Much, much more than a deejay, much more than a singer and more than a chanter too Lutan Fyah also plays guitar, keyboards and the kette drum. He holds strong beliefs in originality at all times and so he is a songwriter too and, as the New Millennium has progressed, he has developed his very own idiosyncratic and unique vocal styling. He embraced the Rastafarian religion at the age of sixteen but his songs are not always strictly Rasta. As a "living man with work to do" he ranges over all subjects and everything and anything can inspire him to write, to play, to chant, to sing and to deejay. Preaching to the converted can prove to be a fairly easy task but to take the same message all around the world is a totally different ball game.
Born Anthony Martin in Thompson Pen, Spanish Town in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica his formative years were spent in an environment where music was omnipresent. His grandfather ran a Sound System and artists such as Lt. Stitchie, Papa San and Lady G would gather in the family's yard to practise and perfect their skills on the microphone.
"I grew up around a Sound System. Music flows through my bones ..." Lutan Fyah
Music proved to be an incredible influence on young Anthony but sport, and football in particular, proved to be another and he started playing as a midfielder, a position where he excelled, in teams in his local community. He graduated to his school team, St. Andrew Technical High School, and eventually made the grade as a professional in Jamaican Premier League clubs De la Vega and Constant Spring; but the call of music proved too strong to resist and in 1999 he hung up his football boots and took the first steps towards a musical career.
Like so many others before and after Anthony Martin trod that same dispiriting round of Kingston's studios and record producers where he was met with indifference and at times ignorance. However there was a different reception at Mark Myrie's Aksum Studios where the young chanter's promise was immediately recognised and he passed his audition with flying colours. The man now known as Lutan Fyah spent what he terms his 'internship' at Gargamel where he recorded over sixteen songs for Buju Banton while also freelancing for other producers. His debut release was actually for the Crazy Hate label and 'Ambassador' signalled the arrival of a significant new talent in Kingston's musical maelstrom.
The resurgence of the Rastafarian influence and the Bobo Dread phenomenon in reggae music was an indicator of serious times in Jamaica as a new generation of singers and deejays came to the conclusion that the only credible solution to the current malaise was to "love the word of God and thy neighbour as thyself". Others, who shall remain nameless, were not slow to realise that this presented a heaven sent opportunity to jump aboard the bandwagon for a handy ride on the fast track to fame and money. Many futile attempts were made to hitch a ride to stardom and the words of God were readily mouthed by tongues that had previously been wrapped around the more worldly concerns of the dance hall. But artists such as Lutan Fyah were there for the long run for "the race is not to the swift" and his music was at all times driven by his deep beliefs. His devotion to the Rastafarian religion has meant that he has stayed the course while so many pretenders have fallen by the wayside.
These Days
Lutan Fyah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
cll them suffering hey long gone away
These are my better days
Most High Rastafari
show I the way
These are my better days
all them suffering long gone away
These are my better days
What a price them haffi go pay
Jah he comfort my soul
Now that I'm awakened
I stand firm, brave and bold
I'm just like the half that
never been told
My conscious so clear
I play my role
I not take no part inna dem folly
dem corrupt everything
me don't dilly, me don't dally
Dem a work dem iniquity
to the obia man them a rally
bad man push them out on the trolley
These are my better days
cll them suffering hey long gone away
These are my better days
Most High Rastafari
show I the way
These are my better days
all them suffering long gone away
These are my better days
Hyprocite a try stress me
What a price them haffi go pay
Jah give abundance in blessings
like a reservoir
Jah give me money, house and car
Hey Rasta can't complain cuz I'm a star
Tell them to touch a button
if dem really want a war
Me got joy, I've got splendor
to the Most High my heart
me done render
Me don't beseech, me don't beg
me don't anchor
Tell dem hypocrite drop off a mi fender
These are my better days
cll them suffering hey long gone away
These are my better days
Most High Rastafari
show I the way
These are my better days
all them suffering long gone away
These are my better days
Hyprocite a try stress me
What a price them haffi go pay
Show dem that's how mi born
that's how mi grow
Dem a try rise up my temper
but a true dem don't know
If you dem ever step pun mi toe
Hey Nyabingi gone bring dem down low
Find out say dem closet full of bone
Dem live in a glass house
and me a see dem a throw stone
Not play the hypocrite mind
So tell dem to leave I alone
Burn dem, oh yes
These are my better days
cll them suffering hey long gone away
These are my better days
Most High Rastafari
show I the way
These are my better days
all them suffering long gone away
These are my better days
Hyprocite a try stress me
What a price them haffi go pay
Whoa
In Lutan Fyah's song "These Days," the lyrics express a sense of empowerment and triumph over adversity. The opening lines, "These are my better days, call them suffering, hey, long gone away," suggest that the artist has overcome past struggles and is now experiencing a more positive phase in life. This is attributed to the guidance and support of Rastafari, as the artist sings, "Most High Rastafari, show I the way." Lutan Fyah attributes his newfound strength and clarity of conscience to his spiritual awakening, claiming, "Jah he comfort my soul, now that I'm awakened, I stand firm, brave and bold."
