SOJA’s first album was recorded independently with renowned sound engineer Jim Fox. Jacob notes, “Jim told us that he would work with us and so we could afford to make our first record, and when we ran out of money he started making up ‘discounts.’ It was awesome. I asked him why a while back, and he said ‘I didn’t want to see a good thing stop.’ What was even crazier was at the time he wasn’t working with bands that were from the US, just Jamaican artists. Big ones like Black Uhuru, Israel Vibration, Burning Spear, Don Carlos, and Inner Circle. Jim worked with us independently and recorded, mixed, and mastered the whole thing. That is how it all started.” SOJA’s first album, “Soldiers of Jah Army EP” was released at the beginning of 2000.
In 2002, SOJA released their first full-length album, “Peace in a Time of War.” Though the band was young, the album had hits. “True Love,” “Rasta Courage,” and “Peace in a Time of War” were the first songs to bring the band strong attention nationally and internationally and cement them in the reggae world. Tours became larger, their fan base expanded rapidly and they grew up smart in the independent music industry. In 2006, the band released “Get Wiser,” their second full-length album. The album was a break through for the band, as they explored the duality in their music, combining beautiful, longing melodies with hard drum and bass, and layered with intricate lyrics. SOJA created their musical style with a new complexity and depth that they would carry with them to their future albums. Jacob shares, “When you listen to an artist you can either have a series of one liners, or you can tell a story with your music. We set out to tell a story, it’s like poetry – dancing around an entire theme, but never putting a period on anything. It is like the two sides of a coin, but you can see them at the same time.” “Get Wiser” debuted in the Top 10 Reggae Albums on iTunes and has remained in the top 100 since its release. Singles off the album including “Open My Eyes, “You Don’t Know Me,” and “Can’t Tell Me” remain in heavy rotation on college radio across the United States, and have also received major radio play internationally in places such as France, Brazil, Argentina, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela, Guam, and Tahiti. The success of “Get Wiser” took the band on three years of intense touring nationally, and internationally. In 2008 SOJA released their EP “Stars and Stripes.” They blended new sounds and new rhythms with their existing reggae sound, growing into what SOJA was becoming. The EP contained three new songs plus remixes and new versions of popular songs. In early 2009 the band released the documentary DVD “SOJA Live in Hawaii: A Marc Carlini Film,” showcasing the power and energy of their 2008 Hawaiian tour which included four islands, five cameras, four shows, and everything in between.
Now, SOJA is ready to unleash their third full-length album “Born in Babylon” - the culmination of all past efforts on their label DMV Records. Set to be released August 25, 2009 exclusively on iTunes, “Born in Babylon” focuses on telling the same roots story that reggae artists have been singing about for decades, but their way, from the flip perspective of kids who grew up not in poverty, but in a government saturated community in Arlington, Virginia, across Mason-Dixon Line from the White House. SOJA shares about their new album, “This is the album we’ve been wanting to make for ten years. At first we were hard-core old school, then we got new school and inventive. This is what we’ve learned from all that. ‘Born in Babylon’ is hard roots drum and bass, big wide guitar and vocal melodies, and two and three sided lyrics, with two and three sided messages.”
For the rest of 2009 and moving into 2010 – SOJA plans on touring the United States extensively while promoting “Born in Babylon” with mainstay horn players Hellman Escorcia (saxophone) and Rafael Rodriguez (trumpet). Currently, SOJA averages 150 shows a year and the group has toured every major city in the US and internationally throughout Canada, Puerto Rico (avg 2500), Brazil (avg 4000), Argentina, Uruguay, New Caledonia (16,000 in attendance) Palau, Saipan, Guam (avg 3500), Hawaii (avg 2,000 on each island), Sweden, Switzerland, France, Portugal (avg 2000) and Holland. The band has also shared the stage with notable artists such as Citizen Cope, Matisyahu, Ben Harper, Slightly Stoopid, Damian Marley, Govt Mule, Umphrees McGee, and Steel Pulse to name a few.
In addition to their new music and touring, the band remains committed to creating real music, music that cant be ignored. Jacob pauses, “Bob Marley’s fans all feel like when he is singing a song, it’s to them. You could be from anywhere, any situation, rich, poor – it doesn’t matter; the song is directed at them. He speaks to you, the love songs too. That is what we are after. Not one side of the story, the whole thing, both sides of the coin. Just listen to ‘Born in Babylon.’”
disambiguation:
If you're looking for a US act:
http://www.last.fm/music/Soldiers+of+Jah+Army
Over the years, the Washington, D.C. music scene has become best known for its hardcore (Minor Threat) and go-go (Trouble Funk) alumni, but as evidenced by the great Bad Brains, reggae has been represented as well. SOJA has risen to the forefront, picking up right where the Brains left off – creating their own blend of conscious roots music entwined with the traditional rhythms of reggae, it “comes across with passion and depth.” (Washington Post ’06)
That said, SOJA is not that easy to define. Although they are rooted in reggae, they are not limited to it; their fan-base reflects this with a very diverse population. The music includes and embraces all walks of life - it has no prejudice – it is for everyone. The band grew up listening to reggae, hip-hop, and rock. In their sound, reggae became the predominate influence because it is dedicated to a real message and promotes revolution.
