Early music and with the Wailers
Tosh was born in Westmoreland, the westernmost parish of Jamaica. He was abandoned by his parents and "shuffled among relatives". When McIntosh was fifteen, his aunt died and he moved to Trenchtown in Kingston, Jamaica. He first learned guitar after watching a man in the country play a song that captivated him. He watched the man play the same song for half a day, memorizing everything his fingers were doing. He then picked up the guitar and played the song back to the man. The man then asked McIntosh who had taught him to play; McIntosh told him that he had. During the early 1960s, as an aspiring musician, Tosh went to vocal teacher Joe Higgs, who gave free music lessons to young people. Through his contact with Higgs, Tosh met Robert Nesta Marley (Bob Marley) and Neville O'Reilly Livingston (Bunny Wailer). He then changed his name to Peter Tosh and the trio started singing together in 1962. Higgs taught the trio to harmonise and while developing their music, they would often play on the street corners of Trenchtown.
In 1964 Tosh helped organise the band the Wailing Wailers, with Junior Braithwaite, a falsetto singer, and backup singers Beverley Kelso and Cherry Smith. Initially, Tosh was the only one in the group who could play musical instruments. According to Bunny Wailer, Tosh was critical to the band because he was a self-taught guitarist and keyboardist, and thus became an inspiration for the other band members to learn to play. The Wailing Wailers had a major ska hit with their first single, "Simmer Down", and recorded several more successful singles before Braithwaite, Kelso and Smith left the band in late 1965. Marley spent much of 1966 in Delaware in the United States with his mother, Cedella (née Malcolm) Marley-Booker, and for a brief time was working at a nearby Chrysler factory. He returned to Jamaica in early 1967 with a renewed interest in music and a new spirituality. Tosh and Bunny were already Rastafarians when Marley returned from the US, and the three became very involved with the Rastafari faith. Soon afterwards, they renamed the musical group the Wailers. Tosh would explain later that they chose the name Wailers because to "wail" means to mourn or to, as he put it, "...express one's feelings vocally". He also claims that he was the beginning of the group, and that it was he who first taught Bob Marley the guitar. Also according to Bunny Wailer, the early Wailers learned to play instruments from Tosh.
During the mid-1960s Tosh, along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, were introduced to Danny Sims and Johnny Nash who signed the three artists to an exclusive recording contract on Sims' and Nash's JAD Records label as well as an exclusive publishing agreement through Sims' music publishing company, Cayman Music. Rejecting the up-tempo dance of ska, the band slowed their music to a rocksteady pace, and infused their lyrics with political and social messages inspired by their new-found faith. The Wailers composed several songs for the American-born singer Nash before teaming with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry to record some of the earliest well-known reggae songs, including "Soul Rebel", "Duppy Conqueror", and "Small Axe". The collaboration had given birth to reggae music and in 1970 bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett and his brother, drummer Carlton Barrett, joined the group. They recorded the album The Best of The Wailers, which was produced by Leslie Kong and released in 1971.[citation needed]
In 1972, Danny Sims assigned the balance of the JAD Records recording contract with the band to Chris Blackwell and Island Records company and released their debut, Catch a Fire, in 1973, following it with Burnin' the same year. The Wailers had moved from many producers after 1970 and there were instances where producers would record rehearsal sessions that Tosh did and release them in England under the name "Peter Touch".
In 1973, Tosh was driving home with his girlfriend Evonne when his car was hit by another car driving on the wrong side of the road. The accident killed Evonne and severely fractured Tosh's skull. After Island Records president Chris Blackwell refused to issue his solo album in 1974, Tosh and Bunny Wailer left the Wailers, citing the unfair treatment they received from Blackwell, to whom Tosh often referred with a derogatory play on Blackwell's surname, 'Whiteworst'. Tosh had written many of the Wailers' hit songs such as "Get Up, Stand Up", "400 Years", and "No Sympathy". Tosh began recording and released his solo debut, Legalize It, in 1976 with CBS Records company, and Treasure Isle. The title track soon became popular among endorsers of cannabis legalization, reggae music lovers and Rastafari all over the world, and was a favourite at Tosh's concerts.
That was his last album from the Wailers, Island Records. In 2013, a book co-written by French scholar Dr Jeremie Kroubo Dagnini and American Lee Jaffe, his former associate, says Tosh was part of a smuggling operation that raised money to fund this album.
Solo career
Tosh started to make his own albums with Rolling Stones Records and CBS Records Equal Rights followed in 1977, featuring his recording of a song co-written with Marley, "Get Up, Stand Up", and a cover of "Stepping Razor" that would also appear on the soundtrack to the film Rockers.
Tosh organised a backing band, Word, Sound and Power, who were to accompany him on tour for the next few years, and many of whom performed on his albums of this period. In 1978, the Rolling Stones record label Rolling Stones Records contracted with Tosh, on which the album Bush Doctor was released, introducing Tosh to a larger audience. The album featured Rolling Stones frontmen Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and the lead single – a cover version of The Temptations song "Don't Look Back" – was performed as a duet with Jagger.
