MichaelWatson-yd6fo

Nice thought..I can see that

@jtdoe99

When the tide is high you go into port. The water rises and helps pull you in, except he said the “tide is high but I’m moving on.” Used to be ships would leave port at low tide as the tide would help pull them out and get into open water. Why fight against the tide?

@trentyork4209

Tide is high but im holding on....

@rancellozoria5894

Outer banks❤️❤️

@rhs2881

"Every man wants you,
To be his girl.
But i'll wait my dear,
Till it's my turn..!!!"
❤❤❤ Awww such nice lines when u hear it this way...❤❤❤

@adgato75

That isn't nice , that's terrible. I like the song , but that is a shitty sentiment. don't wait around for someone , find someone that gives a shit about you.

@itssimba9681

Love the song but we ain't got the time

@doughdeputy4449

The visual transition between 0:55 and 1:15 is gorgeous

@jorjicostava6657

Hahah nice one

@GrahamPlaysMC

It's kind of avant-garde if you think about it

@jaredreynold6336

Magnificent Ambiente!

@jlw184

Arsehole. Feel good about yourself?

@ManWalksDogs

@Inthatgoodway

I am going to keep Sharing this till it gets a million views

@Inthatgoodway

Still sharing a year later lol

@axelcastilloskinfield5946

Let's share this fakin song

@lillemegpower2621

Still sharing?

@lazadm6852

Yeahhhhh! 1 millon

@Inthatgoodway

I succeeded

@elcotes

With the Rocksteady and relatives there is no room for negativity and the problems of the day are gone in a few minutes. Beautiful music. Thanks Jamaica, from Argentina.

Con el Rocksteady y familiares no hay cabida para la negatividad y los problemas del dia se van en pocos minutos. Hermosa musica. Gracias Jamaica , desde Argentina.

@worldcoup

First Class. Bands like this have been getting ripped off by lesser men from day one. Everyone in the business knows it.

@Chim510

True but most Jamaican music is built off American R&B and covers of American artists, so it goes both ways. Usually it’s the producers and labels who ripped off the artists, the world over

@davidcerda6386

Ripped off? Blondie always acknowledged it was a cover. John Holt made a lot of royalty money off this-thanks to the fact Blondie made it a huge hit.

@livitycore4236

Most Jamaican music is their own style. When you see artists like Drake taking Jamaican style, you will know.

@whitedwarf13

to cover a song is not a crime

@56postoffice

@@davidcerda6386 That's correct. Why do think her cover has that reggae sound to it? She knew.

@hanoman78

From paragons, to blondies, to kittens 😍

@Robbie_S

I'm not that kind of man, who gives up just like that!

Now this gives a new meaning to this. Props and all credit goes to this original gem

@ThatsWhenItkickedin

I never knew this was by anyone else but Blonde. I like this more

@paulaccorsini1228

First time hearing the original version.

@aukarawitlaocharoensuk8158

I am from the Blondie generation and i finally found the original version
RIP John Holt...

@danleighton

Such an amazing rhthym. The upbeat is so swung it’s almost too late. And that slightly out of tune violin instead of a horn. And the slow almost accidental speeding up at the end. Just so much everything modern over-produced records get wrong. So perfect. So amazing.

@cuatro336

It feels like they'd be playing this in a bar near or on a beach as their weekend gig. Which makes it wonderful

@scjohnk

So much better than the Blondie or Atomic Kitten covers.

@Ronins5thElement

​​@@scjohnkidk about "so much" better....blondies version is great! Originals are usually better...but I think Blondies version gives this one a run for its money

@domisthebomb09

I am from the Blondie generation and i finally found the original version

@arnfinnp

The tide is low. RIP John Holt.

@fernandoyanez6759

MISSING FILE, :3 <3

@barberman1087

+Fernando Yanez 0:58 haha :)

@Galdasturis

+Fernando Yanez :D yes yes

@bcancun123

What a tune

@WiesoNurMistnamen

fyah chune

@stephensaxby2820

Such a truly wonderful song..with amazing vocals

@kopynd1

no ones done more for britain than jamaica reggae, skinhead 69 thanks for being part of the common wealth

@TurboMountTV

Kudos to all versions.
And most of all the writer.

@aliciacoburg155

I just realized how old this song. I've been rocking out to the 2001 version and then I backtracked to Blondie and now to these guys?!?

@aakksshhaayy

Same progression here... it's pretty crazy eh? Guess it makes sense though.

