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)
No Nuclear War
Peter Tosh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No Nuclear War
We don't want no nuclear war
With nuclear war we won't get far
I said that We don't want no nuclear war
With nuclear war we won't get far
Said no, just another holocaust
It's just another holocaust
Too many people are hungry
They don't have food to eat
They are naked
'Cause they don't have clothes to wear
They are going insane
Because of the condition
A million babies
Are suffering from malnutrition
''Chorus''
I can't take no more
I saw World War One
Where lotsa trouble begun
I saw World War Two
When the pirates came right through
Lookin' for World War Three
But you got to set me free
Free from the chains
And this here misery
''Chorus''
We can't take no more
Unemployment
I said the rate is high
So much sick people
I'm sure they gonna die
So much mad people
Gettin' ready to explode
'Fore somebody
Come help them carry this load
''Chorus''
One country deploying MX
Another country deploying SS
Inflation goin' way up high
And the dollar is going way down low
''Chorus''
Crying, bawling, they can't take no more
I hear them moaning they can't take no more
They don't wanna die
They want to go to Heaven, yeah
But they can't
They can't take no more
They gettin' low
They can't take no more
They gettin' grief
They can't take no more
They gettin' beat
They can't take no more
They gettin' lazy
Cause They can't take no more
Bored
They can't take no more
Frustrated
They can't take no more
Pleading for them
They can't take no more
Can't you hear me pleading for them
Cause They can't take no more
They want to live in peace
And happiness
Let the trees grow
Let the waters flow...
The song "No Nuclear War" by Peter Tosh is a strong anti-nuclear war anthem that conveys the message that nuclear war can only lead to destruction and the loss of innocent lives. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "No Nuclear War" several times, stating that they do not want any kind of nuclear war because it won't lead them anywhere. Tosh insists that nuclear war is just a holocaust and that they cannot take it anymore. The verses of the song talk about the various problems that are going on in the world, such as poverty, unemployment, sickness, and mental illness. The lyrics use language that is emotive and descriptive in painting a picture of people who are suffering.
Tosh uses his personal experiences of World War One and World War Two to draw a comparison to the possible outbreak of World War Three, culminating in destruction and death. The artist highlights the dangers of nuclear war and the ways it can lead to the ending of the world as we know it. He talks about the inflation rate going high and the dollar going down low, indicating the catastrophic economic consequences of nuclear war. In the final verse, Tosh pleads for peace and harmony, urging that people want to live in peace and happiness, and they want to see the trees grow and waters flow, thus depicting an ideal planet free from war, hunger, and other forms of suffering.
Overall, "No Nuclear War" is a profound and emotional song that delivers powerful messages against the dangers of war and the fear of nuclear weapons.
Line by Line Meaning
No Nuclear War
Peter Tosh wants to express his strong opposition to nuclear war which could lead to another holocaust.
We don't want no nuclear war
Peter Tosh expresses his categorical opposition to nuclear war.
With nuclear war we won't get far
Peter Tosh believes that nuclear war does not offer any solution to our problems and will only create greater issues.
I said that We don't want no nuclear war
Peter Tosh's repetition emphasizes his position against nuclear war.
Said no, just another holocaust
Peter Tosh sees a clear parallel between the devastation of nuclear war and the historical holocaust.
And we can't take no more
Peter Tosh underlines the urgency of the situation and the need to act.
Too many people are hungry
Peter Tosh highlights the hunger issue in the world.
They don't have food to eat
Many people do not have access to basic nutrition.
They are naked
Many people suffer from a lack of access to basic necessities such as adequate clothing.
'Cause they don't have clothes to wear
The lack of clothing is yet another example of the difficult conditions many people must face every day.
They are going insane
The frustration of living in such conditions can drive people to the brink of collapse.
Because of the condition
The living conditions of many people are simply unbearable.
A million babies
Even infants are not immune from the impact of poverty, malnutrition and hunger.
Are suffering from malnutrition
Malnutrition is a serious problem for many people all around the world.
I can't take no more
Peter Tosh has had enough of the suffering he sees around him.
I saw World War One
Peter Tosh has direct experience of the horrors of war and the conflict of the world.
Where lotsa trouble begun
World War One was a watershed moment that led directly to many conflicts still ongoing today.
I saw World War Two
Peter Tosh was around to experience the terror and confusion of World War Two.
When the pirates came right through
Peter Tosh refers to the idea of war as a form of piracy, citing the greed and aggression that fuels these conflicts.
Lookin' for World War Three
Peter Tosh sees many alarming signs that the world is once again headed towards a potential new war.
But you got to set me free
Peter Tosh believes that we have the power to stop this cycle of violence and prevent the possibility of future wars.
Free from the chains
Peter Tosh believes that humanity is trapped by war and violence, which are complex issues to overcome.
And this here misery
Peter Tosh recognizes the profound suffering caused by war and violence.
