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.
Blood Dunza
Johnny Clarke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Blood dunza!
Blood money!
Blood dunza!
Blood dunza!
Some man a fight, fight, fight, fight, fight:
Fi blood dunza. (dunza)
Fi blood dunza. (dunza)
All over the rock.
All over the rock.
Why dunza? Can't come to the sufferers?
Say some man, can't stand, sufferation.
Just why some man a fight, fight, fight, fight, fight:
Fi blood dunza? (dunza)
Just why some man a kill, kill, kill, kill, kill:
Fi blood dunza? (dunza)
All over the rock.
All over the rock.
Yes inna dis ya time,
We want equal rights and justice.
Whoah, whoah, whoah yeah.
Whoah, whoah, whoah yeah.
Blood, blood, blood dunza.
Blood, blood, blood money.
Inna dis ya time,
We want equal rights, and justice.
And justice.
Yes inna dis ya time,
We want equal rights, and justice.
All over the rock.
All over the rock.
All over the rock.
All over the rock.
Some man a shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot:
Fi blood dunza. (dunza)
The song "Blood Dunza" by Johnny Clarke is a powerful commentary on the violence and greed that pervade society, particularly in the context of the Jamaican political and social climate of the time. The repeated refrain of "blood dunza" refers to the blood money that is earned through violent and criminal means, which fuels the conflict and chaos that some individuals thrive on. The lyrics also reference the struggle for equal rights and justice, providing context for the anger and frustration that underpins the song's message.
The first verse of the song talks about how some people fight and kill for "blood dunza," which is clearly an indictment of those who live by violence and profit from it. The song questions why this is happening, particularly when there are those who are suffering and "can't stand, sufferation." The repeated reference to "all over the rock" suggests that the violence and greed is pervasive and all-encompassing, further emphasizing the need for change.
The chorus reinforces the message that the time has come for equal rights and justice. The repetition of the phrase "blood dunza" serves to underscore the urgency of this message and to condemn the actions of those who profit from violence and exploitation. Overall, the song is a powerful call to action and a reminder of the need to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Line by Line Meaning
Blood dunza!
This phrase is repeated several times and refers to the concept of blood money.
Some man a fight, fight, fight, fight, fight:
Fi blood dunza. (dunza)
An' some man a kill, kill, kill, kill, kill:
Fi blood dunza. (dunza)
Some people are fighting and killing others for the sake of blood money.
All over the rock.
This seems to refer to the widespread nature of the problem of violence for the sake of blood money.
Why dunza? Can't come to the sufferers?
Say some man, can't stand, sufferation.
The artist questions why people are resorting to violence for money instead of helping those who are suffering. The implication is that some people may feel they can't bear to see others' suffering while others are willing to ignore it.
Yes inna dis ya time,
We want equal rights and justice.
Whoah, whoah, whoah yeah.
Whoah, whoah, whoah yeah.
The artist is calling for equality and justice in these times.
Blood, blood, blood dunza.
Blood, blood, blood money.
Repetition of the phrase 'blood dunza' as well as the addition of 'blood money' reinforces the central theme of violence for financial gain.
Inna dis ya time,
We want equal rights, and justice.
And justice.
Once again, the singer is calling for fairness and justice.
All over the rock.
All over the rock.
All over the rock.
All over the rock.
The repetition of 'all over the rock' drives home the idea that this problem is pervasive and affects people all over.
Some man a shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot:
Fi blood dunza. (dunza)
More violence for the sake of blood money is described here, with someone shooting others to get it.
Contributed by Colin L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@anoe1022
i just cant help it with roots reggae. Every single artist is a gem. Jamaica 70s-80s is a whole world to me.
@duckbrew
The great Trojan series brought me here. One love...
@andrewajjones122
Proper Steppas riddim
@Reisagra
Só os raros sabe que esse som é GOOD : V 2021 !!!! Thanks GOD
@josephinemoten345
Love this song 💓😍💓😍
@holginho7698
unstopable in every time of history. many thanks for upload. killer tune and smashing dub.
@andreribeiro4167
Kboom💨
@conqueringruler4283
Deep dark sound. Hefty!
@SKY-dv3kz
🇳🇨Shiiiiaaaa pur roots !!!😎👌🏽🔥
@odedfried-gaon2880
Brilliant!