During Bob Marley's free One Love Peace Concert of 1978, Tosh lit a marijuana spliff and lectured about legalising cannabis, lambasting attending dignitaries Michael Manley and Edward Seaga for their failure to enact such legislation. Several months later he was apprehended by police as he left Skateland dance hall in Kingston and was beaten severely while in police custody.
Mystic Man (1979), and Wanted Dread and Alive (1981) followed, both released on Rolling Stones Records. Tosh tried to gain some mainstream success while keeping his militant views, but was only moderately successful, especially when compared to Marley's achievements.
In 1984, after the release of 1983's album Mama Africa, Tosh went into self-imposed exile, seeking the spiritual advice of traditional medicine men in Africa, and trying to free himself from recording agreements that distributed his records in South Africa. Tosh had been at odds for several years with his label, EMI, over a perceived lack of promotion for his music.
Tosh also participated in the international opposition to South African apartheid by appearing at anti-apartheid concerts and by conveying his opinion in various songs like "Apartheid" (1977, re-recorded 1987), "Equal Rights" (1977), "Fight On" (1979), and "Not Gonna Give It Up" (1983). In 1987, Peter Tosh seemed to be having a career revival. He was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Performance in 1987 for No Nuclear War, his last record.
Death
On 11 September 1987, just after Tosh had returned to his home in Jamaica, a three-man gang came to his house on motorcycles demanding money. Tosh replied that he did not have any with him but the gang did not believe him. They stayed at his residence for several hours and tortured Tosh in an attempt to extort money from him. Over the hours, as various associates of Tosh arrived to visit him, they were also taken hostage by the gunmen. The gunmen became more and more frustrated, especially the chief thug, Dennis "Leppo" Lobban, a man whom Tosh had previously befriended and tried to help find work after a long jail sentence. Tosh said he did not have any money in the house, after which Lobban and the fellow gunmen began opening fire in a reckless manner. Tosh was shot twice in the head and killed. Herbalist Wilton "Doc" Brown and disc jockey Jeff 'Free I' Dixon also died as a result of wounds sustained during the robbery. Several others in the house were wounded, including Tosh's common law wife Andrea Marlene Brown, Free I's wife Yvonne ("Joy"); Tosh's drummer Carlton "Santa" Davis, and musician Michael Robinson.
According to Police Commissioner Herman Ricketts, Dennis "Leppo" Lobban surrendered and two other men were interrogated but not publicly named. Lobban went on to plead innocent during his trial, telling the court he had been drinking with friends. The trial was held in a closed court due to the involvement of illegal firearms. Lobban was ultimately found guilty by a jury of eight women and four men and sentenced to death by hanging. His sentence was commuted in 1995 and Lobban remains in jail. Another suspect was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The other two gunmen were never identified by name.
Discography
Legalize It (1976)
Equal Rights (1977)
Bush Doctor (1978)
Mystic Man (1979)
Wanted Dread & Alive (1981)
Mama Africa (1983)
No Nuclear War (1987)
Buk-In-Hamm Palace
Peter Tosh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reggae music
As far as I can see
This here music
Reggae music
It's got a spell on me
Rasta music
As far as I can see
This here music
Roots music
It's got a hold on me
It can make you feel so happy
Whenever problems get you down
It has itaficial respiration
Keep your heart functioning sound
Light your spliff
Light your chalice
Make we smoke it in Buk In Hamm Palace
Lend me a paper
Lend me a fire
Mek we chase way all the vampire
Light up your spliff
Light up your chalice
Make we burn it in a Buk In Hamm Palace
Lend me a paper
Lend me some fire
We ha' fe chase way vampire
Music and herb is the healing of the nation
Sent from Jah oo-ee grace
So take heed, heed and listen
Be a fan for better days
Light your spliff
Light your chalice
We gonna smoke it in a Buk In Hamm Palace
Lend me a paper
Lend me some fire
Mek we chase way vampire
Light up your spliff
Light your chalice
We gonna burn it in a Buk In Hamm Palace
Lend me a paper
Lend me some fire
Mek we chase way vampire
If you want to know my father
Said you've got to know his son
And if you try to compare us
You can see that we are one
Light up your spliff
Light up your chalice
Rasta don't keep malice
Light up your spliff
Light up your chalice
In a Buk in Hamm Palace
This is a true imagination
Come to set the people free
Don't you let disco get you down
Give a listenin' to reggae sound
Light your spliff
Light your chalice
We a go smoke it in a Buk in Hamm Palcae
Lend me a paper
Lend me a fire
Mek we chase way vampire
Put down your face yes
Of called depressed yes
We gonna smoke it in the House of Congress
Lend me a rizla
Lend me a fire
We a go chase way vampire
Can you feel, can feel it, can you FEEL it?
