Lynn Taitt (Nerlynn Taitt, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, 22 June 1934 … Read Full Bio ↴Lynn Taitt (Nerlynn Taitt, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, 22 June 1934 – 20 January 2010) was a guitarist closely associated with Jamaican rocksteady music.

Lynn Taitt got his start as a musician playing in local Trinidadian steel drum bands, before taking up the guitar aged 14. He formed his own band, which was booked by Byron Lee to perform at the 1962 independence celebrations in Jamaica. Taitt decided to stay in Jamaica, living in Kingston, and played in a number of bands including The Sheiks, The Cavaliers, and The Comets, and worked with Baba Brooks, The Skatalites and Tommy McCook and the Supersonics. The most successful of his groups was The Jets, formed in 1966 and which included Hux Brown, Headley Bennett, Hopeton Lewis, Gladstone Anderson, and Winston Wright. Taitt's guitar style was inventive and unconventional, with a sharp percussive sound that accented the rocksteady beat. Lynn Taitt and the Jets played on hundreds of recording sessions for Jamaican producers such as Bunny Lee, Duke Reid, Joe Gibbs, Coxsone Dodd, and Sonia Pottinger, often performing up to five sessions a day. Their recording of "Take It Easy" was one of the first rocksteady singles and it reached number one in the Jamaican singles chart.

Taitt's contribution to Jamaican popular music includes his role as arranger and session leader for many of the recordings that he appeared on. He has been credited as having created the first rocksteady bassline, on the song "Take It Easy" by Hopeton Lewis. Various other Jamaican recordings have been cited as the "first" rocksteady release such as Alton Ellis & the Flames' "Girl I've Got a Date", and the Derrick Morgan rude boy anthem "Tougher Than Tough" with Lynn Taitt playing guitar on all of three.

Taitt emigrated to Toronto, Canada in August 1968, to take up the position of arranger for the house band at the West Indian Federated Club. Although he left Jamaica just before the rise of reggae, his playing was a strong influence on musicians such as Hux Brown who adapted Taitt's approach to the newer reggae style. Taitt's work can be heard on various 60s recordings by Derrick Morgan, Desmond Dekker, Lee Perry, Ken Boothe, Bob Marley and Joe Higgs, among others. He recorded with Johnny Nash on some of the latter's international hits, including "Cupid" and "Hold Me Tight".

Taitt remained active as a musician in Montreal, having recorded with such acts as The Kingpins ("Let's Go To Work" CD 1999) as well as performing live with the Montreal Ska All Stars and at the Montreal International Jazz Festival with The Jets (2002) and the Fabulous LoLo sings Rocksteady (2006).

He was the subject of the 2006 documentary Lynn Taitt: Rocksteady, directed by Generoso Fierro, and another titled Ruff 'n' Tuff.

Taitt died on 20 January 2010 after a long battle with cancer. His death was recorded in Montreal, Canada, at the age of 75.

Discography
Glad Sounds (1968), Bigshot (Gladdy with Lynn Taitt & the Jets)
Rock Steady: Greatest Hits (1968), Merritone (Lynn Taitt & the Jets)
Hold Me Tight: Anthology 65-73 (2005), Trojan

Bring It On Home
Lynn Taitt & The Jets Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Is it ok if I don't make it
Is it ok if I don't come around
The light is fading
And the sun has gone down

Bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back

Where's the day that never ended
Tell me when its time to open up my eyes
Light the morning with the sun on the rise

Bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back

Bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back

For all that you do
For all that you had
For all that you said
Would you take it all back?

When all that you see
Is much more than you have
I will bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back

You won't know me 'till you need me
But I won't let you down
So open up your eyes
The day is done
The sun has set in the sky

Bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back

Bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back

For all that you do
For all that you had
For all that you said
Would you take it all back?

When all that you see
Is much more than you have
I will bring it on back
Bring it on back
Bring it on back

Just because your eyes are open
Doesn't mean you can see

So where do we go?
Well, that's between you and me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Bring It On Home" by Lynn Taitt & The Jets convey a sense of uncertainty, introspection, and determination. The song contemplates the idea of not making it or not being able to come around, suggesting a feeling of doubt or insecurity. However, instead of dwelling on these uncertainties, the lyrics encourage the listener to push forward and bring back something meaningful.

The repeated lines "Bring it on back" serve as a motif throughout the song, representing a call to action or a desire to bring something back that may have been lost or forgotten. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for reclaiming lost opportunities, rediscovering oneself, or reigniting one's passion or purpose.

The lyrics also touch upon the passing of time and the fading light, symbolizing a sense of urgency and the fleeting nature of life. The mention of the day that never ended and opening up one's eyes implies a longing for a new beginning or a fresh perspective. It's a plea for the sun to rise again and bring a renewal of hope and optimism.

The subsequent lines "For all that you do, for all that you had, for all that you said, would you take it all back?" suggest a reflection on past actions and choices. It invites introspection and self-reflection, asking if one would change anything if given the chance. This introspection intertwines with the determination to "bring it on back," implying a readiness to rectify past mistakes or make amends.

The last verse introduces the theme of perception. It suggests that simply having one's eyes open does not guarantee true understanding or clarity. It hints at the complexity of human relationships and emphasizes that the path forward is a personal journey between the singer and the listener. It implies that only through joint effort and understanding can progress be made.

Overall, "Bring It On Home" encapsulates a mix of uncertainty, contemplation, and determination. It encourages the listener to reflect on the past, embrace the challenges ahead, and strive to reclaim or rediscover something meaningful in their lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Is it ok if I don't make it
Would it be acceptable if I am unable to succeed

Is it ok if I don't come around
Should I be forgiven for not being present

The light is fading
The brightness is diminishing

And the sun has gone down
And the sun has disappeared below the horizon

Bring it on back
Return it to its previous state

Where's the day that never ended
Where is the day that seemed eternal

Tell me when its time to open up my eyes
Inform me of the moment to become aware

Light the morning with the sun on the rise
Illuminate the morning as the sun ascends

For all that you do
In recognition of everything you do

For all that you had
In appreciation of everything you possessed

For all that you said
In acknowledgement of everything you expressed