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.
Reggae and Ska
Judge Dread Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We're playing ska, come on and sing along.
Grab a Rude Girl, shuffle down
Ska is the sound that's going down.
Sing Reggae, and Ska,
Sing Reggae, and Ska
Sing Reggae, and Ska
I danced to that the beat that's really hot
Show the Rude Girl what you got
We're gonna shuffle the night away
To the rhythm and ska, Jamaica way
Sing Reggae, and Ska,
Sing Reggae, and Ska
Sing Reggae, and Ska
When the rhythm drums, it'll take you far
From the early morning, 'til late at night
You can shuffle to the rhythm, really tight
You can't get away from the shuffle beat
Come on, everybody, and move your feet
Sing Reggae, and Ska,
Sing Reggae, and Ska
Sing Reggae, and Ska
When the rhythm drums, it'll take you far
Sing Reggae, and Ska,
Sing Reggae, and Ska
Sing Reggae, and Ska
When the rhythm drums, it'll take you far
In Judge Dread's song "Reggae and Ska," he calls on the listeners to join in the celebration of the rhythmic Jamaican music genres of Reggae and Ska. The song opens with an invitation to everyone to participate in the music and to sing along with the ska beat. The chorus of the song repeats the invitation to sing and dance to the rhythm of the drums, promising that it will take the participants far. The song encourages the crowd to grab a Rude Girl, the popular style of dress associated with ska music, and to shuffle down to the sound of the music. Judge Dread's love for the rhythm is evident, as he boasts of dancing to the “beat that's really hot.”
The song pays tribute to the origins of the music genres, which originated in Jamaica during the 1960s, and became popular worldwide in the years that followed. Both Reggae and Ska music are characterized by their upbeat tempo, with Ska music often featuring brass rhythms and the offbeat guitar playing called a “skank.” Judge Dread's song encourages people to dance and shuffle the night away, to the sounds of Jamaican music, and to feel the energy and spirit of the music genres.
Line by Line Meaning
Come on everybody, join in our song
We invite everyone to join us in singing along to the music we're playing.
We're playing ska, come on and sing along.
We're currently performing ska music and we encourage everyone to join in and sing with us.
Grab a Rude Girl, shuffle down
Find a partner to dance with, preferably a 'Rude Girl', and shuffle down to the beat of the music.
Ska is the sound that's going down.
We're spreading the ska sound and vibe, and everyone is welcome to join and enjoy it.
Sing Reggae, and Ska,
We're performing a mix of reggae and ska music, and we encourage everyone to sing along.
When the rhythm drums, it'll take you far
The rhythm of our music is so powerful and uplifting, it can transport you to another time and place.
I danced to that the beat that's really hot
I have personally danced to this hot and energetic beat, and I encourage others to do the same.
Show the Rude Girl what you got
Use this opportunity to showcase your dance moves and impress your partner, preferably a 'Rude Girl'.
We're gonna shuffle the night away
Our intention is to dance and shuffle to the rhythm of the music all night long.
To the rhythm and ska, Jamaica way
Our music style is influenced by Jamaican ska, and we want to honor that tradition in our performance.
From the early morning, 'til late at night
This music and dance goes on throughout the day and into the night. It's a continuous celebration.
You can shuffle to the rhythm, really tight
The dancing should be synchronized and tight, following the rhythm of the music.
You can't get away from the shuffle beat
The shuffle beat is so catchy and irresistible, it's impossible not to get swept up in it and dance along.
Come on, everybody, and move your feet
We encourage everyone to let loose and move their feet to the rhythm of the music.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shauny66
Brings back memories
@surfskinhead
He was great I met him once and spoke to him in Stoke On Trent in Hanley he was doing a concert with One Step Behind. This is one of my favorites.
@BlackhandsTravels
Judge dread is the king of Ska!
@dkasarung
it has been 13 years ago first time i heard this song...what a lovely song and lyrics...
@wainmanjulie
The man...RIP x
@noxinsox1
he cut some great tunes - top man RIP
@imansunyoto6781
Jakarta, indonesia. Cheers
@nemo8416
Yeah 14.09.2022 👍🏻😁
@MickeyPearce6
GREAT! Love this guy! :D
@rudewey
skinhead reggae yeahh man