During 1967 Osbourne became lead vocalist of The Wildcats, and recorded for producer Winston Riley, although nothing was issued. The Wildcats' manager then financed a session at Coxsone Dodd's Studio One, from which his debut single, "All I Have Is Love", was released. In 1969 he recorded an album, Come Back Darling, again for Riley. On the day that he completed the album, Osbourne emigrated to Toronto, Canada, to join his family. After singing with various soul and reggae groups, he became lead vocalist for Ishan People, and recorded two albums with them. The group broke up in 1979, and Osbourne decided to return to Jamaica.[2]
Shortly after returning, he recorded "Forgive Them" and "Jealousy, Heartache And Pain" for the Studio One label. Through late 1979 and early 1980 he recorded extensively for Dodd, with these sessions culminating in Truths And Rights. In 1979 he also had a hit for King Jammy (then Prince Jammy) with "Folly Ranking", and an album of the same name followed in 1980. The success of these recordings made him one of the most in-demand vocalists on the island, and a glut of material was released, including Fally Lover, Warrior, Innah Disco Style and Never Stop Fighting, between 1980 and 1982. In 1983, he began the year with two big hits, "Yo Yo" and "Lend Me A Chopper", and later in the year enjoyed further success with "Water Pumping", an adaptation of Hopeton Lewis' "Take It Easy", which had also served as the basis for Johnny Clarke's 1976 hit "Rockers Time Now".
The hits continued with "Get Cracking", "Check For You", "Rewind" (1984), "Buddy Bye", "No Sound Like We" and "In The Area" (1985). In the late 1980s he was particularly successful when recording for Bobby Digital, and had hits with "Good Time Rock" (1988) and "Rude Boy Skank" (1988), both of which are included on his 1989 album, Rougher Than Them. Throughout the 80s he continued to record for Coxsone Dodd, and singles included "Keep That Light", "Unity" and "A We Run Things", but a long-promised second album from Dodd has not materialized.
He Who Keepeth His Mouth
Johnny Osbourne Lyrics
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If the flowers on the ground, I no business. (?)
If you be a king, I won't say a thing:
He who keepeth his mouth, also keepeth his life.
He who keepeth his mouth, also keepeth his life.
For sure.
Even if a fish who keep his mouth shut,
Even if a fish who keep his mouth shut,
He wouldn't get caught, he wouldn't get caught.
(.)
He who keepeth his mouth, also keepeth his life.
He who keepeth his mouth, also keepeth his life.
For sure.
Even if a fish who keep his mouth shut,
He wouldn't get caught, he wouldn't get caught.
Even if a fish who keep his mouth shut,
He wouldn't get caught, he wouldn't get caught.
Think before you talk, and mind what you say.
Think before you talk, and mind what you say.
The song "He Who Keepeth His Mouth" by Johnny Osbourne centers around the proverbial phrase "silence is golden," emphasizing the importance of keeping quiet to preserve one's own life. The first verse suggests that the singer is only concerned with his own survival and does not care about external factors such as stars or flowers. The second verse compares this mindset to that of a fish that keeps its mouth shut to avoid being caught.
The chorus repeats the message that keeping one's mouth shut also keeps one's life, which is reinforced by the fish analogy. The final line advises listeners to think before they speak and be mindful of what they say, suggesting that one should only speak when it is necessary and is without risk to one's life.
The song is rooted in the Jamaican dancehall/reggae genre, specifically the "roots reggae" subgenre that emerged in the late 1970s. The lyrics draw on Rastafarian philosophy, which emphasizes spirituality, self-reliance, and resistance against oppression. The message of the song aligns with the Rastafarian concept of "I and I," which asserts the importance of one's individual consciousness.
Line by Line Meaning
If the stars don't shine, I no business. (?)
If things aren't going my way, it's not my concern. (?)
If the flowers on the ground, I no business. (?)
If things around me aren't flourishing, it's not my issue. (?)
If you be a king, I won't say a thing:
Even if you hold a high position, I won't speak out against you:
He who keepeth his mouth, also keepeth his life.
Those who are careful with their words are more likely to stay out of trouble.
He who keepeth his mouth, also keepeth his life.
Those who are careful with their words are more likely to stay out of trouble.
For sure.
Absolutely true.
Even if a fish who keep his mouth shut,
Even a fish knows to stay quiet,
He wouldn't get caught, he wouldn't get caught.
As it can avoid danger through silence.
Even if a fish who keep his mouth shut,
Even a fish knows to stay quiet,
He wouldn't get caught, he wouldn't get caught.
As it can avoid danger through silence.
He who keepeth his mouth, also keepeth his life.
Those who are careful with their words are more likely to stay out of trouble.
He who keepeth his mouth, also keepeth his life.
Those who are careful with their words are more likely to stay out of trouble.
For sure.
Absolutely true.
Think before you talk, and mind what you say.
Be mindful of your words before speaking.
Writer(s): Osbourne Errol
Contributed by Elijah P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.