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.
Turn Me Loose
Michael Prophet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
turn me loose, woo-ho
for now its the time for the beginning
what the people believe we are thinking
people rights and justice for everyone
so, don't put me down
let me stand firm on this ground
neither try to push-a-me around, yu-eh
Lord, the time has come .
yes, for not because he is a dreadlocks
you neither be a ballhead
you let I through the gates
and leave the natty struggling, so
turn him loose
for it is the work-a-that he choose
turn him loose
don't you worry give him a (battle bruish?)
beware, beware yes
ah-ha
hi-yeah, oh-yeah
hi-yeah
yes, not because he is a dreadlocks
you neither may be a ballhead
you let I through the gate
and leave the natty struggling, so
turn him loose
for it is the work-a-that he choose
turn him loose
don't you worry give him a (battle bruish?)
beware, beware oh-yes
Jah children
so turn dem loose
pull it on the n-y-news
if you choose
hi-hu
turn 'im loose
ah-ahh
Jah children, oh-yeah-oh-yeah
turn dem loose
the time has come, woo-ho
The song "Turn Me Loose" by Michael Prophet is a reggae anthem about standing up for one's beliefs and fighting for justice. The opening line, "woo-ho-yeah-yeah-yes, turn me loose, woo-ho," sets the tone for the song and expresses the singer's desire to be set free and allowed to express his views.
The first verse emphasizes the importance of standing up for people's rights and fighting for justice. The singer asserts that he will not back down and will stand firm on his beliefs. He pleads with listeners to not put him down but to allow him to express himself without being pushed around.
The second verse addresses the discrimination faced by Rastafarians and their struggle to be accepted in society. The singer urges listeners to let him through the gates and leave the Rastafarians struggling for acceptance. He reminds people that Rastafarians have a right to choose their own path and to be respected just like everyone else.
Overall, "Turn Me Loose" is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to stand up for their beliefs and fight for justice.
Line by Line Meaning
woo-ho-yeah-yeah-yes turn me loose, woo-ho
The singer is calling for liberation and freedom.
for now its the time for the beginning
It is a new era and a fresh start.
what the people believe we are thinking
The lyrics reflect the thoughts and beliefs of the people.
people rights and justice for everyone
The song emphasizes people's rights and the need for justice for everyone.
so, don't put me down
The singer is calling for respect and fair treatment.
let me stand firm on this ground
The singer wants to assert their rights and stand up for what they believe in.
neither try to push-a-me around, yu-eh
The singer will not allow anyone to bully or coerce them.
Lord, the time has come.
The singer believes that the time for change and progress has arrived.
yes, for not because he is a dreadlocks
The singer is highlighting the senseless prejudice that exists against people with dreadlocks.
you neither be a ballhead
The singer is saying that hair or physical appearance should not define a person's worth.
you let I through the gates
The singer is asking for equal opportunities and access to opportunities.
and leave the natty struggling, so
The singer is highlighting the challenges that people with dreadlocks face.
turn him loose
The singer is asking for freedom and liberation for people with dreadlocks.
for it is the work-a-that he choose
The singer is saying that people should be free to pursue the work they choose.
don't you worry give him a (battle bruish?)
The singer is asking for support and encouragement for people who are struggling.
beware, beware yes ah-ha
The singer is warning against discrimination and prejudice.
hi-yeah, oh-yeah hi-yeah
The music is upbeat, suggesting optimism and positivity.
yes, not because he is a dreadlocks
The singer is emphasizing that having dreadlocks should not be a barrier to success or respect.
you neither may be a ballhead
The singer is saying that physical appearance should not matter.
you let I through the gate
The singer is calling for equal opportunities and open doors.
and leave the natty struggling, so
The singer is highlighting the challenges that people with dreadlocks face.
turn him loose
The singer is asking for freedom and liberation for people with dreadlocks.
for it is the work-a-that he choose
The singer is saying that people should be free to pursue the work they choose.
don't you worry give him a (battle bruish?)
The singer is asking for support and encouragement for people who are struggling.
beware, beware oh-yes
The singer is warning against discrimination and prejudice.
Jah children
The singer is invoking God and suggesting that all people are God's children.
so turn dem loose
The singer is repeating the call for freedom and liberation.
pull it on the n-y-news if you choose
The singer is encouraging the media to spread the message of freedom.
hi-hu turn 'im loose
The singer is repeating the call for freedom and liberation.
ah-ahh Jah children, oh-yeah-oh-yeah
The singer is invoking God and suggesting that all people are God's children.
turn dem loose
The singer is repeating the call for freedom and liberation.
the time has come, woo-ho
The singer believes that the time for change and progress has arrived.
Writer(s): Michael Haynes
Contributed by Addison N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Fabiotuffgong
Curti demais o som
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Bionic the tape man from Brixton ! my Man Bionic ? Since 88?