He debuted in 1988 with the single Funky Raggamuffin/Let the music play, a mixture of dancehall and hip hop. He then joined, and became the rapper for the group Stonefunkers, followed by a few years of cooperation with Rob'n'Raz. He went solo, and had his breakthrough in 1990 with the album Lettin' off steam, which was predominantly hip hop and dancehall. His next album, One Step Ahead, had elements of soul and reggae, mixing song and rap.
His 1994 release, Original Master, produced by Denniz Pop at Cheiron Studio, incorporated eurodisco into his music. This album included the track "The First Cut is the Deepest", which is his commercially most successful hit.
During the 1990s and 2000s he released several albums, often in cooperation with Desmond Foster. He was also a member of The Brooklyn Funk Essentials.
Papa Dee is an avid collector of records (he claims to have over 10 000 reggae singles) which has come in handy as he is currently a DJ and presenter on Swedish national radio.
The Tide Is High
Papa Dee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
I'm not the kinda girl
Who gives up just like that (Oh no)
It's not the things you do
But it's the way you do the things
You do to me
I'm not the kinda girl
Who gives up just like that o
Oh no
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one
Number one
Every girl wants
You to be her man
But I'll wait my dear
'Til it's my turn
I'm not the kinda girl
Who gives up just like that
Oh no
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one
Number one
Every time that I get the feeling
You give me something to believe in
Every time that I got you near me
I don't believe that I want it to be
But you know that I'm gonna take my chance now
I'm gonna make it happen somehow
And you know I can take the pressure
A moment's pain for a lifetime pleasure
Every girl wants you to be her man
But I'll wait right here
'Til it's my turn
I'm not the kinda girl
Who gives up just like that
Oh no
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high
But I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
Every time that I get the feeling
You give me something to believe in
Every time that I got you near me
I don't believe that I want it to be
But you know that I'm gonna take my chance now
I'm gonna make it happen somehow
And you know I can take the pressure
A moment's pain for a lifetime pleasure
The song "The Tide Is High" by Papa Dee is a cover version of a song originally performed by The Paragons in 1967. In Papa Dee's version, the lyrics describe a woman who is determined to hold on to her relationship despite difficulties. She acknowledges that the "tide is high," meaning that obstacles and challenges are present, but she is committed to being her lover's number one. The girl in the song affirms that she is not the type to give up easily, and that it is not her lover's actions that cause her pain, but the way they are carried out. She sings that she is willing to wait her turn until her man is ready to commit to her fully.
The song is notable for its upbeat melody and for the way in which the lyrics depict the female protagonist as self-assured and confident. Rather than being a victim of her partner's actions, she is determined to take control of the situation and make it work in her favor. The chorus, with its repetition of "The tide is high, but I'm holding on, I'm gonna be your number one" reinforces this message of perseverance and resilience. The song can be interpreted as a lesson in self-belief and the power of determination in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
The tide is high
There are challenges ahead
But I'm holding on
I am persevering
I'm gonna be your number one
I am committed to being with you
I'm not the kinda girl
I am not easily swayed or defeated
Who gives up just like that (Oh no)
I won't give up easily or quickly
It's not the things you do
It's not necessarily your actions
That tease and hurt me bad
That cause me pain and frustration
But it's the way you do the things
It's how you do them that affects me
You do to me
That impacts me deeply
Every girl wants
Many women desire you
You to be her man
To be in a romantic relationship with you
But I'll wait my dear
I am willing to wait until it's my turn
'Til it's my turn
Until I have a chance with you
Number one
I want to be your top priority and partner
Every time that I get the feeling
Whenever I feel something for you
You give me something to believe in
You give me hope and confidence
Every time that I got you near me
Whenever I am close to you
I don't believe that I want it to be
I am unsure if I should pursue this further
But you know that I'm gonna take my chance now
But I am willing to take a risk with you now
I'm gonna make it happen somehow
I am determined to make things work
And you know I can take the pressure
I am strong enough to handle challenges
A moment's pain for a lifetime pleasure
I am willing to endure pain for lasting happiness
Contributed by Victoria H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@asianfinn
This is one of the songs that makes you pause for a moment, with whatever you are doing, when it was played in the radio. Classic song. Thanks for the upload.
@oldmusic123
1966 - The Paragons
1978 - Gregory Isaccas
1980 - Blondie
1996 - Papa Dee
2000 - Billie Piper
2002 - Atomic Kitten
2008 - Kardinal Official
Those Are All The Artists Who Recorded This Song.
@lw97nilslinuswhitewaterweb23
2000 - Seeed
@ankia-w5399
Sweden is proud of our singer :)
@brianromolor3243
I believe this is Korean music I've heard from a friend back in the 90's
@jamesackermann5792
Yeah, great song. I miss the video that used to be here. Is it still around somewhere?
@darkangelw8472
Swedish Pride :)
@SDinoFPS
I couln't find it and I haven't watched video. =/
@Lillithscorpio
Can u upload song surrender
@stefanwerme5403
Have you heard the Atomic Kittens version of this song?