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.
Left with a Broken Heart
Johnny Clarke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With him again, woah yeah
But I knew when you said
You were through with him
You still care
Oh, just as I thought you were mine
He gave you that same ol' line
I'm gonna be left, left with a broken heart
Still I guess this is where you wanna stay, woah yes
But I much rather have, you here with me, oh yeah
Oh why, didn't you let me know
Before I let myself go
'Cause while you runnin' round
I'm gonna be left, left with a broken heart
Left with a broken heart
I knew that he, was taking you away
But when he was looking at you, that day
So I guess I'll have to find, another love, woah yeah
There's nothing I can say to you my love
No, no, no, no, darling, darling, darling!
But someday you wanna come back to me
But in someone else's arms, I'm gonna be
'Cause while I'm runnin' round
I'm gonna be left, left with a broken heart
Left with a broken heart, no
Left with a broken heart, no
In "Left with a Broken Heart," Johnny Clarke sings about a woman that he still has feelings for, but she keeps running back to another man, someone who has hurt her in the past. Despite the fact that she claimed to be done with him, Clarke can see that she still cares for him. He is left with a broken heart as she continues to give her love to someone else. He wonders why she didn't let him know that she wasn't truly done with the other man before he let himself get too invested in their relationship. Now, he feels powerless, and as she runs around with the other man, he is left alone with his thoughts and his broken heart.
The song's lyrics are not unique in terms of their content - it is a common theme to sing about lost love and heartbreak. However, Johnny Clarke's performance and style of delivery sets this song apart. Clarke's voice is soulful and emotive, and his use of repetition in lines like "left with a broken heart, no" amplifies the pain of the situation. Additionally, the powerful horns and guitar riffs complement his performance perfectly, building in intensity as the song progresses.
Line by Line Meaning
You were seen runnin' round
You were observed with him, moving about
With him again, woah yeah
You rekindled your acquaintance with him, oh yes
But I knew when you said
But I was aware when you conveyed
You were through with him
Your relationship with him was over
You still care
You still have feelings for him
Oh, just as I thought you were mine
Oh, in the moment I believed you were mine
He gave you that same ol' line
He repeated that same tired phrase to you
And while you runnin' round
And while you are out and about
I'm gonna be left, left with a broken heart
I am going to be left with a broken heart
Still I guess this is where you wanna stay, woah yes
Nevertheless, I conjecture this is where you intend to remain, oh yes
But I much rather have, you here with me, oh yeah
However, I would much prefer to have you here with me, oh yes
Oh why, didn't you let me know
Oh why, did you not inform me
Before I let myself go
Before I surrendered my emotions to you
'Cause while you running' round
'Cause while you are out and about
I'm gonna be left, left with a broken heart
I am going to be left with a broken heart
Left with a broken heart
Left with a broken heart
I knew that he, was taking you away
I knew that he was separating you from me
But when he was looking at you, that day
But when he was gazing at you that day
So I guess I'll have to find, another love, woah yeah
Therefore, I suppose I must discover another love, oh yes
There's nothing I can say to you my love
There is nothing that I can tell you, my love
No, no, no, no, darling, darling, darling!
No, no, no, no, darling, darling, darling!
But someday you wanna come back to me
But someday you might desire to return to me
But in someone else's arms, I'm gonna be
However, I'll be in somebody else's embrace
'Cause while I'm runnin' round
'Cause while I am out and about
I'm gonna be left, left with a broken heart
I am going to be left with a broken heart
Left with a broken heart, no
Left with a broken heart, no
Left with a broken heart, no
Left with a broken heart, no
Writer(s): M. JOHNSON
Contributed by Eva W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Da Royal General
👊🏿😎 The Great Johnny Clarke. real big tune. 😎👊🏿
Leo di Brito
Pedrada