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.
Joshua's Words
Johnny Clarke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So this is the language of love, not every man can read at times
So forget about whatever you learnt boy,
You don't have to speak your mind to me no
With every page you tum you'll find me, in between the line so
And we don't even have to spell out
What "you in love with me" is about
Cuz no words can explain what I feel each day
Every time you're around Seems the ground slips away
When you come down to me and I just could not speak.
It wasn't hard to see, you silenced my whole world and left me breathless
I don't need No Words, No Words, No Words, No Words
We don't need no Words
This is worth a lifetime of riches,
Diamonds, pearls and gold
You can search through eternity and we will never grow old
So let the music play boy, I can be the lyrics to your soul
There's nothing we can say boy That our hearts have left untold
So we don't even have to spell out
What you loving me is about
Being in love with you is louder than I could ever shout
Cuz no words can explain what I feel each day
Every time you're around Seems the ground slips away
When you come down to me and I just could not speak
It wasn't hard to see, you silenced My whole world and left me breathless
I don't need No Words, No Words, No Words, No Words
We don't need no Words
Words
Can't you feel my body, body I put you first, first
You gotta know, gotta know baby No Words,
Words Let me feel it poppin, pop it
Don't make a sound, don't make a sound baby yeah
And we don't even have to spell out
What you loving me is about
Being in love with you is louder than I could ever shout.
Cuz no words can explain, What I feel each day
Every time you're around Seems the ground slips away
When you come down to me and I just could not speak
It wasn't hard to see, you silenced My whole world and left me breathless
I don't neetd No Words, No Words, No Words, No Words
We don't need no words No Words, No Words, No Words, No Words
We don't need no words
The song "Joshua's Words" by Johnny Clarke acknowledges the idea that language and words cannot always effectively communicate the depth of emotions we feel towards someone we love. The opening lines, "Listen, baby not with your ears cuz this song will pass you by / So this is the language of love, not every man can read at times," set the tone for a love so profound that words can't do it justice. The song suggests that sometimes, it's okay to let go of the need to verbalize everything and to just trust that your partner understands how you feel.
Clarke sings, "no words can explain what I feel each day / Every time you're around Seems the ground slips away." The repetition of the phrase "No Words" throughout the chorus emphasizes the idea that words are simply not enough to express emotions as complex as love. In the bridge, he mentions that the love he shares with his partner is worth more than material possessions, as he sings, "This is worth a lifetime of riches, / Diamonds, pearls and gold / You can search through eternity and we will never grow old."
Line by Line Meaning
Listen, baby not with your ears cuz this song will pass you by
Pay attention to the message of this love song beyond just hearing the words.
So this is the language of love, not every man can read at times
Love is a complex emotion that is not always easy to understand or express through words.
So forget about whatever you learnt boy, You don't have to speak your mind to me no
In this relationship, there is no need to adhere to societal pressures or conventional communication methods.
With every page you tum you'll find me, in between the line so
The true depth of our love can be found in the subtleties and nuances of our interactions.
And we don't even have to spell out What 'you in love with me' is about
Our feelings for each other are so strong that there is no need to explicitly state or define them.
And being in love with you is louder than I could ever shout
The intensity of my love for you cannot be expressed through mere words or actions.
Cuz no words can explain what I feel each day Every time you're around Seems the ground slips away
My emotions towards you are so powerful that words fail to capture their true essence.
When you come down to me and I just could not speak. It wasn't hard to see, you silenced my whole world and left me breathless
Your presence has such a profound impact on me that I am left speechless and in awe of you.
I don't need No Words, No Words, No Words, No Words We don't need no Words
Our love speaks for itself and does not require verbal confirmation or validation.
This is worth a lifetime of riches, Diamonds, pearls and gold You can search through eternity and we will never grow old
Our love is more valuable than any material possessions and will stand the test of time.
So let the music play boy, I can be the lyrics to your soul There's nothing we can say boy That our hearts have left untold
Our love can be expressed through the music of life and the unspoken words of our hearts.
Words Can't you feel my body, body I put you first, first You gotta know, gotta know baby No Words, Words Let me feel it poppin, pop it Don't make a sound, don't make a sound baby yeah
Our love is not just a mental or emotional connection, but a physical one as well that transcends words.
Cuz no words can explain, What I feel each day Every time you're around Seems the ground slips away When you come down to me and I just could not speak It wasn't hard to see, you silenced My whole world and left me breathless
Once again, my love for you is so overwhelming that I am speechless and lost in your presence.
We don't need no Words, No Words, No Words, No Words We don't need no words
Our love is complete on its own and requires no external validation or communication to flourish.
Contributed by Sarah W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@leodepourt9166
Huge tune , MASSIVE !!!