Independent ska label Moon Records, a.k.a. MoonSKA NYC, put out the band’s debut album, Big Step in 1992 and its follow-up Horny for Ska in 1996. By the mid 90s the group had morphed from a five-piece into a nine-piece outfit and captured a passionate, loyal following in the Philly and New York areas, selling out shows regularly. The group toured nationally, regularly opening up for groups like the Skatalites, Steel Pulse, 311, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Blink 182, Desmond Dekker, Ziggy Marley, English Beat, Bouncing Souls, Bad Manners, Fishbone, Yellowman, Eek a Mouse, No Doubt and countless others. Ruder CDs were released in Japan and England, and songs can be found on dozens of compilation CDs far and wide.
In 2005 the band self-released their long-awaited third album, Philly Stylee on their own God's Ghetto label. Philly Stylee was recorded in spurts during the Third Wave ska heyday between 1996 and 1999 with final vocal overdubs and mixes completed in 2004. Philly jazz trumpeter extraordinaire, John Swana appears on several tracks. The CD was excruciatingly long in the making for many reasons, not the least of which included the demise of the band’s label Moon, a 3-year incarceration of lead singer and toaster Freddie 3D Weaver, and the death of bari-sax player Trish Johnson.
The band’s 2008 release, and first truly fresh studio endeavor of the decade, is the 5-song EP entitled GOD’S GHETTO. The EP was released on the East-African record label Lulu Nyeusi and represents the first known American ska-influenced band to have a release on an African record label. Ruder Than You has always had an eclectic sound and this release is no exception. For this installment, the band chose tunes heavy on old school hip-hop and dancehall and emphasized lyrics penned by Weaver.
The band’s current roster of veteran members includes the Round Mound of Dub Sound - singer Freddie "3D" Weaver. Band leader Doug Dubrosky still sings and plays tenor sax. He and Don Pancoe on bass hail from the earliest days of RTY. Rod Martino and Chris Klimchak fill out the lineup on guitar and trombone, respectively. Larry "Ace" Snell of the Toasters and Public Service sits on the drum throne. The group has already started recording their next full-length CD which features their contemporary ska and rocksteady sounds.
The band is completing work on their next full-length CD which will be released in late 2009 to punctuate their 20th Anniversary.
So, whether it be on the CD player, web, or HOPEFULLY live in concert, you are oh so encouraged to let your mind and body succumb to the rude sounds of those brothers of love, Ruder Than You.
www.ruderthanyou.net
www.myspace.com/rtystylee
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Paranoid
Ruder Than You Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause she couldn't help me with my mind
People think I'm insane because I'm frowning all the time
Paranoid, paranoid, make me paranoid
Paranoid, paranoid, make me paranoid
Paranoid, paranoid, make me paranoid
Paranoid, paranoid, yeah
All day long I think of things but nothing seems to satisfy
Think I'll lose my mind if I don't find something to pacify
Paranoid, paranoid, can you feel it?
Paranoid, paranoid, thought you were my friend
Paranoid, paranoid, oh yeah
The lyrics to Ruder Than You's song Paranoid express the feelings of someone who is struggling with their mental health and feeling overwhelmed with anxiety. The first stanza talks about being finished with their woman, not because he stopped loving her, but because she could not help him with his mind. This suggests that the person is dealing with personal issues that are difficult for others to understand or assist with. The second line of the verse talks about how people perceive him; they think he is insane because he is frowning all the time. This shows that the person is aware that other people view him negatively, which is likely contributing to his anxiety and negative feelings.
The chorus repeats the word "paranoid" multiple times, which reflects the person's state of mind. They feel paranoid, and this word is repeated to emphasize their anxious thoughts. The second verse describes how the person is constantly thinking of things, but nothing seems to satisfy them. They worry that they will lose their mind if they do not find something to pacify them. The last line repeats the word "paranoid" and asks if the listener can feel it. This line seeks to validate the person's feelings and emotions, as well as create a connection with the person listening.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of alienation, anxiety, and confusion. The repetition of the word "paranoid" emphasizes the person's mental state, and the lyrics' simplicity makes it more accessible for listeners who may be experiencing similar feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Finished with my woman
I broke up with my girlfriend.
'Cause she couldn't help me with my mind
I left her because she couldn't understand my thoughts and emotions.
People think I'm insane because I'm frowning all the time
Other people believe I'm crazy because I always look unhappy.
Paranoid, paranoid, make me paranoid
I am feeling increasingly paranoid and thinking that everyone is out to get me.
All day long I think of things but nothing seems to satisfy
I spend all day thinking about things, but nothing makes me feel content.
Think I'll lose my mind if I don't find something to pacify
I fear that if I don't find something to calm me down, I will go crazy.
Paranoid, paranoid, can you feel it?
Can you sense my paranoia and anxiety?
Paranoid, paranoid, thought you were my friend
I thought you were my friend, but now I'm not sure if I can trust you.
Paranoid, paranoid, oh yeah
I am becoming more and more paranoid with each passing day.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Butler, Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, William Ward
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind