Most of Johnson's poetry is political, dealing mainly with the experiences of being an African-Caribbean in Britain. However, he has also shown himself more than capable of writing about other issues, such as British foreign policy or the death of anti-racist marcher Blair Peach. His most celebrated poems were written during the government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The poems contain graphic accounts of the often racist police brutality occurring at the time.
Johnson's best known albums include his debut "Dread Beat An' Blood", "Forces of Victory", "Bass Culture" and "Making History". Across these albums are spread classics of the dub poetry school of performance - and, indeed, of reggae itself - such as "Dread Beat An' Blood", "Sonny's Lettah, "Inglan Is A Bitch" and "Independant Intavenshan".
When written, Johnson's poetry makes clever use of the unstandardised transcription of Jamaican Creole.
Of late, Johnson has only performed live on an intermittent basis.
Johnson's record label LKJ Records is home to other reggae artists, some of whom made up The Dub Band, with whom Johnson mostly recorded, and other Dub Poets, such as Jean Binta Breeze.
www.lintonkwesijohnson.com
Di Black Petty Booshwah
Linton Kwesi Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
AnÂ'di black workinÂ' class andahrate
Dem wiÂ' side wid oppressah
WÂ'en di goinÂ' get ruff
Side wid aggressah
WÂ'en di goinÂ' get tuff
dem a black petty-booshwah
Dem a black petty-booshwah
Dem full of flaw
tru dem seh dem edicate dem a gwaan irate
Tru dem seh dem edicate dem a seek tap rate
Dem a seek posishan
Aaf di backs of blacks
Seek promoshan
Aaf di backs af blacks
dem a black petty-booshwah
Dem full of flaw
Dem a black petty-booshwah
Dem full of flaw
dem a run-up dem moutÂ' anÂ' a shout all about
Tru dem have a lat a douÂ't Â'bout di strenÂ't af blacks
Dem a run-up dem moutÂ'
AnÂ' a shout all about
But wÂ'en wi launch wi attack
Dem wiÂ' haffi dress back
dem a black petty-booshwah
Dem full of flaw
Dem a black petty-booshwah
Dem full of flaw!
The lyrics of Linton Kwesi Johnson's song "Di Black Petty Booshwah" are a commentary on the attitudes of some Black middle-class individuals towards the working-class Black community. The term "petty-booshwah" refers to this group of people who are often selfish and operate in their own interests to the detriment of others. The lyrics suggest that this group aligns with those in power (the "oppressah") when they face difficulties, rather than standing in solidarity with their fellow Black citizens.
The song highlights the flaws of this group of people, who seek personal gain through their education and position while neglecting their community. This line of "Tru dem seh dem edicate dem a gwaan irate" indicates that they often behave arrogantly due to their education, which leads to a sense of entitlement that blinds them to the struggles of the working-class Black community. Additionally, they seek promotions and positions of power at the expense of others, which is highlighted in the line "Aaf di backs af blacks."
The song also touches on the hypocrisy of this group. They are quick to speak out when they have doubts about the strength of the Black community but are reluctant to support their fellow Black citizens when they face challenges. The closing lines suggest that when the working-class Black community launches an attack on those in power, the "petty-booshwah" will quickly back down.
Overall, the song critiques the oppressive behavior of some Black middle-class people towards working-class Black individuals. It highlights the need for solidarity and unity within the Black community to overcome the challenges they face.
Line by Line Meaning
Dem wi'gi' whey dem talent to di state
They give away their talents to the government
An'di black workin' class andahrate
And the black working class is underestimated
Dem wi' side wid oppressah
They side with the oppressor
W'en di goin' get ruff
When things get tough
Side wid aggressah
They side with the aggressor
W'en di goin' get tuff
When things get tough
dem a black petty-booshwah
They are black petty-bourgeoisie
Dem full of flaw
They are flawed
tru dem seh dem edicate dem a gwaan irate
True, they say they're educated, but act irate
Tru dem seh dem edicate dem a seek tap rate
True, they say they're educated, but seek high positions
Dem a seek posishan
They seek positions
Aaf di backs of blacks
On the backs of black people
Seek promoshan
Seeking promotion
Aaf di backs af blacks
On the backs of black people
dem a run-up dem mout' an' a shout all about
They run their mouths and shout all about
Tru dem have a lat a dou't 'bout di stren't af blacks
True, they have a lot of doubt about the strength of black people
An' a shout all about
And shout all about
But w'en wi launch wi attack
But when we launch our attack
Dem wi' haffi dress back
They will have to back off
Dem a black petty-booshwah
They are black petty-bourgeoisie
Dem full of flaw
They are flawed
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LINTON KWESI JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Selby Gama
on New Word Hawdah
In the early eighties, whilst at university and revelling in LKJ's dub-poetry, I stumbled upon a a commentary which spoke of him in these terms, "his lyrics explode like bombs and his voice is too important to ignore." Three and a half decades later, still revelling in his dub-poetry, this has a stronger resonance and remains apt. His music makes the clarity complete. I named one of my sons Lynton, and have taken time to explain to him the significance of my christening him so. Thank you LKJ for those explosive dynamite lyrics and that all too important voice.