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.
The Dream
Prince Far I Lyrics
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And behold the darkness spread the whole earth
And the new days of righteousness
Righteousness was given through inspiration of I Prince Far I
And I saw bright morning stars standing in the middle of the earth
The bright light to rule by day, and the darkness to rule by night
Small masters stand to receive
Meekly wait and murmer not
Rasta, all ya have to teach is just humble, and don′t grumble
Seen?
In the beginning, Africa dreamed a dream
And there a lonely king
The Lion King, who's judged amongst all gods
As King of Kings, and Lord of Lords
From the beginning
The Lion King will stand Jah of them all
Merciful unto them that merciful unto themself
Man stand firm on the ground shall never be eaten by worm, seen?
Jah of the whole world
And I and I land, where I and I sat down
Dread in a Babylon
The Almighty God is watching every move that you make
The Seventh Day, Jah Almighty rested
And Africa awakened from darkness
From the Voodoo of the wicked man
And behold the new days of righteousness
And the Third World began
When I mothers and I fathers forsake I
Then the Lord will take I up
Teach I the way, and lead I in the path
Because, I righteousness!
Righteousness stand continually
Righteousness the move in every man this day
Whether you may black, or whether you may be white
Open up your eyes and you will see Jah light
Jah light shine brighter
Brighter than the morning star
In the morning them fresh and blooming
But in the evening them wither up and gone
And Africa dreamed a dream
And behold the darkness spread the whole earth
And the new days of righteousness
Righteousness were given through the inspiration of I Prince Far I
Righteousness, righteousness.
Africa
Africa
The lyrics of Prince Far I's song "The Dream" convey a powerful message about Africa's historical and spiritual significance, as well as the importance of righteousness and humility.
The opening verse speaks of Africa dreaming a dream, symbolizing the origins and potential of the continent. However, darkness spreads across the earth, representing the challenges and oppression faced by Africa and its people. In this darkness, a new era of righteousness is brought forth through the inspiration of Prince Far I. His presence and message are seen as a beacon of hope and enlightenment.
The next verse references the concept of light and darkness ruling different parts of the day. Bright morning stars standing in the middle of the earth represent the light that guides and rules during the day, while darkness rules the night. "Small masters" are urged to patiently wait and not complain, emphasizing the importance of humility in learning and teaching.
The lyrics then mention a lonely king, the Lion King, who is judged amongst all gods. This can be interpreted as a reference to the greatness and divine nature of African civilization and culture. The Lion King is seen as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, emphasizing the significance of African leadership and heritage.
The following lines highlight the importance of mercy and righteousness. It is suggested that those who show mercy to themselves will receive mercy from God. By remaining firm and grounded, individuals will be protected from harm. The mention of "Dread in a Babylon" alludes to the struggles faced by Africans in a hostile and oppressive world.
The lyrics continue by reminding listeners that God is always watching, and the seventh day is when Jah Almighty rested. This reference aligns with the biblical narrative of creation. Africa is portrayed as awakening from darkness, specifically the negative influence of the "Voodoo of the wicked man." This awakening marks the beginning of new days of righteousness and the rise of the Third World.
The final verses emphasize the universality of righteousness. Regardless of race or ethnicity, all individuals are encouraged to open their eyes and embrace the light of Jah, which shines brighter than the morning star. The lyrics also warn that just as flowers wither in the evening, those who lack righteousness will fade away. The repetition of the phrase "Africa dreamed a dream" reminds us of the dream mentioned at the beginning, reinforcing the idea that Africa holds immense potential and spiritual significance.
Overall, the lyrics of "The Dream" celebrate Africa's cultural heritage, call for righteousness and humility, and emphasize the power of awakening and spiritual enlightenment. Prince Far I's words serve as a reminder of the importance of staying true to one's roots, standing against oppression, and seeking justice and righteousness.
Writer(s): Michael Len Ii Williams
Contributed by Jason E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
konjeni haukongo
Me love this song.
King Jeffrey
Buju Banton used this riddim. Does anyone know the title of the Buju song?