@1voyher1

Buffy Parker  a classic is a classic no matter what or when - it is great to hear an original when you actually thought you had heard THE original in the first place

@robbykidman

Buffy Parker i also thought blondie was original, but woah! this song's old.

@mikigamba

Buffy Parker John Holt is your man

@MichaelMuryn

Frank Daddario we can argue that it is an "altered" cover for a woman. Funny, I wanted to use that song for myself and stumbled on this "man version" which may actually be the original (?)

@raywillcox8622

I'm with you 100 percent

@wsnt

I love both versions, but I rather this one as I grew up on it.

@immaterialimmaterial5195

Ah those harmonies! Lovely arrangement - timeless and magical

@jungleninja8415

So young when I heard this I just felt like a child again so nice I love that magical time of life

@paulajordan8113

Jungle Ninja mine too :)

@sundarmann6167

Inspiration for Blondie. Great Jamaicans!

@alexkmbk

It is nice that there is violin part

@paulajordan8113

alexkmbk yer, it means he's leaving rome hahaha x

@FinkelBlog

I had the same reaction: pleasantly amazed to hear the violin part!

@heyabdulquyobbb9287

Yeah... Love this part ..im feel it

@jaelie8398

It's always awesome to find the original

@tmovchan4021

Yeah, Blondie did this song justice.

@5871248

Perfect.

@ginny5937

I like this by the Paragons and Blondie's version as well. 👏💐

@skasez

RIP John Holt, maximum respect

@WiesoNurMistnamen

bless up

@zanderbricks8701

These dudes know how to rock a violin

@marcieebaby

The violin player on this track is a man who was known as White rum Raymond. Raymond Young.
He played the electric violin, as he is doing on this track. He was a session musician, who played his violin on the tracks of many a star of the day, and a good friend of John Holt.
He was my father.

@roybean7166

@@marcieebaby wow ! Amazing.

@marcieebaby

@@roybean7166 Yes, it's been a fascinating journey of discovery for me. I never met him. My parents split up before I was born, and my Mum moved to the UK whilst expecting me. I grew up in the UK.
But I was contacted by him, via my Mum who remained friends with him. Sadly he has passed away now, but I keep in touch with my half-sister, his daughter who also lives here in the UK.
He got the name White Rum Raymond, because his fondness for Wray and Nephew White Rum, and sometimes he was paid for his music sessions with bottles of it!
There's a good article about him if you google White Rum
Raymond, on the internet.

@roybean7166

@@marcieebaby it's a great story, I definitely will look it up. Actually , also I never had heard of the Paragons. Always thought Blondie was the original. I live in South Africa, and grew up listening to rock music. Late 70s, I started listening to Bob Marley, and Peter Tosh. also became a Jimmy Cliff and Desmond Dekker fan. Did he play on any of their music ?

@omaredwards1642

John Holt is my favourite artist ever and this song just have me in tears ....John Holt wrote it ,RIP legend

@bjrnvindabildtrup9337

I'm so glad this is the original, the perfect sound, genre and time period for this kind of song.

@jackiejoy7276

Sometimes you just can't beat the original, 🙉🙈🙊💥💥💥💥🔥

@harperstacey9604

The original is better than Blondie's version. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

@FunkySalsero

Nuff said! 👍🏾

@tomdwyer898

Wow! Lately this song has been a bit of an earworm for me. So I remembered I could listen to it again on Youtube. Which still, after all these years, amazes me. I remember as a kid waiting for my favorite songs to come on the radio so I could record them with my cassette recorder. So now that I can just listen to them again so easily after a google search is mind blowing. First I listened to Blondie's version, which is the one I was most familiar, then I saw this video in the sidebar and I was curious.Alan DeMoss is so right in his observation. I had no idea that this song, which was popular when I was a junior in college, was already recorded by this Jamaican trio, The Paragons, more than a decade before Blondie's hit. I'm sad that they didn't get the credit they so rightly deserved all those decades ago, but I'm happy to discover this bit of history and be thankful to finally appreciate this song's origin.

@dazdaz66

it’s like my life is working backwards in music. I’m a 1966 baby and I’m just being introduced to these tunes/genres and classics…Thank you x

@andrewharrison4608

Good old Tunes!!

@selkiesealion

I love The Paragons' "The Tide Is High" Jamaican 1967 rock-steady, reggae version. I love John Holt's song, "Sweetie, Come Brush Me".