The group, which includes a pair of lead singers who also pull double duty - Jacob Hemphill (guitar) and Bob Jefferson (bass) – as well as Patrick O’Shea on keyboard, percussionist Ken Brownell, and drummer Ryan Berty, originally came together in 1997. Since 2000, the quintet has issued three full length albums and one EP – their latest, ‘Get Wiser,’ is their third for the group’s own label, Innerloop.
Hemphill explains the meaning of the album’s title. “The new album is called ‘Get Wiser’ – that’s the idea. We as a society tend to have blinders on. We are trying to uplift peoples’ consciousness by breaking down what makes us blind. To do this, we got to bring back truth. People get wiser.”
“Every song is different of course.” Hemphill continues, “I found music to be a way to express myself - through my life I’ve never been able to express myself well in conversations, but I can do it through music. It’s like my way to talk.”
Ever the road warriors (SOJA averages 150 gigs per year), the group will be supporting their latest release with a healthy amount of live dates this year on the “Get Wiser Tour”. With such a list of accumulated live dates, a specific high point is hard to pin down, but Brownell remembers a particular performance. “One of the shows that remains in the front of my mind was playing in Guam for the first time for nearly 6,000 fans. That was an amazing experience.”
With SOJA calling their own shots, ‘Get Wiser’ proves that the band’s message and music will only continue to grow stronger with each successive release. In support of their latest album, “Get Wiser”, SOJA is embarking on a journey around the world.
The Band
Jacob Hemphill - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Bob Jefferson - Lead Vocals, Bass
Ken Brownell - Percussion
Ryan Berty - Drums
Patrick O’Shea- Keyboards
Rest Of My Life
SOJA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in
It was long ago and we were younger so
And our lives we part wrote
Feel it, feeling yeah
And I remember everyday, sometimes it's too much to take
I break down, without no heartache
And I mean it, and I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
I'm live in my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in
They say we've had fun but let this go
Music don't go deep but no
We think we could help this world if only we try
But we grow up, at least that's what they say
We can't do this when we pray,
I tell myself everyday that none of that applies
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
I live in my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in
All I really need, is all I have ever seen
Only thing that works for me is to feel it, the feeling
And when we turn to leave and others turn to be
It's always on my sleeve
And I mean it, and I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
I live in my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in pull me back in
Pull me back in
Pull me back
You always pull me back in
In "Rest Of My Life," SOJA (Soldiers of Jah Army) highlights the importance of the people around us and the impact they have on our lives. The song expresses a deep sense of loyalty and gratitude towards the people who uplift and support us every day. The opening lines, "If I could spend the rest of my life with my people, I would do it over and over again," emphasizes this emotion perfectly. The singer wishes to spend every moment of their life with the people around them, cherishing their presence and the joy they bring.
The song also acknowledges the struggles of life and how the support of loved ones can help overcome them. "When I'm fallin' out, they pull me back in" emphasizes the idea that friends and family can uplift and support us when we're struggling, providing a safe space to fall back on. The line, "And our lives we part wrote, Feel it, feeling yeah," delves deeper into the bond between the singer and their people. They share a unique journey in life, one that has molded them and helped them become the person they are today.
SOJA's "Rest Of My Life" touches on the importance of friendship, loyalty, and gratitude. It emphasizes the need for a supportive community, acknowledging that we cannot journey through life alone.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
The singer wants to spend their life with their friends and loved ones.
I would do it over and over again
The singer wants to repeat this experience multiple times.
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
The singer is giving their friends the freedom to pursue their own spiritual paths.
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
The singer values the support and love they receive from their friends.
I'm within my mind and I know there's no equal
The singer believes in their own mental strength and resilience.
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in
The singer's friends help them when they are struggling or feeling down.
And our lives we part wrote
The singer and their friends have had control over the course of their lives and experiences.
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
Repetition of the earlier sentiment.
I'm live in my mind and I know there's no equal
Reiteration of the singer's confidence in their own mental strength.
They say we've had fun but let this go
Others may try to discourage the singer and their friends from continuing their lifestyle, but they will not give it up.
We think we could help this world if only we try
The singer and their friends believe in the power of their collective actions to make a positive impact on the world.
But we grow up, at least that's what they say
The singer acknowledges societal pressures to conform to traditional expectations and responsibilities.
I tell myself everyday that none of that applies
Despite the pressure, the singer chooses to stay true to their own beliefs and desires.
All I really need, is all I have ever seen
The singer feels fulfilled and content with the love and support they have received from their friends and loved ones.
Only thing that works for me is to feel it, the feeling
The singer values the emotional connection they have with their friends and the positive feelings it brings them.
And when we turn to leave and others turn to be
When the singer and their friends leave and go their separate ways, others may try to take their place in their lives.
