SOJAâs first album was recorded independently with renowned sound engineer Jim Fox. Jacob notes, âJim 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 âdiscounts.â It was awesome. I asked him why a while back, and he said âI didnât want to see a good thing stop.â What was even crazier was at the time he wasnât 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.â SOJAâs first album, âSoldiers of Jah Army EPâ was released at the beginning of 2000.
In 2002, SOJA released their first full-length album, âPeace in a Time of War.â Though the band was young, the album had hits. âTrue Love,â âRasta Courage,â and âPeace in a Time of Warâ 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 âGet Wiser,â 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, âWhen 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, itâs like poetry â 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.â âGet Wiserâ debuted in the Top 10 Reggae Albums on iTunes and has remained in the top 100 since its release. Singles off the album including âOpen My Eyes, âYou Donât Know Me,â and âCanât Tell Meâ 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 âGet Wiserâ took the band on three years of intense touring nationally, and internationally. In 2008 SOJA released their EP âStars and Stripes.â 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 âSOJA Live in Hawaii: A Marc Carlini Film,â 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 âBorn in Babylonâ - the culmination of all past efforts on their label DMV Records. Set to be released August 25, 2009 exclusively on iTunes, âBorn in Babylonâ 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, âThis is the album weâve 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 weâve learned from all that. âBorn in Babylonâ is hard roots drum and bass, big wide guitar and vocal melodies, and two and three sided lyrics, with two and three sided messages.â âš
For the rest of 2009 and moving into 2010 â SOJA plans on touring the United States extensively while promoting âBorn in Babylonâ 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, âBob Marleyâs fans all feel like when he is singing a song, itâs to them. You could be from anywhere, any situation, rich, poor â it doesnât 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 âBorn in Babylon.ââ
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 â creating their own blend of conscious roots music entwined with the traditional rhythms of reggae, it âcomes across with passion and depth.â (Washington Post â06)
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 â 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) â as well as Patrick OâShea 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 â their latest, âGet Wiser,â is their third for the groupâs own label, Innerloop.
Hemphill explains the meaning of the albumâs title. âThe new album is called âGet Wiserâ â thatâs the idea. We as a society tend to have blinders on. We are trying to uplift peoplesâ consciousness by breaking down what makes us blind. To do this, we got to bring back truth. People get wiser.â
âEvery song is different of course.â Hemphill continues, âI found music to be a way to express myself - through my life Iâve never been able to express myself well in conversations, but I can do it through music. Itâs like my way to talk.â
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 âGet Wiser Tourâ. With such a list of accumulated live dates, a specific high point is hard to pin down, but Brownell remembers a particular performance. âOne 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.â
With SOJA calling their own shots, âGet Wiserâ proves that the bandâs message and music will only continue to grow stronger with each successive release. In support of their latest album, âGet Wiserâ, 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 OâShea- Keyboards
Shadow
SOJA Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
'Cause I'm not a shadow
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, 'cause I'm not a shadow
Here's to you don't settle, and never separate
You never go back on and never turn around
Never judge another 'cause as stupid it sounds
'Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
So why try to please everyone?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love, and out and get love back
Is to show some faith and get respect
Just look at the world then, you look at the problems
And look at the hatred, and we still cant solve it
So look inside and you'll find step one
Forget a diamond I'm shinin' like the sun
'Cause I'm not a shadow
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
'Cause I'm not a shadow
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, 'cause I'm not a shadow
Here's to you on your own, the innocent criminal
You never fit the mold, you never go sit down
You never go get approval no matter how you prove
That love is the motive in everything you do
And revolution is you and you're against the machine
You know who you are and you know what I mean
And when this record stops you would never slow down
When the video is over you want your turn now so
You make the truth and move straight ahead
While the followers behind you get left for dead
For the imminent brainwash follow the dumb rules
Created by individuals who unlike you
Don't care for the world or, care for the people
They love it their way, and they love unequal
And they love when they feel above someone
I don't follow the leader when they're all wrong
'Cause I'm not a shadow
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
'Cause I'm not a shadow
When you look down, you wont see me
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I'm not a shadow, 'cause I'm not a shadow, oh, no no
SOJA's "Shadow" is a powerful anthem about standing up for oneself and never compromising on one's values. The song begins by asserting the singer's individuality and refusing to be relegated to the role of a mere shadow - someone who follows in the footsteps of others and lacks agency. The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm not a shadow", reaffirming the singer's determination to be seen and heard.
The second verse of the song is a call to action for listeners to never settle for less than they deserve and to always speak up for what they believe in. SOJA encourages listeners to be confident in their own identity and to reject conformity: "You never fit the mold, you never go sit down / You never go get approval no matter how you prove / That love is the motive in everything you do". The phrase "revolution is you and you're against the machine" is particularly striking, as it encapsulates the song's underlying message of using one's personal power to effect change in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not a shadow
I'm not a follower. I'm not going to blend into the background.
I'm not the ground beneath your feet
I will not be stepped on or taken for granted.