We can't take no more
Peter Tosh's message is clear: the world needs to change in order to prevent further conflict and suffering.
Unemployment
Peter Tosh highlights the global problem of unemployment, which is often a direct result of economic disparity and inequality.
I said the rate is high
The problem of unemployment is not just restricted to certain regions of the world, but is a global issue.
So much sick people
Healthcare is seldom available for those who need it most and there are billions of people around the world that don't have access to necessary medical aid.
I'm sure they gonna die
Many people suffer and die because of a lack of available healthcare and resources.
So much mad people
Mental health is often neglected in crisis situations, resulting in people dealing with trauma and psychological damage.
Gettin' ready to explode
The situation is often so dire that many people feel like they are on the brink of emotional collapse.
'Fore somebody
Before we reach a point of no return or resolution.
Come help them carry this load
People experiencing hardship, poverty and trauma should not have to carry their burden alone, there is a need for help and humanity.
One country deploying MX
There continue to be pressing issues around nuclear weapon development and deployment around the globe.
Another country deploying SS
Peter Tosh highlights the global arms race and the dangers of new and highly destructive technologies being developed constantly.
Inflation goin' way up high
The world economy is in great distress- prices rise at unsustainable levels which intensify socio-economic pressures.
And the dollar is going way down low
The economic situation is in turmoil and there are many uncertainties both on regional and global scales.
Crying, bawling, they can't take no more
Peter Tosh articulates the despair and helplessness of the people who are affected by the ongoing crises in the world.
I hear them moaning they can't take no more
Peter Tosh notes that the sounds people make when they are in distress are cries for help and attention.
They don't wanna die
No one wants to lose their life and die without experiencing life's pleasures and joys.
They want to go to Heaven, yeah
Going to heaven signifies peace, safety, and comfort that the world cannot offer at present.
But they can't
Many people suffer from preventable and acute issues such that heaven seems an unattainable dream for them.
They can't take no more
The depth of pain and suffering is often more than people can bear, leading to desperation and hopelessness.
They gettin' low
People lose their energy and will to live over time because of so much suffering.
They gettin' grief
People are deeply distressed and unsettled emotionally.
They can't take no more
The repetitive line emphasizes just how overwhelming the situation can be.
They gettin' beat
Society and the forces it unleashes can feel like an enemy of the individual scenario.
They can't take no more
Peter Tosh's song amplifies the message that people can only cope with so much suffering and become entirely overwhelmed over time.
They gettin' lazy
In such trying times, people are often discouraged and lose their desire to engage with everyday life.
Cause They can't take no more
The burden of pain and suffering is too much for many to bear, leading them to retreat from living their normal lives.
Bored
Life itself can be lifeless and grind people down when times are tough.
They can't take no more
Peter Tosh uses repetition to emphasize the severity of the situation and the limits of what people can tolerate.
Frustrated
The nature of human strife often causes huge headwinds of frustration and despair for individuals and communities alike.
They can't take no more
The message of the song is essentially that there is only so much one can bear.
Pleading for them
Peter Tosh acts as a voice for the voiceless and brings their hardships to light through his music.
They can't take no more
Peter Tosh reinforces the fact that many are at their breaking points and cannot continue in the current conditions.
Can't you hear me pleading for them
Peter Tosh implores us to hear the cries of help and take action where we can.
They want to live in peace
There are those among us who seek to avoid violence and simply live lives of peace and happiness.
And happiness
The desire to be happy is universal and transcends geographic and cultural borders.
Let the trees grow
Peter Tosh is keen on environmental preservation and wants trees to thrive and thrive.
Let the waters flow
Peter Tosh believes that natural resources such as water should be preserved so they can benefit everyone.
Contributed by Thomas A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@blackomega4061
Peter Tosh was a mystic man ahead of his time...his music will live forever. WE DON'T WANT NO NUCLEAR WAR!
@BillyBlaze4Christ
R.I.P. to the legend Peter Tosh. This song is so fitting now. WE DONT WANT NO NUCLEAR WAR!!
@geoffreymubanga3877
Has we are experiencing war in middle east and Europe we don't want nuclear weapons.
@antonioalberto7908
One of the most powerful song in this world 🌎 long lives the king tosh 🙏🏽
@jonathanclary3992
Peter Tosh 🇯🇲🎶🎼 earned a Grammy Award for this album
@laoluolaitan9647
Prophet Peter Tosh, you were indeed a blessing to the world.
Your songs are always relevant to our world.
Rest in peace man.
@bentonmsimango6795
True man, my brother used to say Tosh was the real prophet.He was especially referring to the song Crystal Ball. Indeed the things he predicted in that song over 30 years ago are things that are happening today.Things like Teachers striking among others, especially in a South African context.
@goofyke5340
Talking about war
@eileenbesley-anderson5938
He is Resting In Power.
@abusekyere872
@@bentonmsimango6795 churches lockdown no one was expecting. Tosh was a prophet