He was nominated best vocalist five times in his own country, an indication of the love Jamaicans have for his voice and music. There are many reasons as to why he commands the respect of his countrymen, one is his ability to perform both roots Reggae material and love songs with equal ability and conviction. This dual persona, both as roots 'preacher' and love 'crooner', was one which out of financial necessity many other performers were required to adopt. Dennis Brown, then Johnny's biggest rival, is a fine example in this regard.
Masterful dub remixes of Johnny Clarke's songs by KING TUBBY contribute no end to the beauty of any mid '70s single release by Clarke. Listen to 'Move Out Of Babylon Rastaman' or the later 'Cold I Up' and to the accompanying b-side dub versions, and you will realize why Johnny Clarke encapsulates so well, '70s Roots Reggae. Few other artists have ever achieved such domination, let alone with the consummate ease and style that Johnny Clarke, the 'studio idler' did.
If you are looking to understand and absorb the world of Reggae, in particular the 'Golden Era' of the mid '70s, Clarke's music is an ideal vehicle within which to do so. When Bob Marley was turning himself into the first International Jamaican superstar, Big Youth, Inner Circle and Johnny Clarke ruled the roost back home. They were the acts popular with Jamaicans, in Jamaica.
While he failed to maintain the success of the '70s, Clarke went on to become one of the highlights of the dancehall era, re-establishing his reputation as he did so. His style had always been well suited to this new genre, one that coincided with the beginning of the new decade.
He has continued to remain true to his own roots, singing largely of 'cultural' matters and retaining his Rastafarian faith. Touring to this day, he spends much of his time in the U.K., and long may we benefit from his beautiful voice.
Be Holy My Brothers And Sisters
Johnny Clarke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Except you and me
So set 'em' up Joe, I got a little story
I think you should know
We're drinking my friend, to the end
Of a brief episode
Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road
In the machine
I feel kind of bad, can't you make the music
Easy and sad
I could tell you a lot, but it's not
In a gentleman's code
Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road
You'd never know it, but buddy I'm a kind of poet
And I've got a lot of things I'd like to say
And if I'm gloomy, please listen to me
Till it's talked away
Well that's how it goes, and Joe I know your gettin'
Anxious to close
Thanks for the cheer
I hope you didn't mind
My bending your ear
But this torch that I found, It's gotta be drowned
Or it's gonna explode
Make it one for my baby
And one more for the road
The lyrics of Johnny Clarke's "Be Holy My Brothers And Sisters" and the lyrics of the song prompt in the question are quite different, so I will provide an interpretation for the latter. The lyrics reflect a moment between two people, for whom the hour is rolling near to the end of the night, with only the bartender, Joe as Mr. Clarke mentions, keeping them company. The singer, who is probably in a sober state of mind, seems to have a lot on his mind and heart, and feels the need to talk about something crucial. He orders drinks for them as he begins to vent out his feelings. He talks about the temporary nature of his present reality, and how he wants to make the most of it. The song then delves into a melancholic twist, as the singer consumes more alcohol and is overcome by his emotions. He asks Joe the bartender to make the music slow and sorrowful while he and Joe drink to his emotions. The singer mentions that there are quite a few things he would want to say, but he doesn't have the right words, but hopes that Joe would listen to him without judging him.
Ultimately, the singer concludes that he needs to let go of the emotional baggage and move on. The phrase "Make it one for my baby and one more for the road," may mean that he wants to drown his worries with drinking or that he wants one more drink before he leaves so that he can make the most of this transient experience. The song's mood is reflective of the transient nature of life and depicts the importance of facing one's emotions instead of suppressing them.
Line by Line Meaning
It's quarter to three, there's no one in the place
It's late at night, and there's nobody around in the bar.
Except you and me
Only I and the bartender are present.
So set 'em' up Joe, I got a little story
Please pour us some drinks, as I have a story to tell.
I think you should know
It's an important story that I want to share with you.
We're drinking my friend, to the end
Let's drink together in celebration of the end of something.
Of a brief episode
The thing that has come to an end was only temporary.
Make it one for my baby
Please pour me one more drink.
And one more for the road
And one more for the journey I have ahead.
I know the routine, put another nickel
I'm familiar with how the jukebox works, so please play another song.
In the machine
Put the nickel in the jukebox, please.
I feel kind of bad, can't you make the music
The current upbeat music is making me feel sad, can you play something more subdued?
Easy and sad
Play a slow and melancholic tune, something that will match my mood.
I could tell you a lot, but it's not
I have many things I want to say, but it's not appropriate to share them at the moment.
In a gentleman's code
It's against the rules of gentlemanly behavior to share certain things.
You'd never know it, but buddy I'm a kind of poet
Despite my appearance, I have a talent for writing poetry.
And I've got a lot of things I'd like to say
There are many thoughts and emotions inside me that I want to express.
And if I'm gloomy, please listen to me
If I seem sad, please lend me your ear and listen to what I have to say.
Till it's talked away
Talking about my feelings usually helps me feel better.
Well that's how it goes, and Joe I know your gettin'
That's how life is, and I understand that you want to close the bar.
Anxious to close
You're probably eager to end your shift and go home.
Thanks for the cheer
Thank you for your kindness and for being a good bartender.
I hope you didn't mind
I hope I didn't take up too much of your time with my story and chatter.
My bending your ear
Me talking to you was like me bending your ear, or monopolizing your attention.
But this torch that I found, It's gotta be drowned
But the strong emotions I have inside me need to be calmed down and suppressed.
Or it's gonna explode
Otherwise, they will continue to build up until they manifest in a negative way.
Make it one for my baby
Pour me one more drink before I go.
And one more for the road
And one last drink for the journey ahead of me.
Contributed by Lila S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.