He left home at the age of 14 and worked on a sugar plantation outside Clarendon, cleaning out irrigation ditches, before winning a local talent competition when he was 18; prompting a move to the capital, Kingston, in order to achieve a successful musical career.
In 1965 he joined up with Kenneth Knight and Lloyd Shakespeare in The Emotions, whilst also working as a record plugger for Ken Lack's Caltone label. The group were unsuccessful in auditions for other producers, but Lack offered them an audition after overhearing Smith singing to himself as he worked one day. In 1966, the group had their first hit, with the Lack-produced, "Buy You a Rainbow". The Emotions went on to have several hit singles and by 1968, the singer, by this point known as Max Romeo, felt confident enough to launch a solo career. Working with producer Bunny Lee, the young star recorded a number of pop songs, mainly love ballads, but they failed to be popular and so he returned to The Emotions, now recording for Phil Pratt. During this time he began work as a sales representative for Bunny Lee and did some recording with The Hippy Boys, which would later became The Upsetters.
Later on in 1968, Romeo wrote new lyrics for the rhythm track of Derrick Morgan's "Hold You Jack" and handed them over to Lee. Morgan, who was due to add his vocals to the track, ultimately gave it a miss, as did several other vocalists (including John Holt and Slim Smith), leading the producer to turn to Romeo to sing the lyrics he had written. The result, "Wet Dream", was an instant hit in Jamaica, although in the UK it was met with a BBC Radio ban, despite Romeo's somewhat-disingenuous claim that the song was actually about a roof that has a leak. Still, the ban only made it more popular and the single charted in the Top Ten, in the UK Singles Chart, spending almost six months therein, before featuring on his LP, A Dream, which included several follow-up singles in a similar vein, such as "Mini Skirt Version", "Fish in the Pot", "Belly Woman", and "Wine Her Goosie". A UK tour also met with Romeo being banned from performing at several venues, although many allowed him to play, the singer staying in the UK for eighteen months.
In 1970, Romeo returned to Jamaica and set-up Romax, an unsuccessful record label and sound system. Following which, he recorded several singles, mainly with old producer Bunny Lee, before going on to work a host of other producers including Niney Holness. This was followed by a period of which saw the release of a series of politically charged singles, most advocating the democratic socialist People's National Party (PNP), which chose his song, "Let The Power Fall On I", as their campaign theme for the 1972 Jamaican general election. Romeo joined the PNP Musical Bandwagon, travelling around Jamaica, playing on the back of a truck. After this, Romeo recorded a number of religious songs, until he worked with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry, producing the classic singles "Three Blind Mice" (an adaptation of the nursery rhyme with lyrics about a police raid on a party), "Sipple Out Deh", and "Chase the Devil". A remixed version of "Sipple Out Deh", entitled "War Ina Babylon", was another popular track in the UK, the first fruits of his deal with Island Records, and was followed by an album of the same name, and a follow-up single "One Step Forward". Shortly after this the pair fell out, leaving Romeo to self-produce his follow-up album, Reconstruction, which could not match the success of its predecessor. Perry's animosity towards Romeo was demonstrated by his single "White Belly Rat", with Perry also writing the word 'Judas' over a photograph of Romeo on the wall of his Black Ark studio.
He moved to New York City in 1978, where he co-wrote (with Hair producer Michael Butler) the musical, Reggae, which he also starred in. In 1980 he appeared as a backing vocalist on "Dance" on The Rolling Stones album Emotional Rescue. In 1981, the favour was returned when Keith Richards (of The Rolling Stones) co-produced and played on Romeo's album, Holding Out My Love to You. The rest of his output during the decade went practically unnoticed, with Romeo finding work at a New York electronics store. He returned to Jamaica in 1990, and began touring and recording more regularly.
He visited the UK again in 1992, recording the albums Far I Captain of My Ship and Our Rights with Jah Shaka. In 1995 he recorded Cross of the Gun with Tappa Zukie, and he joined up with UK rhythm section/production team Mafia & Fluxy in 1999 for the album Selassie I Forever.
His music has been sampled by other artists; The Prodigy sampled his track "Chase the Devil" for their 1992 UK Top Ten hit "Out of Space". Kanye West has also used samples from it to produce Jay-Z's hit song "Lucifer", which appeared on Jay-Z's 2003 release - The Black Album.
