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)
U Gotta Walk & Don't Look Back
Peter Tosh Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't run it, you can't hide it, you can't run it
Love has problems I know but there problems, we'll just have to face.
If you just put your hand in mine,
We're gonna leave all our troubles behind.
We're gonna walk and don't look back.
Don't look back
And don't look back
Don't look back
The places behind you let them re-remind you
If your first lover broke your heart,
There's something that can be done.
You don't run it, you don't hide it, you don't run it
Don't end your faith in love because of what he's done.
So if you just put your hand in mine,
We're gonna leave all our troubles behind.
Keep on walking and don't look back.
Forget about the past now.
Don't look back, baby.
Keep on walking and don't look back
The places behind you let them re-remind you.
Love can be a beautiful thing.
Though your first love let you down.
'Cause I know we can make love bloom, baby.
The second time around.
So if you just put your hand in mine,
We're gonna leave all our troubles behind.
Keep on pushing and don't look back.
Now, till I say, we won't look back, girl.
Keep on walking and won't look back.
Forget about the past now, baby.
And don't look back.
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, don't look back.
The song 'Don't Look Back' by Peter Tosh and Mick Jagger speaks to the idea that love is not always easy, but it is worth facing the problems that come with it. The lyrics suggest that previous heartbreaks shouldn't hinder moving forward in love. The line "If it's love that you're running from, there's no hiding place." suggests that one can't escape love and encourages the listener to confront their fears and embrace love fully. The repetition of the line "We're gonna leave our troubles behind" highlights the need to let go of past pain and focus on the potential love that could lie ahead.
The second verse acknowledges that love can be difficult, but encourages the listener not to give up on it. The line "Don't end your faith in love because of what he's done" suggests that one bad experience shouldn't define our entire perspective on love. The chorus is repeated several times, emphasizing the importance of moving forward and leaving the past in the past.
Overall, the song delivers a positive message of hope and encourages the listener not to give up on love. It doesn't deny the realities of heartbreak and struggles in love, but instead suggests that it's worth persevering through these difficulties to find a real and lasting love.
Line by Line Meaning
If it's love that you're running from, there's no hiding place.
Love cannot be escaped or hidden from.
You can't run it, you can't hide it, you can't run it
Love cannot be avoided or ignored.
Love has problems I know but there problems, we'll just have to face.
Love may have challenges, but we must confront them.
If you just put your hand in mine, We're gonna leave all our troubles behind.
Together, we can overcome our difficulties.
We're gonna walk and don't look back. Don't look back And don't look back And don't look back, baby. Don't look back
We must move forward and not dwell on the past, even if it's tempting.
The places behind you let them re-remind you
The past may come to mind, but do not let it hold you back.
If your first lover broke your heart, There's something that can be done.
Heartbreak can be healed and overcome.
Don't end your faith in love because of what he's done.
Do not lose hope or trust in love due to one negative experience.
Keep on walking and don't look back. Forget about the past now. Don't look back, baby. Keep on walking and don't look back The places behind you let them re-remind you.
Focus on the present and future, not the past, and keep moving forward.
Love can be a beautiful thing. Though your first love let you down. 'Cause I know we can make love bloom, baby. The second time around.
Love is worth pursuing and can be wonderful, even after a heartbreak.
Keep on pushing and don't look back. Now, till I say, we won't look back, girl. Keep on walking and won't look back. Forget about the past now, baby. And don't look back. Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, don't look back.
We must stay committed to moving forward and not let the past hold us back, no matter what.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETE WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thomastarwater2989
It’s been 45 years since Peter Tosh and Mick Jagger worked up this amazing duet. I still get chills from listening to “Don’t Look Back”. That’s just how it is.
@kelsonlaborde8645
I love this song.
It’s my Motto.
Rasta don’t go back, Just keep moving it Forward.
@geristracener5253
This is my favorite 2 singing this great song. 👅👅👅👅💨💨💨💨
@jonathanclary3992
@@kelsonlaborde8645Peter and Mick Jaggers version is better than the Temptations original version. I don't care what anyone says cause Peter Tosh is the King of Reggae 💚💛❤️ however I'm glad Mick Jagger and the Stones are still rocking and shocking plus I heard Mick celebrated his 80th birthday this year in 2023 and this year is Peter's 36th anniversary of his death at the hands of Tosh's so called friend Dennis leppo.
@peterpeikert5021
Na und trotzdem gute Musik 😅
@yogijaya2897
It was CoIntelPro international
Via patsy.... TOSH is the ultimate REBEL MYSTIC MAN...
@nikinawhitaker4001
Never get tired of hearing this song. I'm 64 years old and still remember hearing it years ago and have loved it ever since. Yeah Mick and Peter (RIP).
@KennBurch
I still remember Tosh singing this on "SNL" back in the late 70's. Mick came onstage as a total surprise to the audience for his verse, and that still stands to me as one of the coolest(perhaps the single coolest)moments in SNL history.
@richardmarcus5400
I think both Mick and Keith joined him - but my memories of the 70s aren't that reliable.
@danrosenberg2393
@@richardmarcus5400 Just Mick