@The1969Vintage

I love the violin part, it's got a real sway to it.

@iwavemyprivateparts

My father had this record and I remember one day back in about 1976 I think it was, which was about 10 years after the song's initial release, I was sitting in the lounge room and my father, who was quite a fat man with a bushy beard, walked in naked and then put this song on and began dancing in a circular motion spinning his willy round and round to the intro of this song, I can still see it to this day!

@roybean7166

I think it was you, not your dad, doing these things.

@vch8491

best version..change my mind

@plantz398

Timeless.

@Moneytane1976

Even though its from the Rocksteady era, that's definitely a classic reggae beat there and I consider this an early reggae song. It is a great one too.

@FunkySalsero

The era is right (1967- 1970) though it is sometimes hard to distinguish between RS and what became reggae, as one genre morphed into the other.

@coffeeinvasion

I found this version after trying to look up if Blondie's version was considered ska!

@grablewski_music

If you are here that means you finished Outer Banks season 3😄 good for you😎 Who's waiting for season 4? - thumbs up 👍🏻

@kingforever-ld5kq

Yup just finished it and I can't wait for season 4

@evensteve284

Love that violin!

@007Thebwoy

The tide is high right now in 2020..The Paragons just one of there many hits BRILLIANT..;-D

@floofyblob7433

I didn’t know that the version i knew was just a cover! The original sounds so beautiful 😍

@donnamoreno9750

Wow, I love this version better!🎶🎤

@hfxmusicman

I have loved Blondie since the 70's. And I never knew this was a cover until today. Wow.

@ProfessorWag

That is sweet! It's reggae meets doo wop!

@dorianearnest4648

Rocksteady my friend

@FunkySalsero

@@dorianearnest4648 You got in there before me 😁...well said!!

@maakeklein4073

Best and only version. No argument!

@tomaskoptik2021

Good songs are like family herritage. Passing on from generation to generation :)

@santiagoquijano6742

Something told me that this song wasn't a white person's inspiration, I heard the rhythm and the reggae beat, and I knew in my heart that it was a Jamaican tune for sure...

@danielstump3204

I love Blondie's version, but this is so sweet!

@WiesoNurMistnamen

The Paragons > Seeed > Blondie > Atomic kitten

@topologyrob

Such a classic

@vikkismith7497

The beauty of these songs the instruments doesn't dominate the lyrics. It's crystal clear and I love it.

@waclawkowalski5100

THE BLONDIE FRESHING.THIS SONG IS NUMBER ONE.THANK YOU.👍🎹🎶🎤🏆🥇

@TahtahmesDiary

It's so beautiful how many generations of us have enjoyed this song. I'm glad I learned of this version, its my favorite one now.

@josepalacios7585

RIP Hohn Jolt
I had NO IDEA that Blondie's was a cover, this is wonderful.
Is always amazing to discover the original

@scottlarsh3119

A random scroll discovery for me

@morejames277

Just listening to the original version of “Tide is High”. The music is leading me into the Paragon’s music.

@jayxtacee5695

Jamaica is the mother of modern music. #Factsss

@earthwolf82

The original and the best! Blondie was good though

@philippejenvrin2741

L'original est toujours le meilleur !

@paulmason329

Like the violin on this song.

@ViolettaHabibi

Every "really great song"today is originally coming from the 50's ...60's....70's!! There is NO question about this!! (....even this song)

@bottlerocket3218

This song was remade several times, a few times to great success, but there's nothing like the original, it's the purest and most genuine of any version.

@drjjf78

2020... the tide is high but I’m holding on... 🌊🏄🏼‍♂️

@lacostamarienez5396

gene takavic ❤

@Stephen-xk7cl

Quite simply wonderful....beautiful lead vocal from the late great John Holt and great production.

@reglow6776

That's why I love Ska and Reggae so much. Best version, man.

@strigoi_beats

Actually this is the original.

@jeremyscungio16

@@strigoi_beats that's what he means

@Boudreaux641

Ska Good, Rock-Steady Good, Reggae Good.....Three "kids" from the same family.

@WiesoNurMistnamen

I like Seeeds version as well

@aestheticsbyjasmine940

i always knew the original 🔥🔥🇯🇲🇯🇲 but it’s nice people are finding out the real version better late than never hey 😉

@kevinallison5301

You can't beat a CLASSIC!!!!

@Boudreaux641

The world is a better place with Ska music in it!