Alexander Minto Hughes (2 May 1945 - 12 March 1998), better known as Judge … Read Full Bio ↴Alexander Minto Hughes (2 May 1945 - 12 March 1998), better known as Judge Dread, was a reggae and ska artist from England.

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.

The Biggest Bean You've Ever Seen
Judge Dread Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Someone told me long ago there's a calm before the storm,
I know; it's been comin' for some time.
When it's over, so they say, it'll rain a sunny day,
I know; shinin' down like water.
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know, have you ever seen the rain
Comin' down on a sunny day?
Yesterday, and days before, sun is cold and rain is hard,

I know; been that way for all my time.
'Til forever, on it goes through the circle, fast and slow,

I know; it can't stop, i wonder.
Yeah

Overall Meaning

Judge Dredd's song "The Biggest Bean You've Ever Seen" is a comedic take on the nursery rhyme "Jack and the Beanstalk." However, the lyrics of the song also reference the Creedence Clearwater Revival song "Have You Ever Seen the Rain?" The chorus of the song, "I want to know, have you ever seen the rain? / comin' down on a sunny day?" is a direct reference to the lyrics of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song. The lyrics of "The Biggest Bean You've Ever Seen" also make reference to the cyclical nature of life, as expressed in the lines "'til forever, on it goes through the circle, fast and slow."

The song's opening line, "Someone told me long ago there's a calm before the storm," suggests that something big is about to happen. This is a fitting opening for a song about a giant beanstalk. In "Jack and the Beanstalk," Jack climbs the beanstalk to find wealth and treasure, but in "The Biggest Bean You've Ever Seen," the singer is excited about finding the biggest bean he's ever seen. The lyrics of the song are humorous, but they also express the excitement of discovery.

Line by Line Meaning

Someone told me long ago there's a calm before the storm,
I was once told that there is usually a peaceful period before a tumultuous situation arises.

i know; it's been comin' for some time.
I am aware that this situation has been building up for quite some time.

when it's over, so they say, it'll rain a sunny day,
According to popular belief, there will be a bright and positive outcome after the storm passes.

i know; shinin' down like water.
I understand that this positive outcome will be as refreshing and rejuvenating as water shining down from the sky.

i want to know, have you ever seen the rain?
I am curious if you have ever witnessed the powerful forces of nature that come with rain.

i want to know, have you ever seen the rain
I am asking again if you have ever experienced the strong and intense downpours of rain.

comin' down on a sunny day?
Specifically, have you seen rain fall during a time when the sun was shining?

Yesterday, and days before, sun is cold and rain is hard,
In the past and even now, the sun can feel cold and uninviting while rain can be harsh and unforgiving.

i know; been that way for all my time.
I have always been aware of this fact and it seems as though it will stay that way.

'til forever, on it goes through the circle, fast and slow,
This pattern of difficult times followed by moments of relief has been happening for eternity, and it continues at a varying pace.

i know; it can't stop, i wonder.
I have come to accept that this cycle will persist, but I still can't help but wonder why it has to be this way.

yeah
This is a simple and direct response of agreement or affirmation.

Writer(s): LEMON, HUGHES

Contributed by Austin A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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