"Chase the Devil" is featured on the reggae radio station K-JAH Radio West in a popular videogame Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, released in October 2004. Romeo's single "Sipple Out Deh" appeared in John Peel's Record Box.
- Albums:
A Dream (1970) Trojan
Let The Power Fall (1972) Dynamic
Revelation Time (1975) Black World
War Ina Babylon (1976) Island
Reconstruction (1979) Island
I Love My Music (1979) Wackies
Rondos (1980) King Kong
Holding Out My Love to You (1981) Shanachie
Transition (1989) Rohit
Fari - Captain of My Ship (1992) Jah Shaka
Our Rights (1992) Jah Shaka
Cross or the Gun (1995) Tappa Zukie
Selassie I Forever (1999) Mafia & Fluxy
Love Message (1999) Warriors
Something is Wrong (1999) Warriors
In This Time (2001) 3D (Max Romeo & Tribu Acustica)
Pocomania Songs (2007) Ariwa Sounds
- Compilations:
Max Romeo Meets Owen Gray At King Tubby's Studio (1984) Culture Press (with Owen Gray)
Max Romeo and the Upsetters (1989)
Wet Dream (1993) Crocodisc
McCabee Version (1995) Sonic Sounds
Open The Iron Gate (1999) Blood & Fire
The Many Moods of Max Romeo (1999) Jamaican Gold
Pray For Me: The Best of Max Romeo 1967-73 (2000) Trojan Records
Perilous Times (2000) Charmax
On The Beach (2001) Culture Press
The Coming of Jah (2002) Trojan
Ultimate Collection (2003) (compiled by David Katz)
Holy Zion (2003) Burning Bush
Wet Dream: The Best of Max Romeo (2004) Trojan
Crazy World of Dub (2005) Jamaican Recordings
One of Jamaica's most provocative lyricists, a singer who gave us such enduring songs as 'Chase The Devil' (which was sampled in the song 'Out of Space' by The Prodigy and the song 'Lucifer' by Jay-Z), 'Public Enemy Number One', 'One Step Forward' and 'Three Blind Mice'. It was Romeo who first introduced Britain to the concept of rude reggae with 'Wet Dream', which, despite a total radio ban, reached number 10 in the UK charts in May 1969.
In 1972 Romeo began working with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry. 'Babylon Burning', 'Three Blind Mice' and 'The Coming Of Jah' all maintained his star status in Jamaica between 1972 and 1975. Revelation Time was one of the best albums of 1975, and 1976's War Ina Babylon was hailed by the rock press as an all-time classic reggae album. Two outstanding contributions that will remain classic recordings from the so-called ‘golden age’ of Jamaican reggae music.
One Step Dub
Max Romeo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Na na na na na na
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Na na na na na na
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
One day you are dreadlocks (well dread)
Next day you are baldhead (clean shave)
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Are you a commercialized
Grabbing at the cash-backs?
This is a time of decision
Tell me, what is your plan? yeah
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Straight is the road that leads to destruction
Ooh yeah
The road to righteousness is narrow
Ah let me tell you say
Indictive feelings enter feeling
The truth is a fact, tell me
Are you a con man, or are you a dreadlocks, eh?
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Na na na na na na
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Na na na na na na
The road is rough and the hill is steep
Ah let me tell you say
The mountain is high and the valley is deep
Oh yeah oh yeah
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Ah let me tell you say
Ah let me tell you say
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Ah let me tell you say
One step forward, two steps backward
Dow
n inna Babylon
Max Romeo's song "One Step Forward" is a powerful commentary on the struggle for freedom and self-determination in a society that seeks to control and exploit those who refuse to conform to its norms. The song's lyrics speak to the experience of those who resist the systems of oppression and domination that are inherent in modern society, urging them to remain steadfast in their commitment to liberation and forward progress.
The opening verse sets the tone for the song's message, with Max Romeo calling for the listener to take a step forward on their journey toward self-actualization and freedom. This call is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and not allowing oneself to be held back by fear, doubt or social pressure. The song also touches on themes of cultural identity and resistance, highlighting the tension between traditional Rastafarianism and the commercialization of Jamaican culture.
