Bunny Lee first recorded Far I in the early 70's with a tune called "The Great Booga Wooga". He went on to cut tunes for Coxsone, notably "Natty Farmyard" and a version of "Queen of the Minstrel". In 1973 the Cordell's "Simpleton" appeared on the Lion label, with the flip being a strange half-sung half-chanted version by the Prince entitled "Simpleton Skank". In 1974 he voiced "Let Jah arise" for Enos McLeod at King Tubbys, and it is Enos who can be credited with renaming the DJ as Prince Far I. After some self-productions which appeared on Pete Weston's Micron outlet, Prince Far I hit a period which included two of reggae's greatest DJ albums. Firstly the "Psalms for I" collection, a straight chant of bible word. The second landmark album was "Under Heavy Manners" for producer Joe Gibbs, engineered by Erroll Thompson. It contained the Prince's first big Jamaican hit single, "Heavy Manners", on the rhythm of Naggo Morris' "Su Su Pon Rasta".
In 1976 Prince Far I set up his own label in Jamaica -- Cry Tuff. That label issued Far I's productions in Jamaica. His UK business ran through the fledgling label Hit Run, created by Adrian Sherwood. This arrangement was almost one of master and pupil, as the Arabs/Roots Radics became Dub Syndicate with Sherwood learning the studio craft as both producer and engineer. The rhythm tracks were laid in Jamaica by Style Scott & Co, the mix and overdubs taken care of in London. "Cry Tuff Dub Encounter Chapter III" by Prince Far I and the Arabs was originally released in the UK by that most avuncular of record shop proprietors Keith Stone of Daddy Kool. It marked the handing on of the producer's baton from Far I to Sherwood, soon to launch On U Sound at a time when many critics considered reggae to be a finished force.
Prince Far I was shot dead in Jamaica, September 15, 1983.
King of King
Prince Far I Lyrics
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Hear what my good brother Culture got to say.
Black, black, reggae, you know.
Black reggae music is a message from the king.
Black reggae music is a message from the king.
Here comes Prince Far I to deliver...
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than the dwelling-places of Jacob.
The heavens declare the glory of God
And the firmament sheweth who designed the world.
Night unto night uttereth speech.
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Zion! Zion!
Black, black, reggae, reggae music, you know.
Black reggae music is a message from the king.
Here what I say...
The black reggae music is a message from the king.
Rastaman...
'Cause his foundation is in the holy mountains.
The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than the dwelling-places of Jacob.
Say so, Rasta!
Behold, you know...
Black, black, reggae, reggae music, you know.
Black reggae music is a message from the king. Mmmmmm...
Black reggae music is a message from the king.
Somebody run but not Jah-Bible I believe
I said, Somebody run but not Jah-Bible I believe.
Tell you, said, The black reggae music...
Tell you, said, The black reggae music...
Said, a-black a-black...
Black is beauty, you know.
Ta-da-dum.
Black reggae music is a message from the king. Hear...!
The black reggae music is a message from the king. You hear it played
Today...
I know them missed the Black Star-Liners must come I-ah,
I mean they must find them that must come, you know.
Black reggae music, you know.
Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered - no, and not tomorrow!
Let them also that hate him flee before him,
As wax melteth before the fire.
Light! And that's I desire! I-ah!
Black reggae music is a message from the king. Hear!
Black reggae music is a message from the king...
Prince Far I's song Message From The King is a powerful tribute to reggae music and its ability to convey messages from God. The lyrics describe the power of black reggae music as a vehicle for spiritual enlightenment and social justice. The repeated refrain "Black reggae music is a message from the king" emphasizes the importance of the message being conveyed in the songs.
The first verse, "Jah-I going out and Protect-I coming in", is a reference to the Rastafarian belief in Jah (God), who protects his followers. It is a call to arms for those who believe in God to come together and defend their faith. The reference to Culture, another famous reggae artist, highlights the importance of collaboration and unity among artists in the industry.
The following verses reference the foundation of Prince Far I's beliefs in the holy mountains and the gates of Zion. The song emphasizes the importance of the message being conveyed in the music, which is rooted in spiritual and social justice principles. The repetition of "black reggae music is a message from the king" serves as a reminder of the power of the message that is being shared through the music.
