The Pioneers were one of the first Jamaican bands to achieve international chart success. They attracted a large audience in the U.K., mainly within the large skinhead scene brewing in the late 1960s. Their influence was directly felt in many of the Ska Revival bands on the Two-Tone Label, including The Specials, who covered "Long Shot (Kick de Bucket)", and The English Beat, who covered "Jackpot".
2) Pioneers was also the name of a Manchester based indie band in the mid 00's.
3) Norwegian group "Pioneers" - With Torstein Flanke (later Stage Dolls). Released 1984 album "In A State Of Rock".
Long Shot
Pioneers Lyrics
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What a weepin' and wailin' dung a Caymanas park
Long Shot, him kick de bucket
Long Shot kick de bucket
Get up, get up in the first race
And them pull up the pace
Get up, get up in the first race
And Long Shot, him kick de bucket
Long Shot kick de bucket
Them wail, them wail, them reel
But they couldn't take the trail
Them wail, them wail, them reel
But they couldn't take the trail
And Long Shot, him kick de bucket
Long Shot kick de bucket
It was Starbright, Combat, Corazon
Long Shot on the rear
It was Starbright, Combat, Corazon
Long Shot on the rear
Combat fell, Long Shot fell
All we money gone a hell
All we money gone a hell
And Long Shot, him kick de bucket
Long Shot kick de bucket
The song "Long Shot Kick De Bucket" by The Pioneers is a cheerful and upbeat reggae tune that tells a story about a horse race that takes place at Caymanas park. The lyrics begin with the lamentations of the people present at the park, who are weeping and wailing. The cause of their distress is revealed as the song goes on: a horse named Long Shot has fallen during the race, resulting in the loss of all the money that had been placed on him.
The lyrics describe the events leading up to Long Shot's defeat: in the first race, he was slow to get up and struggled to keep pace as the other horses pulled ahead. Despite his efforts to catch up, Long Shot ultimately fell behind and was unable to maintain the pace.
Throughout the song, the mood remains upbeat despite the tragic loss of money and the horse's misfortune. The lyrics are accompanied by a lively melody and catchy chorus that encourages the listener to get up and dance. It is a reminder that, while setbacks are inevitable, it is important to keep moving forward and make the most of what life has to offer.
Line by Line Meaning
What a weepin' and wailin' dung a Caymanas park
The scene at Caymanas Park is full of despair and sorrowful cries.
Long Shot, him kick de bucket
The horse named Long Shot has died.
Get up, get up in the first race
It is important to start the race quickly.
And them pull up the pace
The other horses are increasing their speed.
Them wail, them wail, them reel
The spectators are sobbing and struggling to cope with the loss.
But they couldn't take the trail
Despite their efforts, the other horses were unable to follow the predetermined route.
It was Starbright, Combat, Corazon
The other horses in the race were named Starbright, Combat, and Corazon.
Long Shot on the rear
Long Shot was behind the other horses in the race.
Combat fell, Long Shot fell
Both Combat and Long Shot fell during the race.
All we money gone a hell
All of the money that had been bet on the horses was lost.
And Long Shot, him kick de bucket
The horse named Long Shot has died.
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AGARD, CROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidrboland
It's from a longer article in the Independent newspaper. It's paywalled but it explains that the song was written about the horse a month before his death and titled Long Shot (Bus Me Bet).
The title and the lyrics were changed to reflect the events - i.e. the "weeping and wailing down at Caymanas Park" and a mention of the horses in the race.
The original lyrics were about the whipping and the beating Long Shot took to make him run so many races until his heart gave out.
Consequently I can't listen to this without feeling sad at the cruelty of human beings. The weeping and wailing is not grief for the horse, but for money lost in bets.
I'm of West Indian descent and the indifference of many people there to animal suffering is depressing.
@Stargazer3131
My mum use to sing this song around the home to my brother and I cause she knew we would laugh!๐๐๐คฃ.its 2 years now since she died, I miss you mum๐๐ฅโนโฅ๏ธ
@ladyvoice7747
So sorry for your loss. Mums are like the glue In The family so I feel you. This song is great I love ๐
Hope this song makes you smile every time you hear it. Aka Lady Voice ๐ฏ๐ฒโ๐ฝ
@mrsmarciad
Bless up darling. xx
@piamessing4730
I know you posted months ago but just incase...I'm a mum and what I taught my boys, youngest is 21 eldest is 30, keep what I did and still do, alive by singing, stomping, skanking, everything, with your kids. When they have them. I taught them to shake the kitchen floor and moonstomp!!! They couldn't keep up with me. Hope, I'm not being to personal but...my dearest girl, you obviously loved your mum and I know, if you sing or dance and smile, no matter how much of a pillock you feel, she'll know and she'll be proud. My daddy died when I was 7 and whenever I start Israelites, I know he's smiling no end. Much love to you and yours. You're strong and beautiful. Shes always with you. Much love. ( sorry if I overstepped the mark. You just touched my mothering heart).
@ca3898
โค๏ธ๐๐พ
@toonvanwijk5290
โค
@effiongukih8827
Way back in Nigeria ๐ณ๐ฌ, this was a classic vibe that made us kids- jump around. Much love to our Caribbean people !!
@elfredawright
Storytelling at its finest! Growing up in Jamaica in 1960s to 1970s, the top news of the day, were turned into songs by most of the upcoming singers. Everyone had a transistor radio playing. We didn't miss any news that was headline news๐๐๐๐. This song is truly about a horse race at the race tract - Caymanas Park. Big bets were made on him, but he died before completing the race.
In the same way, we sat around fire at night time and told anansi stories.
@VisionsofChina
This turned me on to reggae and ska. I was 15 in 1969 - its been a life long love of this music.
@murkredi
Same here. Except I was 13 in 69. Bought Reggae Chartbusters and this is still the standout track on the album.