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.
Every Knee Shall Bow
Johnny Clarke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And every tongue confess
On the day
When Jah shall come
Every Knee Shall bow
And every tongue confess
On the day
No more crying
No more heartaches
No more sorrows
No more pain
So what will you do?
What will you do
When he shall come
Mr. Wicked Man?
Every Knee Shall bow
And every tongue confess
On the day
When Jah shall come
The good you do, it will follow you
And the bad you do, it will stay with you
Yes, the good you do, it will follow you
And the bad you do, it will stay with you
Every Knee Shall bow
And every tongue confess
On the day
When Jah shall come
No more crying
No more heartaches
No more sorrows
No more pain
So what will you do, Mr. Wicked Man?
The good you do, it will follow you
And the bad you do, it will stay with you
Yes, the good you do, it will follow you
And the bad you do, it will stay with you
Every Knee Shall bow
And every tongue confess
On the day
When Jah shall come
No more heartaches
No more sorrows
No more pain
So what will you do, Mr. Wicked Man?
Every knee shall bow
Every knee shall bow
The lyrics of Johnny Clarke's song Every Knee Shall Bow contain powerful religious messages about the day when Jah, the Rastafarian representation of God, will come to judge every person according to their actions. The lyrics speak about the inevitability of this day and how every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jah is the supreme being. The lyrics go on to describe a world without pain, heartache, or sorrow, which will be brought about by Jah.
The song urges the listeners to consider what they will do when Jah comes, particularly those who have done wicked things. The lyrics state that the good one does will follow them, but the bad will stay with them. In essence, the song is a call to action to live a good life and to consider the consequences of one's actions.
The repetition of the chorus "every knee shall bow and every tongue confess" emphasizes the power and inevitability of the day of judgement. The line "what will you do, Mr. Wicked Man?" directly calls out those who have done wrong and urges them to change their ways before it's too late.
Overall, the lyrics of Every Knee Shall Bow convey a sense of urgency and a call to action for listeners to live a good life and be prepared for the day of judgement.
Line by Line Meaning
Every Knee Shall bow
Everyone will kneel in front of Jah (God)
And every tongue confess
Everyone will admit to their actions
On the day
On the day of judgment
When Jah shall come
When God arrives
No more crying
No more tears will be shed
No more heartaches
No more emotional pain
No more sorrows
No more sadness or grief
No more pain
No more physical pain
So what will you do?
What actions will you take?
When he shall come
When God arrives
Mr. Wicked Man?
Addressing those who have done wrong
The good you do, it will follow you
Your good deeds will have positive consequences
And the bad you do, it will stay with you
Your bad deeds will have negative consequences
Every knee shall bow
Everyone will kneel in front of Jah (God)
Contributed by Miles D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mali Dan
I can still remember big sounds playing this when valve amps still reigned supreme. For those whom have never heard the old valve amps it is an experience you could never forget.
CHECK TV
3 piece of 6
Ikong Chin
If dem lick u u good a DEAD. Dats how powerful they were. MEMBA dem very we'll. MI used to guh by Lloyd Matador as a.youth inna dem days.
Whitemen are So Sexy!💋
I can imagine how good it must've sound with it
Chu Konwea
Proclaim it from the rooftops: 'every knee shall bow on the day that Jah Jesus Christ shall come.' No accolades heaped on the great Johnny Clarke shall ever suffice to do justice to the talents of this faithful servant of roots.
HodL Guys
Love this song 😎👍
Dolman Eff
Classic! Pure Scripture! The Word of Truth. God Bless!!!
Jamaika Ferreira
De mais essa versão kkkkkkkk😅😉👍❤💛💚👏👏👏👏
ch willikies
Remembering the days, age 17 listening to Shaka playing this tune. RESPECT Johnny Clarke.😘
leswoodies2
One of the biggest roots era tune