Lorenzo Aitken (22 April 1927 – 17 July 2005), better known by the stage na… Read Full Bio ↴Lorenzo Aitken (22 April 1927 – 17 July 2005), better known by the stage name Laurel Aitken, was an influential Caribbean singer and one of the pioneers of Jamaican ska music. He is often referred to as the "Godfather of Ska".

Born in Cuba of mixed Cuban and Jamaican descent, Aitken and his family settled in Jamaica in 1938. After an early career working for the Jamaican Tourist Board singing mento songs for visitors arriving at Kingston Harbour, he became a popular nightclub entertainer. His first recordings in the late 1950s were mento tunes such as "Nebuchnezer", "Sweet Chariot" (aka the gospel classic "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot") and "Baba Kill Me Goat". Aitken's 1958 single "Boogie in My Bones"/"Little Sheila" was one of the first records produced by Chris Blackwell and the first Jamaican popular music record to be released in the United Kingdom. Other more Jamaican rhythm and blues orientated singles from this period include "Low Down Dirty Girl" and "More Whisky" both produced by Duke Reid.

Aitken moved to Brixton, London, in 1960 and recorded for the Blue Beat label, releasing fifteen singles before returning to Jamaica in 1963. He recorded for Duke Reid, with backing from the Skatalites on tracks such as "Zion" and "Weary Wanderer", before returning to the UK, where he began working with Pama Records. He recorded hits such as "Fire in Mi Wire" and "Landlord and Tenants", which led to a wider recognition outside of Jamaica and the UK. This cemented his position as one of ska's leading artists and earned him the nicknames The Godfather of Ska, and later Boss Skinhead. He gained a loyal following not only among the West Indian community, but also among mods, skinheads and other ska fans. He had hit records in the United Kingdom and other countries in the 1950s through to the 1970s on labels such as Blue Beat, Pama, Trojan, Rio, Dr. Bird, Nu-Beat, Ska-Beat,Hot Lead and Dice. Some of his singles featured B-sides credited to his brother, guitarist Bobby Aitken. Aitken also recorded a few talk-over/deejay tracks under the guise of 'King Horror', such as "Loch Ness Monster", "Dracula, Prince of Darkness", and "The Hole". Aitken settled in Leicester with his wife in 1970. His output slowed in the 1970s and during this period he worked as an entertainer in nightclubs and restaurants in the area including the popular 'Costa Brava Restaurant' in Leicester under his real name Lorenzo. In 1980, with ska enjoying a resurgence in the wake of the 2 Tone movement, Aitken had his only success in the UK Singles Chart with "Rudi Got Married" (#60) released on I-Spy Records (the label created and managed by Secret Affair. Aitken's career took in mento/calypso, R&B, ska, rock steady, and reggae, and in the 1990s he even turned his talents to dancehall. He performed occasional concerts almost until his death from a heart attack in 2005. After a long campaign, a blue plaque in his honour was put up at his Leicester home in 2007. Punk band Rancid cover's Aitken's Everybody Suffering on their 2014 LP Honor Is All We Know

Laurel Aitken (April 22, 1927 - July 17, 2005) became famous as one of the originators of Jamaican ska music in the late 1950s.

Aitken was born as Lorenzo Aitken in Cuba, and is the brother of singer Bobby Aitken. He moved to England in the 1960s, and had a loyal following among Skinheads and other ska fans. He had massive hits in the 1950s through 1970s, while recording for Blue Beat Records, Pama Records and Trojan Records. He recorded one of the earliest ska records, the double A-sided Boogie in My Bones / Little Sheila (1958). It was the first record on producer Chris Blackwell's Island Records label.

Aitken, who is known as "The Godfather of Ska", made his home in Leicester UK and performed live almost until his death. He suffered from a serious illness following a heart attack about a year before he died. He died from a heart attack in Leicester, UK on July 17, 2005.

Sweet Chariot
Laurel Aitken Lyrics

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Sweet chariot. Sweet chariot.
Swing old.
Bring de chariot. I said bring de chariot.
You bring de chariot. But do not leave my own to plot.
Don't believe us?
Swing low chariot.
But do not leave my own to plot.
Me and Rosa Belle, Halleluliah!

Me and Rosa Belle, Uh huh!
Me and Rosa Belle, taking de chariot down to hell!
You sing you sing you sing you sing high you sing low.
You sing you sing you sing, you know everybody want to go.
Swing low chariot.
Swing low chariot.
Swing low chariot.
But do not leave my own to plot.
You sing you sing you sing you sing high you sing low.
You sing you sing you sing, you know everybody want to go.
Swing low chariot.
Swing low chariot.

Swing low chariot.
But do not leave my own to plot.

Overall Meaning

In Laurel Aitken's song "Sweet Chariot", the repeated refrain "Sweet chariot, Swing low, Bring de chariot" conveys a sense of urgency and longing for something divine or transcendent to come and rescue the singer. The chariot symbolizes a means of escape or liberation from a difficult situation, possibly referencing the Underground Railroad or the biblical story of Elijah being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. The singer pleads for the chariot not to leave them behind to their fate, emphasizing a desire for salvation and deliverance.

The mention of Rosa Belle in the lyrics adds a personal touch to the narrative, suggesting a companion or partner in the journey towards freedom. The lines "Me and Rosa Belle, Hallelujah! Me and Rosa Belle, taking de chariot down to hell!" can be interpreted as a declaration of solidarity and defiance in the face of adversity. The singer and Rosa Belle are determined to forge their own path, even if it means descending into the depths of hell, metaphorically representing the struggles and challenges they are willing to face for their freedom.

The repetition of "Swing low chariot" throughout the song reinforces the theme of yearning for salvation and deliverance. The rhythm and cadence of the lyrics create a hypnotic effect, drawing the listener into the emotional intensity of the plea for the chariot to arrive and take the singer to a better place. The juxtaposition of the upbeat tempo with the somber subject matter adds depth and complexity to the song, capturing the bittersweet nature of hope in the face of adversity.

Overall, "Sweet Chariot" by Laurel Aitken is a poignant and powerful anthem of resilience and hope in the face of struggle. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing, desperation, and determination to overcome obstacles and reach a place of freedom and redemption. The imagery of the chariot as a symbol of salvation resonates with themes of liberation and empowerment, offering a message of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LAUREL AITKEN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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