Line by Line Meaning
Jah-I going out and Protect-I coming in.
The presence of Jah is leaving while the protective nature of Rastafarian culture is taking over.
Hear what my good brother Culture got to say.
Listen to the words of wisdom from my fellow Rastafarian, Culture.
Black, black, reggae, you know.
Black reggae music is a powerful force that is well-known.
Black reggae music is a message from the king.
The music of Rastafarian culture carries an important message from the divine ruler.
Here comes Prince Far I to deliver...
Prince Far I is about to speak and share his message.
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
The foundation of Rastafarian culture is rooted in holy places.
The LORD loveth the gates of Zion more than the dwelling-places of Jacob.
God has a special love for the gates of Zion, which is a holy place, more than any other place of dwelling.
The heavens declare the glory of God
The sky declares the majesty and power of God.
And the firmament sheweth who designed the world.
The universe clearly shows the hand of the divine designer.
Night unto night uttereth speech.
The natural world never stops proclaiming the glory of the king.
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
The message of the king is universal and can be understood by all people, regardless of language or origin.
Zion! Zion!
Zion, a holy place that is central to Rastafarian culture, is being celebrated.
Black, black, reggae, reggae music, you know.
Once again, the message of black reggae music is being emphasized.
Here what I say...
Listen carefully to my words.
The black reggae music is a message from the king.
The music of Rastafarian culture carries an important message from the divine ruler, once again being highlighted.
Rastaman...
A term referring to a follower of Rastafarian culture.
'Cause his foundation is in the holy mountains.
Rastafarian culture is rooted in a heritage built within holy places.
Say so, Rasta!
Agreement and emphasis, proclaiming the truth of the message.
Behold, you know...
Calling attention to an important truth about the message.
Black reggae music is a message from the king. Mmmmmm...
Once again, the message of the power of black reggae music being reinforced with emphasis.
Somebody run but not Jah-Bible I believe
Others may flee in fear, but I believe in the power of the Jah Bible to sustain and protect me.
Tell you, said, The black reggae music...
Once again, the importance of the message of black reggae music is being emphasized.
Said, a-black a-black...
Reinforcement of the beauty and power of black skin.
Black is beauty, you know.
Black skin is a source of great beauty and pride.
Ta-da-dum.
A musical interlude, possibly to build tension or emphasize a point.
Black reggae music is a message from the king. Hear...!
The importance of the message being carried by black reggae music is being emphasized once again, with a call to listen and understand.
Black reggae music is a message from the king. You hear it played Today...
A reminder that the message carried by black reggae music is still relevant and heard today.
I know them missed the Black Star-Liners must come I-ah,
A reference to the Black Star Line, a shipping line established by Marcus Garvey, and the belief that it will someday come to fruition.
I mean they must find them that must come, you know.
Emphasizing the belief that the returning messiah will eventually arrive.
Black reggae music, you know.
Reinforcement of the importance and relevance of black reggae music.
Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered - no, and not tomorrow!
An appeal to God to take action against his enemies, with an urgency to act now rather than wait until later.
Let them also that hate him flee before him,
Appealing to God to make his enemies flee in fear before the might of his power.
As wax melteth before the fire.
Comparing the defeat of God's enemies to the melting of wax before a fire, emphasizing the overwhelming power of divine might.
Light! And that's I desire! I-ah!
An appeal to the power of light and clarity of thought or vision, with the artist expressing his desire for such clarity.
Black reggae music is a message from the king. Hear!
The important message of black reggae music is being emphasized once again, with a call to listen and understand.
Black reggae music is a message from the king...
The importance of the message carried by black reggae music is once again being emphasized.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PRINCE FAR I
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Captain Coll -I
Keep playing righteous music!
Lawrence Njawe
Prince Far I + Culture...Deadly Militant Roots Reggae combination.
Anthony Vickers
BLESSED PRINCE FAR I ;)
p Bunink
Real eyes Realize Real Lies!
Seydoux Kady
special delivery - JAH bless!!!
Gabriela Rivas
Uff!
Pick A Dub
!!