The song Buk-In-Hamm Palace by Peter Tosh explores the power of reggae music and the Rastafarian culture. Tosh mentions how this music genre has a spell and hold on him, particularly the roots and Rasta reggae music. He talks about the therapeutic effects of reggae music, how it can make one feel happy when they are down and contribute to the proper functioning of a person’s heart. The lyrics also point towards the use of marijuana ('light your spliff' and 'light your chalice') in the Rastafarian culture, which Tosh sees as part of the healing process as sent from Jah’s grace. He proclaims music and herb to be the healing of the nation, and suggests that people should adopt reggae music as a means of positivity.
The song also speaks about seeking freedom and emancipation, which Tosh believes is in reggae music. In one of the verses, he urges people to stop dancing to disco music and listen to reggae sound instead, as it is meant to set people free, indicating the political undertones that are often associated with reggae music. The lyrics contain a few interesting and unique references, such as Buk-In-Hamm Palace being a reference to Buckingham Palace, the House of Congress, and vampire, which all provide a cultural context to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
This here music
Reggae music
As far as I can see
Reggae music has a spell on me and can make me feel happy whenever things get me down.
This here music
Rasta music
As far as I can see
Roots music has a hold on me and it's vital for the heart to function properly.
It can make you feel so happy
Whenever problems get you down
It has itaficial respiration
Keep your heart functioning sound
Reggae music can bring happiness whenever someone is feeling down and it's beneficial for keeping the heart healthy.
Light your spliff
Light your chalice
Make we smoke it in Buk In Hamm Palace
Lend me a paper
Lend me a fire
Mek we chase way all the vampire
Light up your spliff
Light up your chalice
Make we burn it in a Buk In Hamm Palace
Lend me a paper
Lend me some fire
We ha' fe chase way vampire
Let's smoke marijuana and get away from negativity in a place called Buk In Hamm Palace.
Music and herb is the healing of the nation
Sent from Jah oo-ee grace
So take heed, heed and listen
Be a fan for better days
Reggae music and marijuana can heal the nation as it is a divine gift from Jah.
Light your spliff
Light your chalice
We gonna smoke it in a Buk In Hamm Palace
Lend me a paper
Lend me some fire
Mek we chase way vampire
Light up your spliff
Light your chalice
We gonna burn it in a Buk In Hamm Palace
Lend me a paper
Lend me some fire
Mek we chase way vampire
Let's continue smoking marijuana to stay away from negative energy in a peaceful environment and chase away negativity.
If you want to know my father
Said you've got to know his son
And if you try to compare us
You can see that we are one
To understand someone's roots, it's important to observe their offspring and once you compare them, you would realize their unity.
Light up your spliff
Light up your chalice
Rasta don't keep malice
Light up your spliff
Light up your chalice
In a Buk in Hamm Palace
Rastafarians have no negativity within them and let's smoke marijuana peacefully in Buk In Hamm Palace.
This is a true imagination
Come to set the people free
Don't you let disco get you down
Give a listenin' to reggae sound
This is an honest expression that aims to free people from negativity caused by disco music, and they should listen to reggae music instead.
Light your spliff
Light your chalice
We a go smoke it in a Buk in Hamm Palcae
Lend me a paper
Lend me a fire
Mek we chase way vampire
Put down your face yes
Of called depressed yes
We gonna smoke it in the House of Congress
Lend me a rizla
Lend me a fire
We a go chase way vampire
Let's smoke marijuana in Buk In Hamm Palace or even the House of Congress to chase away negativity and depression.
Can you feel, can feel it, can you FEEL it?
Can you sense the impact of reggae music and marijuana on you?
Contributed by Victoria J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@joebernier8215
PETER TOSH , KING OF REGGAE, NO ONE EVEN CLOSE, NEVER WILL BE
@aSpeakerOfTheTruth
This song is almost 40 years old, and has such a timeless vibe to it. I can't believe how good of a job they did here. There are healing vibes here, and i love it. Good job Pete! One Love
@philipman4618
So true
@Jhonny.33
Yeeee man That is the truth.. but since the good said the truth is not a sin it makes you be in danger because it is an offense whoever possesses the truth can be sentenced to death and be as pure and real as It was he has a price, a price that I pay with death... he said it, everything is corrupted, this shitty vampiric Babylon system they will all burn in the fire of Jah Rastafari the highest. Who believes can face the highest. If you want wisdom, thank the king, the conquering lion of the tribe of Judah. Rastafarian blessings because the lion has already won
@douglasterrell316
I'm doing the robot to it as I'm typing...
@gilmarbernardo
Great hit. Peter Tosh sure is one of reggae kings!!!!!
@MrRedsentry
Honestly one of the greatest songs ever made, everything about it is so perfect.
@tuffgonggb3340
SOULJAHZ ROCKERZ MARANATHA KYMRY FYAH BUN
@cannabis1490
PERFECT!!!
THIS IS MY ANTHEM!
I BLAST IT EVERYDAY...IN DI CAR, IN DI HOUSE, IN MI EARPHONES!!
💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💚💛♥️🇯🇲🔥
@fortmyersfruitforest5214
The rhythm