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)
Lion
Peter Tosh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Talkin' about lion, iron, but you far from zion
I only hear you words
But I don't see no works
You think my father's a fool
You never get away
No matter what you say
And then you come around, lion, iron, but you can't go to zion
Talkin' 'bout lion, iron, but you far from zion
Knots on your head
Talkin' 'bout you dread
And you believe, that is all
Long hair on your face
And your works is disgrace
You and the wicked them must fall
And then you talk about lion, iron, but you can't go to zion
Talkin' 'bout lion, iron, but you far from zion
Preach lot in the days
And you kill in the nights
And you believe, that is right
Put down your gun
Or your days will be done
You won't be around, to have no fun
So I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
Cause I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
No bet you, lion, iron, and I must go to zion
I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
Cause I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
No bet you, lion, iron
Dress back baldhead bwai
Step back likkle pick out tail bwai, me is a big bwai out dere
The lyrics of Peter Tosh's song "Lion" is a critique of those individuals who talk about lion and iron but are far from reaching Zion. "Lion" is a metaphor used in the song to represent strength, courage, and a victorious spirit while "Iron" can be interpreted as internal fortitude or discipline. Zion, on the other hand, is a concept that represents a utopian society based on the principles of Rastafarianism, where freedom, equality, and justice for all are upheld.
The song begins with Peter Tosh calling out the hypocrites who talk about lion and iron but are not capable of attaining success. He emphasizes that their words mean nothing if they do not back them up with actions. In the following lines, he expresses his anger towards those who consider his father to be foolish and disregard the rules that he set for them. Tosh calls them out for their hollow claims of strength and lion-heartedness when they are far from being worthy of it.
The second verse is a direct attack on those who claim to be dreadlocks but do things that are not in line with Rasta principles. He criticizes those who show off their long hair and wear the Rasta colors but do not follow the ways of Rastafarianism in their actions. Tosh warns them that their wickedness will be their downfall if they do not turn away from their evil ways.
In the final verse of the song, Peter Tosh takes on a more prophetic tone. He calls out those who preach during the day and kill at night, warning them to put down their guns before it's too late. He asserts that he is the real lion and iron and that he must go to Zion because he embodies the true spirit of strength and courage.
Line by Line Meaning
You talkin' about lion, iron, but you can't go to zion
You claim to be strong and powerful, like a lion or iron, but you are not deserving of the ultimate reward of Zion.
Talkin' about lion, iron, but you far from zion
Even though you boast about your strength, you are nowhere near reaching Zion.
I only hear you words
I hear you speaking, but your actions don't match up with what you say.
But I don't see no works
I don't see you actively working towards your goals.
You think my father's a fool
You disrespect God, thinking He can be fooled by your empty words and false bravado.
You never get away
You cannot escape the consequences of your actions.
No matter what you say
Your words won't change the fact that you've broken God's laws.
Cause you have broken my father's rule
Your actions go against the laws set by God.
And then you come around, lion, iron, but you can't go to zion
Even though you talk a big game, you are still unworthy of the ultimate reward of Zion.
Talkin' 'bout lion, iron, but you far from zion
Your claims of strength and power don't mean anything if you are not living according to God's laws.
Knots on your head
Refers to the signature Rastafarian hairstyle with dreadlocks.
Talkin' 'bout you dread
You claim to be a Rastafarian, but you are not living up to the true principles.
And you believe, that is all
You think that having the appearance of being a Rastafarian is enough, but it's not.
Long hair on your face
You have the physical appearance of a Rastafarian, but your actions do not match up.
And your works is disgrace
Your actions are shameful and contrary to Rastafarian beliefs.
You and the wicked them must fall
You and others like you, who claim to be Rastafarians but do not live according to the true principles, will fall.
Preach lot in the days
You talk about your beliefs in the daytime.
And you kill in the nights
But at night, you do things that violate the Rastafarian way of life.
And you believe, that is right
You justify your actions, thinking they are right, even though they go against Rastafarian principles.
Put down your gun
Stop engaging in violent and harmful behavior.
Or your days will be done
If you continue on this path, you will not survive.
You won't be around, to have no fun
If you continue on this path, you will die and not be able to enjoy life.
So I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
As a true Rastafarian, I am strong and unwavering and I will ultimately reach Zion.
No bet you, lion, iron, and I must go to zion
You can be sure that I am determined to reach Zion.
I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
I am strong and firm in my Rastafarian beliefs and I am committed to reaching Zion.
Cause I am the lion, iron, and I must go to zion
My strength and power come from my faith and I am determined to reach the ultimate reward of Zion.
Dress back baldhead bwai
This is a taunt to someone who is not a Rastafarian and has a shaven head.
Step back likkle pick out tail bwai, me is a big bwai out dere
This line asserts the singer's strength and power, despite any attempts to belittle him.
Contributed by Mateo L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rebelsoundz
This song is from 1972 when the Wailer were still together and long before Bob Marley's Iron Lion Zion
@israelkanu8299
Bob recorded iron lion Zion in 1973
@remmykangwa4845
Takes me back to my small room in Manchester when at University. Peter's music was my sunshine on many a rainy and cold days in Babylon. RIP , you are the prophet. Jah bless
@josephgurure5656
Why not give respect to the one who deserves to be respected. That's what always these Babylons do my brethrens.Your music nd massages Will live forever in our heart's nd minds. RIP the prophet Tosh.
@mikerasta84p
big up ma brethren nice message!
@dillonworrell2115
Peter Tosh Knows Righteousness. This Song Teaches Us About Hypocritical Ways.
@samabeka3023
A WICKED BLOCKBUSTER !
@solomonksidibey8895
Many just focused on Bob and forgot to listen to most of this guy's mugs.
@pabloakmhed5198
Very true. He was the voice of reason, and I believe Bob Marley knew that,clearly.
@frederickparillon144
Corah well said, I'm glad that I have someone who have seen and heard what I've been saying all along! Peace.