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.
Truths and Rights
Johnny Osbourne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The truth is there for who have eyes to see
All charity has no place in this judgement
Remember the words of prophecy
Chorus:
Children, run come the truths and rights
That's what I'm about
Teach it to the children
You know the truths and rights
Teach it to the children
Cause they should know
Know know know know
Children say a little prayer
Every night before you go to sleep
Cause tomorrow is promised to no one
When you think it's peace and safety, Lord
It could be, it could be sudden destruction
Cause we know, yes we know
Remember I say this few words to you
Remember the words I'm saying to you right now
And for tomorrow and hence for I say
Render your arms and not your garments
The truth is there for who have eyes to see
All charity has no place in this judgement
Remember the words of prophecy
Chorus:
Children, run come the truths and rights
That's what I'm about
You know the truths and rights
Teach it to the children
You know the truths and rights
Teach it to the children
Cause they should know
Know know know know
In Johnny Osbourne's song "Truths and Rights", the artist encourages listeners to focus on actions rather than appearances. He uses the metaphor of "rendering your arms and not your garments" to illustrate the idea that true change and progress come from within, not from a mere change in outward appearances. Osbourne emphasizes the importance of recognizing the truth and being aware of it, as it is only visible to those who truly want to see it. He also reminds listeners that charity cannot be the only basis for judgement, and that the words of prophecy should be remembered.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge and truth to the next generation. Osbourne stresses the importance of teaching children about the truths and rights, as they are the future and need to be aware of it. He urges them to say a little prayer before sleeping, acknowledging the unpredictability of life and the importance of being prepared.
Overall, "Truths and Rights" is a song that encourages listeners to focus on the truth and the importance of passing it on to the next generation. It is a call to action, prompting individuals to render their arms and take action towards positive change.
Line by Line Meaning
Render your arms and not your garments
Don't just show off your outer appearance, but actually work towards change
The truth is there for who have eyes to see
The truth is evident to those who are open to it
All charity has no place in this judgement
Charity alone cannot solve the problems we face
Remember the words of prophecy
Take notice of the wisdom passed down to us
Children, run come the truths and rights
Kids, come learn about what is right and true
That's what I'm about
This is what I stand for
Teach it to the children
Pass on this knowledge to future generations
Cause they should know
It's their right to understand
Children say a little prayer
Kids, take a moment to reflect and give thanks
Every night before you go to sleep
Make it a daily ritual to think about your beliefs
Cause tomorrow is promised to no one
Life is unpredictable and we should appreciate what we have in the moment
When you think it's peace and safety, Lord
Even in times of calm, danger could be lurking
It could be, it could be sudden destruction
Tragedy can strike without warning
Cause we know, yes we know
We understand the uncertainties of life
Remember I say this few words to you
Take heed of my advice
And for tomorrow and hence for I say
For the future, I continue to preach
Contributed by Jacob K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@RyanReece
Render your hearts and not your garments
The truth is there for who have eyes to see
Partiality has no place in this judgement
Remember the words of prophecy
Children, run come the truths and rights
That's what I'm about
You know the truths and rights
Teach it to the children
You know the truths and rights
Teach it to the children
Cause they should know
know know know know
Children say a little prayer
Every night before you go to sleep
*Cause tomorrow is promised to no one*
When you think it's peace and safety, Lord
It could be, it could be sudden destruction
Cause we know, yes we know
Remember I say this few words to you
Remember the words I'm saying to you right now
And for tomorrow and henceforth I say
Render your hearts and not your garments
The truth is there for who have eyes to see
Partiality has no place in this judgement
Remember the words of prophecy
Children, run come the truths and rights
That's what I'm about
You know the truths and rights
Teach it to the children
You know the truths and rights
Teach it to the children
Cause they should know
know know know know
@donnarobinson2062
So sick of this world wickedness.....these tunes save me.Xx
@notthebody
i'm with you in heart sister.
@challicepallace2304
Real talk ....
@elainereid1386
100&
Amun RASTAFARI amun
@mattymatts3419
Cant wait for judgement day and the fall of those who rage war against the most high and his saints .
@elainereid1386
@@mattymatts3419
Truths and rights
Stay strong brother we have got a
HOLY WAR
To fight
Amun RASTAFARI amun
@kc.theblockcaptin6178
Johnny Osbourne is a great man and a great singer, I'm glad to say I know him. I had the privilege of growing up around him when he stayed in England. What a guy and a beautiful individual. Not a lot of singer can talk to Johnny Osbourne, when he sings live it sounds like he is on record. If you wasn't in the room with him and you heard his voice you would think someone was playing one of his songs.
@HassanCodA-Xod8hm
Jesus Christ Our Lord and Saviour 🙏 is. 👉 Alive And Kicking inside the Algorithm. 💖💖💕
🤩
@MaximusBaker6282
Saw Johnny in Brighton this week and he performed this! He was in fine fettle and despite being in his seventies it was a joy to see him perform!
@agricola321
One of the greatest records ever made