Boothe seemed, at the time, to have the makings of an international, long-lasting, hit maker, certainly when compared to most of the other latter-day reggae acts. His smoother style gave him a wider appeal, rather like UB40 and Aswad. Boothe's choice of songs also showed the breadth of his musical taste. But for all that, he only managed one more hit in the UK Chart, "Crying over You", which made Number 11.
In more recent times, Boothe has also recorded for Bunny Lee, Phil Pratt, King Jammy, Pete Weston, Jack Ruby, Hugh "Red Man" James, Castro Brown, and Tappa Zukie. Plus in 1995, he teamed up with Shaggy, for a new styled version of his old track, "The Train Is Coming", which appeared on the soundtrack of the film, Money Train.
A double-disc overview of Boothe's Trojan years, Crying over You, was released by the label in 2001.
Boothe's official Web site is at www.kenboothemusic.com
Is It Because I'm Black?
Ken Boothe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
ONLY ADD COLOR TO MY TEARS
THAT SPLASH AGANST MY HOLLOW BONES
THAT ROCKS MY SOUL
LOOKING BACK OVER MY PAST DREAMS THAT I ONCE KNEW
WONDERING WHY MY DREAMS NEVER CAME TRUE
SOMEBODY TELL ME
SOMETHING IS HOLDING ME BACK,
IS IT BECAUSE I'M BLACK.
IN THIS WORLD OF NO PITTY
I WAS RAISED IN THE GHETTO OF THE CITY
MOMMA SHE WORKED SO HARD
TO EARN EVERY PENNY
SOMETHING IS HOLDING ME BACK CAUSE
IS IT BECAUSE I'M BLACK
SOMETHING IS HOLDING ME BACK CAUSE
I'M WONDERING IF IT'S BECAUSE I'M BLACK
LIKE A CHILD STEELING HIS FIRST PIECE OF CANDY AND GOT CAUGHT
Ken Boothe's song "Is It Because I'm Black?" is a powerful and deeply introspective examination of the struggles and hardships faced by African Americans in a society that has consistently held them back. The lyrics speak to the pain and confusion of a man who is looking back over his past and wondering why he has never been able to achieve his dreams. The dark brown shades of his skin are a constant reminder of the obstacles he has had to overcome and the tears that he has shed along the way.
The second verse of the song is particularly impactful as it speaks to the poverty and hardship that is all too common in the black community. The singer was raised in the ghetto of the city, with a hardworking mother who did everything she could to provide for her family. And yet, despite his mother's best efforts, something is still holding him back. The repeated refrain of "is it because I'm black?" highlights the insidious and systemic racism that has created a society in which black people are held back at every turn.
Writer(s): Syl Johnson, Glenn Watts, Jimmy Jones
Contributed by Elijah N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rootsnatty8408
The Fight Continues, Free Your Mind And Soar. Sang that damn song Ken my second King of REGGAE.
@marcusleviticus3513
One of my all time favorite but this is a strip back version missing the horn section which was the icing on the cake none the less a real soulful song from the heart
@khem127
One of the best versions I've heard. Doesn't have the hard bass line, but his voice is so soulful that he makes up for it.
@AnimeW69
The struggle is real!
@JesusMago357.
O reggae não para
@guilhermerootsreggae
Jamais
@Teddyb1939
The magic sound of Ken Booth, I had forgotten about this one.Thanks, good stuff.
@xoueyn
this copy is not for hype williams
@YTChango1
Reggae BlackRoots Songs like "Is it because I'm Black"--it what made Reggae a Powerful Musical Art Form. Sing on--Brother Ken Booth--True That & Right-On!
@JuanGraf
https://youtu.be/6JNwqRF32ZI