It's always on my sleeve
The singer wears their love and loyalty for their friends publicly and openly.
Pull me back in
The singer's friends are always there for them and bring them back when they are feeling lost or down.
You always pull me back in
The repetition of this line emphasizes the importance of the singer's friends in their life.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JACOB HEMPHILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mayckcespedes5378
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in
It was long ago and we were younger so
And our lives we part wrote
Feel it, feeling yeah
And I remember everyday, sometimes it's too much to take
I break down, without no heartache
And I mean it, and I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
I'm live in my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in
They say we've had fun but let this go
Music don't go deep but no
We think we could help this world if only we try
But we grow up, at least that's what they say
We can't do this when we pray,
I tell myself everyday that none of that applies
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
I live in my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in
All I really need, is all I have ever seen
Only thing that works for me is to feel it, the feeling
And when we turn to leave and others turn to be
It's always on my sleeve
And I mean it, and I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple,
leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people,
I would do it over and over again
I live in my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm fallin' out yo they pull me back in pull me back in
Pull me back in
Pull me back
You always pull me back in
@KoloheJ
Lyrics:
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo they pull me back in, yeah, yeah
It was long ago
And we were younger so
And our lives we part wrote
Feel it, the feeling, yeah
And I remember everyday
Sometimes it's too much to take
I break down, without heartache
And I mean it, and I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo they pull me back in
They say we've had fun but let this go
This music don't go deep but no
We think we could help this world if only we try
But we grow up, at least that's what they say
We can't do this when we pray
But I tell myself every day that none of that applies
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo they pull me back in, yeah, yeah
All I really need, is all I have ever seen
Only thing that works for me is to feel it, the feeling
And, and when we turn to leave
And others turn to be
It's always on my sleeve
And I mean it, And I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo they pull me back in (pull me back
Pull me back
Pull me back in
Pull me back
You always pull me back in
@musicaypasajes
LYRICS
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind and I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo they pull me back in, yeah, yeah
It was long ago
And we were younger so
And our lives we part wrote
Feel it, the feeling, yeah
And I remember everyday
Sometimes it's too much to take
I break down, without heartache
And I mean it, and I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo they pull me back in
They say we've had fun but let this go
This music don't go deep but no
We think we could help this world if only we try
But we grow up, at least that's what they say
We can't do this when we pray
But I tell myself every day that none of that applies
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo they pull me back in, yeah, yeah
All I really need, is all I have ever seen
Only thing that works for me is to feel it, the feeling
And, and when we turn to leave
And others turn to be
It's always on my sleeve
And I mean it, And I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I'm within my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo they pull me back in (pull me back
Pull me back
Pull me back in
Pull me back
You always pull me back in
@PauloVictor-dr7lp
🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎵🎵🎵Lyrics:
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I live in my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo, they pull me back in
It was long ago
And we were younger so
And our lives we part wrote
Feel it, feeling
Yeah
And I remember everyday
Sometimes it's too much to take
I break down, without no heartache
And I mean it, and I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up on their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I live in my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo, they pull me back in
They say we've had fun, but let this go
Music don't go deep, but no
We think we could help this world if only we try
But we grow up
At least that's what they say
We can't do this when we pray
But I tell myself every day that none of that applies
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up on their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I live in my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo, they pull me back in
All I really need
It's all I have ever seen
Only thing works for me
Is to feel it, feeling
And when we turn to leave
And others turn to be its always on my sleeve
And I mean it, and I mean it
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
Leave it up to them to fill up on their steeple
Leave it up to us to fill up on our friends
If I could spend the rest of my life with my people
I would do it over and over again
I live in my mind that I know there's no equal
When I'm falling out, yo, they pull me back
(Pull me back), pull me back in
@iP4R4N4
2024 e estamos aqui novamente escutando esse hino, máximo respeito SOJA
Um 2024 abençoado a todos, muita luz na vida de todo muuuuuundo \o/
@antonioalexsobreira5778
Alguém aí escutando essa música do Soja em pleno 2023?! Essa música e minha adolescência toda, escutava muito!!
@deividformentin3810
Época boa , saia do trampo , pegava o carro a prancha e os baseado e ia pro mar, oooo saudade
@AllanGomes-ti7ze
rapaz escuto essas musicas me lembro as tardes que pega a bike e descia para praia no final de tarde para pega o por do sol, era vizual top, baseado do bom e soja para acompanhar, lembranças boas que n voltam mas
@adrianoteclas6973
Gosto de mais dessa música
@igor_jhonathan22
Eu aqui. Em Nárnia
@flaviojose7869
Que época meus aí queridos , quem sabe curti aí pra min voltar a escutar com minha cervejinha 😂😂
@ronneyGameplays
deixo aqui o meu comentário para que quando alguém decidir deixar um like, eu receba uma notificação e me lembre que tenho que ouvir esta obra de arte (para um 2023 cheio de bênçãos para todos).
@RS_Beat_Oficial
Top🎉
@skpaq1719
Chega mais meu semelhante, lhe convoco de volta