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.
Big Eight
Judge Dread Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
There was a grand old duke of yorkhe had ten thousand men
If he had the eneregy he would have had them all again
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Simple simon indian boy comes on like a tiger
He doesn't like it in this town but he likes it up the kiver
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Pussy pussy where you been why you dirty and not clean
It really shocks me to my feet see pussy dirty when I eat
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Molly flindas has a dress label twas made in Paris
All the boys are heard to say what a lovely piece of Paris
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Georgy porgy pudding pie had a girl and made her cry
Lucky she had used her sense and brought a ring of confidence
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Little bo peep loses sheep she also loses panties
She loses them five times a day and always six on sundays
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Mary Mary quite contrary why you look so fine
Cause I've had a visit from judge dread and he's given me big nine
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh
The lyrics to Judge Dread's song "Big Eight" are a collection of playful rhymes that seem to have no real connection with each other. The first verse introduces the song in a celebratory manner, with the singer feeling "great" and announcing "big eight." The "Shadalalla la dumb di ei eh" refrain that follows doesn't have any real meaning, but is likely included as a catchy and repetitive hook.
The subsequent verses each introduce a different character and their misadventures. From the Grand Old Duke of York who couldn't muster the energy to reclaim his ten thousand men, to Simple Simon who prefers the countryside to the city, to Mary Mary who has just encountered Judge Dread and his "big nine," these characters are depicted in a lighthearted and humorous way.
Overall, "Big Eight" is a nonsensical song that doesn't have any deeper meaning beyond its playful lyrics and catchy melody.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm feeling great so heres big eight
I'm in high spirits, so I'm going to share some good vibes with everyone by playing my hit song Big Eight.
There was a grand old duke of yorkhe had ten thousand men
If he had the eneregy he would have had them all again
There was once a powerful leader, the Duke of York, who had a large army. If he had the stamina, he would have rallied his men and reclaimed his lost territories.
Simple simon indian boy comes on like a tiger
He doesn't like it in this town but he likes it up the kiver
Simple Simon, a fierce boy with Indian heritage, puts on an intimidating front. He doesn't enjoy living in this town, but he likes spending time with the ladies by the river.
Pussy pussy where you been why you dirty and not clean
It really shocks me to my feet see pussy dirty when I eat
Hey there, cat, where have you been? It's shocking to see you so unclean, especially since I usually have you around when I eat.
Molly flindas has a dress label twas made in Paris
All the boys are heard to say what a lovely piece of Paris
Molly Flindas proudly wears a dress that was made in Paris, and all the boys are gushing over how fashionable it is and how it reminds them of Paris.
Georgy porgy pudding pie had a girl and made her cry
Lucky she had used her sense and brought a ring of confidence
Georgy Porgy had a girlfriend and treated her poorly, causing her to cry. Fortunately, she was smart enough to take care of herself and protect her heart by wearing a ring that boosts her confidence.
Little bo peep loses sheep she also loses panties
She loses them five times a day and always six on Sundays
Little Bo Peep is forgetful and loses her sheep. She's also careless with her undergarments; she misplaces them five times daily and even more frequently on Sundays.
Mary Mary quite contrary why you look so fine
Cause I've had a visit from judge dread and he's given me big nine
Mary Mary, you look stunning; what's your secret? Well, I received a visit from the one and only Judge Dread, and he's given me a score of nine out of ten, or in other words, his stamp of approval.
Contributed by Cooper E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.