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Lucky Dube (born August 3, 1964, died October 18, 2007) was a reggae musician from Johannesburg, South Africa. He was named Lucky because when he was born in poor health, and the doctors thought he would die. But he survived, so was named Lucky. In his youth, Lucky lived with many different family members, singing in bars and in church. He eventually formed a band with some friends, but they could not afford to purchase instruments. Eventually, Lucky wrote a play which he and his bandmates performed, earning enough money to buy a guitar. Their band was then called Skyway, and they played in the mbaqanga style.
Two years after Skyway's formation, Lucky joined Richard Siluma's Love Brothers. He stayed with them for several years, before switching to reggae in the early 1980s. His first major success in that field came at the influential Sunsplash festival in Jamaica.
Lucky's "Together as One" was the first song by a black artist to be played on a white radio station in South Africa. His two most popular albums, Prisoner and Slave, are among the most renowned and best-selling in South Africa's history. One of Lucky's favourite singers was the late Peter Tosh.
On the 18th of October 2007, Lucky was shot dead in an attempted car jacking in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Discography
Rastas Never Dies
Think About The Children
(The Above Two available on 2on1 - Lucky Dube Rastas Never Dies/Think About The Children (2000))
Slave (1989)
Prisoner (1990)
Together as one (1992)
House of exile (1992)
Captured Live (1993)
Victims (1993)
Trinity (1995)
Serious reggae business (1996)
Taxman (1997)
The Way It Is (1999)
The Rough Guide To Lucky Dube (2001)
Soul Taker (2001)
The other side (2005)
Respect (2006)
Rolling Stone
Lucky Dube Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Call me when your head is right
She said the words and walked into the sunset
Like a cowboy
He was standing there like he got up
From a bad dream
And he said she wanted something
He could not give her (commitment)
Who have chosen loneliness
And called it freedom
That' s why he always says
[Chorus:]
I' m a rolling stone
'Cause a rolling stone
Gathers no moss
She told him once before
She' s not getting any younger you know
And when you look at her face
The years are showing
She is one of the women I know
Who wants it all in life (commitment)
He is one of the men I know
Who've taken loneliness
And called it freedom
That' s why he always says
[Chorus:]
I' m a rolling stone
'Cause a rolling stone
Gathers no moss
The lyrics of Lucky Dube's "Rolling Stone" focus on the theme of commitment in relationships. The first verse depicts a woman who desires a commitment, but the man is not ready to give her what she wants. He prefers his independence, which he refers to as "freedom." The chorus, which says "I'm a rolling stone cause a rolling stone gathers no moss," implies that the man feels that he is better off not settling down, in order to avoid any complications or problems that may arise from being in a long-term relationship.
The second verse tells of the woman's desire for a commitment in her life, while the man remains steadfast in his desire to be alone. It highlights the contrast between the two characters' approach to love and relationships. The woman desires the stability and security that comes with being in a committed relationship, but the man prefers to remain free of any attachments.
The lyrics of "Rolling Stone" serve as a cautionary tale about the price of not committing to a relationship. While it may seem simple and easy to avoid any ties, it can ultimately leave a person feeling isolated and alone. The chorus is a reminder that one must keep moving and avoid any emotional "moss" that may weigh them down.
Line by Line Meaning
Call me when you're ready yeah
Contact me when you are mentally prepared and ready to engage.
Call me when your head is right
Let me know when your mind is focused and clear.
She said the words and walked into the sunset like a cowboy
She spoke her truth and left in dramatic fashion like a western hero.
He was standing there like he got up from a bad dream
He was in a state of shock or disbelief, as if he had just woken up from a nightmare.
And he said she wanted something he could not give her (commitment)
He acknowledged that she desired a serious commitment that he was not willing or able to provide.
He is one of the men I know who have chosen loneliness and called it freedom
He is among a group of men who have chosen to be alone but refer to it as their choice of liberty.
That's why he always says
As a result, he consistently states.
I'm a rolling stone
I am a person who is always on the move and never stays in one place for too long.
'Cause a rolling stone gathers no moss
Because I don't stay in one place for long enough to accumulate any burdens or obligations.
She told him once before she's not getting any younger, you know
She previously informed him that she was getting older and time was of the essence.
And when you look at her face the years are showing
As evident by her appearance, age and time have taken a toll on her physical features.
She is one of the women I know who wants it all in life (commitment)
She is among a group of women who desire everything life has to offer, which includes a serious romantic relationship.
He is one of the men I know who've taken loneliness and called it freedom
He is among a group of men who have chosen to be alone but refer to it as their choice of liberty.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DUBE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tyron
on Different Colours (Live)
2024 approves
Sr Kajota
on Peanut Butter (live)
I love that Song. It comes from the gospel group The Thrutless called "peanut butter and jelly" its kind of adpatation, but its amazing the way how Lucky dube could do this.