The song also addresses the presence of hypocrites and corrupt individuals who try to stress and deceive the artist. Lutan Fyah showcases his refusal to be a part of their deceitful actions, asserting, "I not take no part inna dem folly, dem corrupt everything, me don't dilly, me don't dally." He identifies himself as a righteous individual who plays his role with a clear conscience, saying, "My conscious so clear, I play my role." Lutan Fyah warns these hypocrites that they will ultimately face the consequences of their actions, stating, "What a price them haffi go pay."
The lyrics further highlight Lutan Fyah's contentment and gratitude for the blessings he has received from Jah. He acknowledges the abundance of blessings he has received, including money, a house, and a car, and expresses his satisfaction in being a star. He refuses to complain about his circumstances, singing, "Rasta can't complain 'cause I'm a star." Lutan Fyah also emphasizes his unwavering loyalty to his beliefs and his determination to stand up against hypocrites, proclaiming, "Me got joy, I've got splendor, to the Most High my heart, me done render, me don't beseech, me don't beg, me don't anchor."
In summary, "These Days" by Lutan Fyah is a song that celebrates personal triumph over past suffering, fueled by spiritual awakening and a refusal to be swayed by hypocrites. The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and gratitude for the blessings received, while also warning those who try to deceive and stress the artist.
Line by Line Meaning
These are my better days
I am currently experiencing a period of improvement and positivity
cll them suffering hey long gone away
The days of hardship and pain are far behind me
Most High Rastafari
show I the way
I attribute my positive transformation to the guidance of the divine Rastafari
Hyprocite a try stress me
What a price them haffi go pay
Hypocrites attempt to cause me distress, but they will eventually face the consequences of their actions
Jah he comfort my soul
Now that I'm awakened
God brings solace to my inner being now that I am enlightened
I stand firm, brave and bold
I'm just like the half that
never been told
I remain steadfast, courageous, and confident, similar to the knowledge that has been hidden from many
My conscious so clear
I play my role
My conscience is pure, and I fulfill my purpose
I not take no part inna dem folly
dem corrupt everything
me don't dilly, me don't dally
I refuse to engage in their foolishness, as they corrupt everything they touch and I avoid wasting time and energy on trivial matters
Dem a work dem iniquity
to the obia man them a rally
bad man push them out on the trolley
They engage in wickedness and seek support from sorcerers, but they will be rejected and punished by the righteous
Jah give abundance in blessings
like a reservoir
Jah give me money, house and car
Hey Rasta can't complain cuz I'm a star
God showers me with abundant blessings, like a vast reservoir, providing me with wealth, shelter, and transportation. As a Rasta, I have no reason to complain because I shine brightly like a star
Tell them to touch a button
if dem really want a war
I challenge them to take action if they truly desire conflict
Me got joy, I've got splendor
to the Most High my heart
me done render
Me don't beseech, me don't beg
me don't anchor
I possess immense joy and radiance, and my heart belongs to God. I have already devoted myself fully and do not engage in pleading or holding on to negative emotions
Tell dem hypocrite drop off a mi fender
I demand that the hypocrites stay away from me and stop causing problems
Show dem that's how mi born
that's how mi grow
Dem a try rise up my temper
but a true dem don't know
I demonstrate to them that my true nature and upbringing have made me who I am. They may attempt to provoke me, but they are unaware of the real me
If you dem ever step pun mi toe
Hey Nyabingi gone bring dem down low
If they ever dare to cross me or harm me, the Nyabingi forces will swiftly defeat them
Find out say dem closet full of bone
Dem live in a glass house
and me a see dem a throw stone
It is revealed that they have secrets and flaws they hide from others. They live in a vulnerable state, yet they try to attack others
Not play the hypocrite mind
So tell dem to leave I alone
Burn dem, oh yes
I refuse to engage in hypocrisy and demand that they leave me alone. I express a desire for them to face the consequences of their actions
Whoa
Expressing a feeling of awe, surprise, or admiration
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jimmy Spice Curry
on Money (feat. Lutan Fyah)
Nice song