Overall, "One Step Forward" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that speaks to the struggles of marginalized communities in Jamaica and around the world. Its lyrics are a call to action, urging the listener to remain steadfast in their commitment to liberation and to continue pushing forward in their quest for freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
One step forward, two steps backward
Encouraging persistence. Keep moving forward even when progress is slow.
Down inna Babylon
Referring to the difficulties and struggles of life in the modern world.
One day you are dreadlocks (well dread)
People can change and take on different identities over time.
Next day you are baldhead (clean shave)
Sometimes these changes can be drastic and unexpected.
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Keep striving for progress, even when it's difficult.
Step out of Babylon
Suggesting that leaving behind the negative influences of society and the world can lead to a better path.
Are you a commercialized
Questioning whether someone has been corrupted by societal pressures to make money and succeed.
Grabbing at the cash-backs?
Asking if someone is more focused on making money than anything else.
This is a time of decision
Urging people to make choices and take responsibility for their actions.
Tell me, what is your plan? yeah
Questioning whether someone has a deeper purpose and plan in life.
Straight is the road that leads to destruction
Warning that staying on a negative path can have serious consequences.
The road to righteousness is narrow
Suggesting that the path to success and fulfillment may be difficult to find and follow.
Indictive feelings enter feeling
Acknowledging that negative emotions can impact decision-making.
The truth is a fact, tell me
Emphasizing the importance of honesty and confronting difficult truths.
Are you a con man, or are you a dreadlocks, eh?
Questioning whether someone is genuine in their identity and actions.
The road is rough and the hill is steep
Warning that success and progress require hard work and determination.
The mountain is high and the valley is deep
Emphasizing the challenges that people may face on their journey.
Ah let me tell you say
A common phrase in Jamaican culture, used to emphasize a point.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Lee Perry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@corteinteligente9679
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
One day you are dreadlocks (well dread)
Next day you are baldhead (clean shave)
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Are you a commercialized
Grabbing at the cash-backs?
This is a time of decision
Tell me, what is your plan? yeah
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Straight is the road that leads to destruction Ooh yeah
The road to righteousness is narrow
Ah let me tell you say
Indictive feelings enter feeling
The truth is a fact, tell me
Are you a con man, or are you a dreadlocks, eh?
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
The road is rough and the hill is steep
Ah let me tell you say
The mountain is high and the valley is deep
Oh yeah oh yeah
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
@oldskoolempire6314
This song randomly crossed my mind today 🎉 who's here in 2024? Happy new year, keep it conscious 😊
@lutejowell7554
I grew on dis in ancient Capetown a lifetime ago...thanks to Brains who played it all the time to me in 1979.give thanks!
@chezamofficial4689
Its 2024 and these message musc cant get anymore potent ... Jah Rastafari lives and reigns and rules... Blessings on these pearls in these times.. message music keeps us firm and strong
@susannesussmann6089
Max Romeo in Wiesen 2022 - war einfach toll, der Beste dieses Abends…..👍🌷✌🏼
@Ch1mereucheya
wow i grew up on this music in Kano City, Nigeria. brings tears to my eyes. memories of childhood. this was my sister cousin's favourite. Even after she had transited, i remember her thru these songs. been searching for years for max romeo's songs...didnt know his name particularly. was too young to know...but i remember the words and fortunately i kept typing up on the internet and combining words and here i am. used to listen to this on my father's turntable with polygram records....God bless you Max Romeo.
@axLoneable
i looked for this song as well for sooo long.. really nice to read such words from you.. heartwarming to know you finally found him.. spread the positive if you can, one way to make the world a little better..
@bigbabyjesus2504
my brother, I'm not sure why, but your comment brought me to tears.
I feel you brother.
all praises to the MOST HIGH !!
fist ✊ high, Head high...
rightous reign forever!!!
@balahassan4367
.. Kano too. Bless you. More time. 2019.zagadat
@ChroniclesofAlicha_Balaam
Giving thanks today...needed these words so bad today! Feeling the struggle. Sending all love from the Redwoods, Beloved Ones, sweet Jah People! Trod on, no stop!!!
@balahassan4367
Alicia Balassa. More time. 2019.zagadat!