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.
Try
Maxi Priest Lyrics
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Don't give it all before you take
Just step aside and watch a while
Be prepared to walk an extra mile
Flip the switch and check the groove
And now's the time to stop talk and move
Education is the only way
To learn to live to fight another day
[Chorus]
We can make it if we try try try
Who's the mathematician Jah Jah on a mission try try try
Don't get caught in no desperation
Use your skill from your ghetto irration
Feel the vibration
Some people see it astrologically
But I didn't get that from my triga knowledgy
What a friend who would deceive
Use your faith when you believe
Thought he was a friend
The human love we thought was real
So off and on so what's the deal
Thought he was a friend yeah
[Chorus]
Now tell me
Who's the mathematician
Jah Jah on a mission
Trying to find a way in this world of attrition
Jah Jah on a mission
Work it out,work it out
Keep it real
We gotta find a sanctuary
Flip into the 21st century
Keep it real and lose the fakes
Learn all your lessons from your own mistakes
Children now will come of age
Let's keep the love as we set the stage
Justice for all we can stand tall
No more comin' from back against the wall hey
We can make it if we try try try
Who's the mathematician
Jah Jah on a mission
The song "Try" by Maxi Priest talks about the importance of taking things slow and steady in life and not rushing into anything. The lyrics encourage the listener to observe their surroundings and make calculated moves towards their goals. The song emphasizes the value of education and constantly learning to better oneself. The chorus repeats the phrase "We can make it if we try try try" and mentions "Jah Jah," which is a Rastafarian term for God, indicating that the message is also about having faith and trust in a higher power's plan.
The second verse talks about not succumbing to desperation, and using the skills and knowledge gained from one's upbringing to navigate through life. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that some people may look at life astrologically, but the message is not drawn from any particular source of knowledge or beliefs. The theme of trust and betrayal is also mentioned, stating that one needs to have faith in themselves and use their own experiences to discern true friendships and relationships.
The third verse emphasizes the importance of keeping it real and learning from one's own mistakes. The lyrics encourage the listener to strive for justice and stand strong against any obstacles or challenges that may come their way. The final chorus repeats the message of making it through perseverance and faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't rush the move you gotta make
Don't make hasty decisions, take your time to make your move.
Don't give it all before you take
Don't invest everything before you get something in return.
Just step aside and watch a while
Take a break and observe, learn from the situation before taking action.
Be prepared to walk an extra mile
Be ready to invest more effort to achieve your goals.
Flip the switch and check the groove
Change your mindset and evaluate the situation.
And now's the time to stop talk and move
Stop talking about your plans and start acting on them.
Education is the only way
Learn to improve your life and overcome obstacles.
To learn to live to fight another day
Use your education to survive and keep fighting.
Chorus: We can make it if we try try try
We can succeed if we keep trying.
Who's the mathematician Jah Jah on a mission try try try
Jah Jah (God) is helping us through our struggles.
Don't get caught in no desperation
Don't give up hope or act in desperation.
Use your skill from your ghetto irration
Use the resources available to you, including those in your community.
Feel the vibration
Sense the energy around you and use it to guide you.
Some people see it astrologically
Some people believe that astrology can predict their future.
But I didn't get that from my triga knowledgy
However, the singer does not believe in astrology.
What a friend who would deceive
It's disappointing when a friend betrays you.
Use your faith when you believe
Trust in your beliefs and have faith in yourself.
Thought he was a friend
The singer thought someone was his friend.
The human love we thought was real
The friendship that was supposed to be genuine and true was not.
So off and on so what's the deal
The singer is confused about the inconsistent behavior of someone he thought was his friend.
Chorus
We can succeed if we keep trying and have faith in God.
Now tell me
The singer wants to know.
Who's the mathematician
Who is the divine power behind our successes?
Jah Jah on a mission
God is on a mission to help us.
Trying to find a way in this world of attrition
God is trying to help us survive in a difficult world.
Work it out, work it out
We must find solutions to our problems and keep working to achieve our goals.
Keep it real
Be honest with yourself and others.
We gotta find a sanctuary
We need to find a place where we feel safe and secure.
Flip into the 21st century
Adapt to the changes and progress of modern times.
Learn all your lessons from your own mistakes
Use your mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
Children now will come of age
The younger generation will grow up and take their place in the world.
Let's keep the love as we set the stage
We need to maintain love and compassion as we create the foundation for the future.
Justice for all we can stand tall
We must work towards achieving fairness and equality so we can be proud of our accomplishments.
No more comin' from back against the wall hey
We will no longer be in a desperate situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LIVINGSTONE WORDLEY BROWN, GARY BENSON, BEVERLY BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind