Michael Prophet grew up in the western Kingston ghetto of Greenwich Farm, Jamaica. He began his recording career in 1977 when he was discovered by the legendary producer Vivian Jackson, better known as Yabby You. Yabby You took Michael to Channel One where he voiced his debut song "Praise You Jah Jah".
Michael recorded many tunes for Yabby You and scored his first hit with a cover version of the Heptones' "Fight It To The Top". However, it was the deeper, more rootsy material that began to hit with an international reggae audience. Cuts like "Gates Of Zion", "Mash Down Rome", "Turn Me Loose", "Warn Them Jah" and "Creation Rock" were massive sound system tunes in the UK and staple food for the likes of Jah Shaka, Quaker City, Sir Coxsone, Fatman and Moa Ambessa - the ruling UK sounds of the era. "Turn Me Loose" was even featured in the classic movie "Babylon". Island Records released Michael's debut album "Serious Reasoning" in 1980 and this set remains a reggae classic, with its heavyweight backing was provided by The Gladiators band and his unique wailing vocals singing songs with mystical vibes.
After working with Yabby You, he also recorded for Henry "Junjo" Lawes, adapting to the prevailing dancehall sound and having his biggest hit with "Gunman". During the first half of the 1980s he recorded for producers such as Don Mais, Al Campbell, Sugar Minott, Winston "Niney" Holness, and Winston Riley, cementing his status as one of Jamaica's most popular singers. After living in Miami for a time, he moved to England, where he recorded "Your Love" which reached number one in the UK reggae chart in 1990. It was followed in 1991 by the album Get Ready, which also sold well.
Rootsman first met Michael Prophet in 1992 and they hooked up to record a number of dubplates in 2001. These tunes have rocked every single Rootsman dance since then. Finally, in January 2003 Rootsman got the opportunity to produce Michael in his Third Eye Studio. Two deep songs "Praises" and "Cry Of A Family" were voiced and will see release on Third Eye Music in the future. The tracks were deeply emotional performances as Michael travelled 200 miles from London for the session after being badly beaten by the police just 3 days earlier. Despite being cut, bruised and in considerable pain, Michael's voice and vibes were intact as he delivered two more tracks that will be added to his other numerous classics in his repertoire.
Prophet died 16 December 2017. He had been battling lung cancer and was suffering from a brain tumor.
Love And Unity
Michael Prophet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While i man take love and make good friend
Some are stick in pocket
the other are flicking ratchet
but i man is here to teach you what's right from wrong.
Lets live in love and unity
for I and I wanted to be free
lets live in love and one I-nity
Jah jah always see it
Lets live in love and one harmony
Some are stick in pocket
the other are flicking ratchet
but i man is here to teach you what's right from wrong.
Listen me carefully lets live in love and I-nity
for anything you do Jah see
a one blood family!
The lyrics of Michael Prophet's song "Love and Unity" promote the idea of living in harmony and treating others with love and respect. The song contrasts two different approaches to life: one that focuses on money and material possessions, and another that prioritizes love and making positive connections with others. The lyrics suggest that the latter approach is the right one, and that it is important to treat others with kindness and understanding in order to achieve freedom and unity.
The repeated refrain of "let's live in love and unity" drives home the central message of the song, which is that we should all work together to create a world where love and peace prevail. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of doing the right thing, even when it is difficult, and of recognizing that we are all part of the same human family. Overall, "Love and Unity" is a powerful call for people to come together and work towards creating a better world for everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
Some a take money and make big enemies
Some people prioritize making money over forming good relationships and end up with enemies.
While i man take love and make good friend
I prioritize forming good relationships through love rather than making money.
Some are stick in pocket
Some people are greedy and selfish when it comes to money.
the other are flicking ratchet
Others use violence and crime to get what they want.
but i man is here to teach you what's right from wrong.
I am here to teach you about the importance of love, unity, and doing what is right to form a better community.
Lets live in love and unity
We should live together in harmony with a common goal of love and unity.
for I and I wanted to be free
We all want to be free and live happy in a peaceful community.
lets live in love and one I-nity
We should live together in unity as one community, connected through love.
For anything that you do Jah jah always see it
God sees everything we do, so we should always strive to do good and form positive relationships.
Lets live in love and one harmony
We should live together in harmony, through love and unity.
Listen me carefully lets live in love and I-nity
Listen to my message about the importance of love and unity in forming a better community.
for anything you do Jah see
God sees everything we do, so we should always strive to do good and form positive relationships.
a one blood family!
We should treat each other like family members, connected through blood, and form a better community together.
Writer(s): Henry Junjo Lawes, Michael George Haynes
Contributed by Keira G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Brljoze
Some a take money and make big enemy
While I man take love and make good friends
Some have stick in pocket
The other are flicking ratchet
But I man is here to teach you what's right from wrong
Say you know now...
Lets live in love and unity
For I and I want it to be free
Let's live in love and one I-nity
For anything that you do, Jah Jah always see
Let's live in love and one harmony
Say you know now....
Some have stick in pocket
The other are flicking ratchet
But I man is here to teach you what's right from wrong
Listen to me carefully
Let's love and I-nity
For anything you do, Jah see
A one love family....
CONCIOUS ! ! !
László Jász
https://youtu.be/Gn2FO-6FXLI?t=1945 you will understand and appreciate the magic of these 3 minutes.
pay good attention to the details of perfomance:
facial expression, gestures, what and how ardent he sings - inspite of visibly painful movement of the body.
observe his smile when he finishes singing at the end of the song
and while breathing out how he returns from the beyond/transcendence of performing to this world.
watch the change of his facial and bodily expression how all the weight of suffering is within a second coming down upon him again.
yet: what does he say just a second later? "life is beautiful".
this was his very last performance, two months later he was dead.
at this time he was very much aware of his prognose turning from dim to black out.
watch again having this in mind and consider to take a bow to the greatness of this truthful and meek man.
(the live performance was mixed by the scientist himself, this is why the sonic excellence.)
Alain Sadun
This is literally a masterpiece
Cristóbal Matibag
Amazing melody, amazing rhythm.
Urban Florjancic
There are many of songs in the world, but this one is the most true down to earth, honest, humble and pure meditation, mixed with style. Aaaaaaa
Anja F
So true. Love and feel this song from the bottom of my heart ❤️💛💚
David Marr
These tracks from Mr Prophet work so well with Scientists mixing. I love Johnny Osbournes too but just something about Michaels voice makes each one quality in my opinion. The vocals are good in their own right as well of course.
Allan Taipalus
Dont forget the Roots Radics backing band :)
Izaiah Israiah
@George Bennett yes indeed
Izaiah Israiah
Definitely
George Bennett
Agreed man I can't think of anyone I'd rather hear over a Scientist tune than Mr Prophet.
Brljoze
Some a take money and make big enemy
While I man take love and make good friends
Some have stick in pocket
The other are flicking ratchet
But I man is here to teach you what's right from wrong
Say you know now...
Lets live in love and unity
For I and I want it to be free
Let's live in love and one I-nity
For anything that you do, Jah Jah always see
Let's live in love and one harmony
Say you know now....
Some have stick in pocket
The other are flicking ratchet
But I man is here to teach you what's right from wrong
Listen to me carefully
Let's love and I-nity
For anything you do, Jah see
A one love family....
CONCIOUS ! ! !