Of Jamaican descent, and the second youngest of nine children, he was born in Lewisham, London. He is known as the 'King of Lovers Rock'. His music is sometimes closer to R&B, and pop, than to reggae music itself. His first major album was the self-titled Maxi Priest (1988) along with his cover of Cat Stevens' Wild World established him as one of the British reggae top singers this internationally acclaimed vocalist, is the only UK reggae act to score an American Billboard Number One. That was with a track entitled "Close To You", which was released in 1990.
In addition, a duet with Roberta Flack - "Set The Night To Music", also reached the U.S. Top Ten in 1991. In the latter half of his lengthy recording career, he has favoured working alongside other established, or up and coming, artistes. For example, Maxi Priest has worked with Sly & Robbie, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, Jazzie B, Apache Indian, Roberta Flack and Shabba Ranks.
Frienenemy
Maxi Priest Lyrics
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I cry, ah bad boy and wicked man
I cry for my people
I'm talking to my people, watch this
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just type of frienenemy
Tell me who are your enemy?
I wanna know just why
A man thinks it's funny dissing his idrin
Saying everything leads to money
Where do you go from here?
Won't you make a decision?
'Cause only your friend knows your secret
Only he can reveal them
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just type of frienenemy
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just that type of frienenemy
Slow down a minute let me
Talk to you neatly
'Cause I got something here to say
Won't you listen me keenly?
Why does a smiling face
Never show no traces?
And fool you with their plastic smiles
And their smooth conversations
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just type of frienenemy
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just that type of frienenemy
I wanna know now, yes I do
I wanna know now
My, my, my, my, my, my, my Lord
Dash shi way nah take it back
There with a watchful eye trying to
Trick and deceive you
Despite of all the good you do
They'll be there to deny you
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just type of frienenemy
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just that type of frienenemy
Slow down a minute l
Let me talk to you neatly
'Cause I got something here to say
Won't you listen me keenly?
There with a watchful eye trying to
Trick and deceive you
Despite of all the good you do
They'll be there to deny you
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just type of frienenemy
Tell me who are your enemy?
Just that type of frienenemy
The lyrics of Maxi Priest’s song “Frienenemy” speak to the concept of a “frienenemy” or a person who poses as a friend, but is ultimately an enemy. Throughout the song, Priest asks his listeners to consider who in their lives might fit this mold, and why individuals might engage in this behavior. He questions the humor and motivation behind “dissing his idrin,” or disrespecting a close friend, and suggests that some individuals are only interested in money and material gain.
One of the most poignant moments in the song comes when Priest asks “Why does a smiling face/ Never show no traces?” This line suggests that “frienemies” are often very good at hiding their true intentions and emotions behind a guise of friendliness, which can ultimately lead to deception and betrayal. Despite the theme of the song being centered around this negative phenomenon, Priest ultimately ends on a note of optimism, encouraging individuals to “slow down a minute” and listen to each other, in order to avoid falling prey to potential “frienemies.”
Line by Line Meaning
I cry, I cry, listen me keenly
I am telling you something important, so listen carefully.
I cry, ah bad boy and wicked man
I am upset about the bad and wicked people in the world.
I cry for my people
I am upset for the people who are being hurt by others.
I'm talking to my people, watch this
I am addressing the people who are suffering from the harm others cause.
Tell me who are your enemy?
Let me know who your enemies are.
Just type of frienenemy
People who pretend to be your friend but are actually your enemy.
I wanna know just why
I am curious and want to understand.
A man thinks it's funny dissing his idrin
A person finding amusement in belittling their friend.
Saying everything leads to money
The belief that all actions are motivated by financial gain.
Where do you go from here?
What do you plan to do now?
Won't you make a decision?
Can't you decide what to do?
'Cause only your friend knows your secret
Only your true friend knows your secrets.
Only he can reveal them
Only your true friend has the power to reveal your secrets.
Slow down a minute let me
Take a moment to talk to me.
Talk to you neatly
Speak to you clearly and carefully.
Cause I got something here to say
I have an important message to convey.
Why does a smiling face
Why do people who smile outwardly act so nice?
Never show no traces?
Never show their true intentions or emotions?
And fool you with their plastic smiles
Pretend to like you with their fake smiles.
And their smooth conversations
Their smooth talking is often deceptive.
I wanna know now, yes I do
I want to know the truth right now.
My, my, my, my, my, my, my Lord
Expressing exasperation or frustration.
Dash shi way nah take it back
Disown the deceiver and stand your ground.
There with a watchful eye trying to
Always watching and trying to find a way to deceive.
Trick and deceive you
Mislead you and steer you toward harm.
Despite of all the good you do
Even if you do good things for them.
They'll be there to deny you
They will be the ones to deny your worth.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAVE HEYWOOD FLUXY, LEROY HEYWOOD MAFIA, MAX ELLIOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind