Roland,, described as "the male Kate Bush" by one-time label mate Robyn Hitchcock, has released a series of albums for collectable labels such as Bam Caruso, New Rose and Imaginary in a low-key career that has seen him acclaimed on the continent but somewhat ignored in his native country. In England he is better known as a writer of mass market books on mysticism and the occult for major publishers. However, his reputation as a uniquely imaginative and consistently fascinating figure on the psych-pop circuit has substantially increased with each album. Other cult figures such as Robyn Hitchcock, Nick Saloman (Bevis Frond), Nick Nicely, and Andy Ellison (John's Children) have made guest appearances on his albums, several of which are now listed as highly collectable.
Since 1979 Paul has been spinning his bizarre tales in music. Among his more whimsical creations are the eccentric characters on the largely acoustic album "Happy Families" and its prequel "A Cabinet of Curiosities".
His first album "The Werewolf of London" (1980) which boasted a penchant for historical and supernatural themes was picked up by Armageddon Records, who at the time also had the Soft Boys on their roster.
And it was there that Paul met Robyn Hitchcock who later appeared on tracks for Paul's second album.
After an abortive flirtation with the music business, when he was managed by David Enthoven and June Bolan (widow of Marc Bolan), he returned to Armageddon in 1985 for the mini-album "Burnt Orchids".
Its title track was the first to feature Paul backed by a small string and woodwind ensemble, a trademark of all his albums to date.
The success of the album led to Paul's first tours in Europe and label deals in France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the USA and Japan.
A series of diverse albums followed, including the psych cult classic "Danse Macabre" (1987), the acoustic based mini LPs "A Cabinet of Curiosities" (1987) and "Happy Families" (1988), the rockier "Duel" (1989) with its medieval-tinged three-song suite "The King Must Die", the folk rock of "Masque" (1990), the more commercial "Roaring Boys" (1991), "Strychnine" (1992), a mini-album of cover versions and "Sarabande" (1994). "Gargoyles" (1996) and "Pavane" (2004). Many albums have followed.
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Jumbee
Paul Roland Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Brown skinned girls and the sailors they entice
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields
I saw them once burnt black hacking at cane
Feet dragging dust ankles swollen by chains
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields
The Overseer he snakes his whip to the night
And they stumble on goaded by its bite
In land where the sweet Magnolia blooms
Shuttered moonlight bathes the white mans room
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields
The lyrics of Paul Roland's song Jumbee are a powerful and poignant commentary on the history and struggles of the people of Haiti. The song begins with a description of the colonial port town of Port Au Prince, where tall ships take on spice and brown-skinned girls entice sailors. The mention of Baron Samedi, the Haitian spirit of death and resurrection, sets the tone for the haunting tale of the Jumbee - Haitian slaves who were forced to work in the fields under brutal conditions.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the Jumbee's life as they hack at cane fields, their feet dragging in dust and their ankles swollen by chains. The Overseer's whip is a constant threat, and the Jumbee are goaded on by its bite. Through it all, Baron Samedi watches over them, offering comfort and peace in the midst of their suffering.
The final verse of the song brings us to the American South, where the "sweet Magnolia" blooms and the moonlight bathes the white man's room. It's a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the Jumbee's life in Haiti, and serves to remind us of the continuing legacy of oppression and inequality that persists to this day.
Overall, the lyrics of Jumbee are a powerful and poetic tribute to the resilience and spirit of the Haitian people.
Line by Line Meaning
In Port Au Prince the tall ships take on spice
The city of Port Au Prince is famous for its import and export of spices, which are loaded and unloaded onto the tall ships that dock at the harbor.
Brown skinned girls and the sailors they entice
The sailors who come ashore are often tempted by the local girls with their exotic brown skin.
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields
Baron Samedi, a voodoo spirit of the dead, is being invoked to watch over and protect the Jumbee, who are enslaved and forced to work in the fields.
I saw them once burnt black hacking at cane
The Jumbee are working under the hot sun, with their skin becoming burnt black from the intense heat, while they are forced to chop at the sugar cane with their machetes.
Feet dragging dust ankles swollen by chains
The Jumbee are shackled by heavy chains, which are causing their ankles to swell, as they are made to move slowly with their feet dragging in the dust.
The Overseer he snakes his whip to the night
The Overseer, who is in charge of the Jumbee, is shown to be cruel and relentless, as he whips the plantation workers into submission all through the night.
And they stumble on goaded by its bite
The Jumbee, despite being beaten and whipped, continue to work in the fields, stumbling as they are goaded into action by the Overseer's lash.
In land where the sweet Magnolia blooms
The setting is a place where the beautiful Magnolia flowers grow in abundance, typically in the Southern regions of the United States.
Shuttered moonlight bathes the white mans room
The plantation owner, who is typically a white man, sleeps comfortably in his shuttered room while the Jumbee work tirelessly in the fields outside at night.
Sleep sweetly Baron Samedi, there Jumbee working in the fields
Once again invoking Baron Samedi, this time to offer solace to the Jumbee who are still working late into the night, despite their great suffering.
Writer(s): Paul Roland
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.