Born in Kent, Judge Dread was the first White British recording artist to get a reggae hit in Jamaica. He got his stage name from a Prince Buster song, and his first hits were inspired by Prince Buster's single, "Big Five".
The Guinness Book of World Records credits Judge Dread for having the most banned songs of all time. Many of his lyrics have sexual connotations, with one song "Big Five" using rhyme to suggest lewd words while not actually saying them. A series of songs with "Big" followed by a number were some of his most notable hits — all of them featuring sexual and humorous lyrics. It is unlikely that you will ever hear his music on mainstream radio because of the nature of his lyrics.
Judge Dread died on stage in The Penny Theatre, Canterbury. At first, his collapse was thought to be part of his humorous and lively stage act, but it was quickly discovered that he was really dead.
In the 1970s, tabloid newspapers expressed concerns that young fans of the comic character Judge Dredd might buy Judge Dread's records by mistake, and hear things that may corrupt their minds.
Al Capone
Judge Dread Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
CAPONE, AL CAPONE
Guns don´t are you
give my look give my right
give me look give me left
C… A… P… O… N… E…
CAPONE, AL CAPONE
Ring Ding
C… A… P… O… N… E…
Thief a, goodnight
Scarface
CAPONE, AL CAPONE
Guns don‘t are you
Ring Ding
Al Capone
C… A… P… O… N… E…
Goodnight
The song "Al Capone" by Judge Dread is an ode to the notorious American gangster, Al Capone. The first verse spells out his name letter by letter, almost as if to introduce who the song is about. The next lines, "Guns don't are you, give my look give my right, give me look give me left" could be interpreted as a message to those who crossed Capone: he didn't need a gun to make his point, his menacing stare was enough. The repetition of his name and the use of the phrase "Ring Ding" throughout the song also adds to the intimidating presence that Capone had.
The line "Thief a, goodnight" may be referencing his illicit activities as a bootlegger and rum-runner during Prohibition. The final line, "Scarface, goodnight" refers to Capone's nickname due to a prominent facial scar, which he reportedly received after being attacked by a man he insulted while working as a bouncer. The phrase "goodnight" throughout the song could also symbolize Capone's power and control over his opponents, as he could "put them to sleep" permanently.
Overall, the song "Al Capone" showcases the fear and admiration that Capone held during his reign as a mob boss in the 1920s and 1930s.
Line by Line Meaning
C… A… P… O… N… E…
Spelling the name of the infamous gangster Al Capone
CAPONE, AL CAPONE
Repeatedly emphasizing the name of the notorious criminal
Guns don´t are you
Having weapons won't make you invincible or untouchable
give my look give my right
Give me a menacing stare and a powerful punch
give me look give me left
Give me another intimidating glance and a hard jab
Ring Ding
Slang term for a message or call on the telephone
Al Capone
Again, referring to the notorious gangster
Thief a, goodnight
Addressing a thief, warning them to make a run for it before it's too late
Scarface
Another nickname for Al Capone, referencing the scar on his face
Guns don‘t are you
Reiterating that having firearms won't protect you from getting caught by the law
Goodnight
Closing the song with a farewell, possibly indicating that justice has been served
Contributed by Natalie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.