'Cause I'm not a shadow
I'm an individual with my own thoughts and beliefs.
When you look down, you wont see me
I don't belong in the shadows, hiding or being ignored.
I'll stand up and I'll stand tall, I don't follow anyone
I am confident and independent, and I won't let anyone tell me what to do or think.
Here's to you don't settle, and never separate
Be true to yourself, and don't let anyone make you compromise your values.
And never be quiet 'cause the words you say
Speak out for what you believe in, and don't let anyone silence you.
You never go back on and never turn around
Stick to your convictions and don't let anyone make you second-guess yourself.
Never judge another 'cause as stupid it sounds
Don't judge someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes.
'Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers
Recognize that at our core, we're all human beings who deserve love and respect.
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture
See past our differences and recognize that we're all part of the same human family.
If they're not with you, then they're against
If someone isn't supporting you, they're actively working against you.
And were here now when they are way back when
Remember the people who were there for you when others weren't.
So why try to please everyone?
You can't make everyone happy, so be true to yourself.
When it seems that all the people really want
People want love and respect, but we often make it more complicated than it needs to be.
Is to show love, and out and get love back
If you want love, you have to give love.
Is to show some faith and get respect
If you want respect, you have to be true to your values and beliefs.
Just look at the world then, you look at the problems
The world is full of problems, but we can't solve them if we don't confront them head-on.
And look at the hatred, and we still cant solve it
Hatred is a complex issue that we need to address as a society.
So look inside and you'll find step one
Real change starts within ourselves.
Forget a diamond I'm shinin' like the sun
I am confident and bright, and I won't let anyone dim my shine.
Here's to you on your own, the innocent criminal
To those who stand up for what's right, even if it means going against social norms.
You never fit the mold, you never go sit down
You don't conform to expectations, and you won't stand for being told to sit down and be quiet.
You never go get approval no matter how you prove
You don't seek validation from others, because you know your worth.
That love is the motive in everything you do
You act out of love and compassion, rather than self-interest or personal gain.
And revolution is you and you're against the machine
You are an agent of change and you won't be part of the broken systems in our society.
You know who you are and you know what I mean
You're confident in your identity and your values.
And when this record stops you would never slow down
You won't stop fighting for what's right, even when others give up or lose interest.
When the video is over you want your turn now so
You want to be an active participant in creating change, not just a spectator.
You make the truth and move straight ahead
You speak truth to power and forge ahead, even in the face of adversity.
While the followers behind you get left for dead
You won't let others distract you from your mission, even if they don't understand or support you.
For the imminent brainwash follow the dumb rules
You won't succumb to the pressures of conformity or groupthink.
Created by individuals who unlike you
The rules were made by people who don't share your values or perspectives.
Don't care for the world or, care for the people
Those in power often prioritize their own interests over the needs and wellbeing of others.
They love it their way, and they love unequal
Those in power like the status quo because it benefits them, even if it harms others.
And they love when they feel above someone
Those in power like to feel superior to others, and they'll do what it takes to maintain that feeling.
I don't follow the leader when they're all wrong
You won't blindly follow someone just because they're the leader, especially if they're making harmful decisions.
Oh, no no
Reinforcing the idea that you won't be a shadow, bland or going unnoticed.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MITCHUM CHIN, DWAYNE CHIN-QUEE, JACOB HEMPHILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thesoso
just look into the lyrics and see where you fit...
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back
It isn't about being reggae. If you think it is move on to the next band because you are confused.
@thesoso
Clueless haters just look into the lyrics and see what crowd you fit into...
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back
@thesoso
talking about music theory is great. lots of people on here are not speaking about music theory but more criticizing the band because it isn't to their personal preference. BIG DIFFERENCE.
just look into the lyrics and find where you fit...
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back
@thesoso
Clueless haters just look into the lyrics and see what crowd you fit into...
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back
@dwillgreatest
Paul E good, lol. Stay away! I will continue to support Soja, and when you write a song, and make it sound better than this "crap" than maybe I will support you too:) but until then, maybe not be so quick to judge harsh my friend... And do you think they need YOUR money? No, you have it all mixed up, but I give you some free advise:
Youâre not a scholar
Youâre a waste of a teacher
Preach the dollars
Youâre a waste of a preacher
Love
Come on, thatâs what we need
More love
Thatâs what we need to succeed
Not dollars
Nah, not what we need
Letâs give em love so SOJA can achieve
@thesoso
just look into the lyrics and see where you fit...
Never judge another cause as stupid it sounds
Cause when you see others knowin' they're all brothers,
Knowin' they're all sisters, seein' the big picture,
If they're not with you, then they're against
And were here now when they are way back when
SO WHY TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE?
When it seems that all the people really want
Is to show love out, and to get love back
@NSXchris
I wasn't a big fan of this song at first.. But if you listen to words, this song speaks to my soul and inspires me to be a better person. Much respect Soja
@justincbryant
SAME! First time hearing it live it got thru to me
@davidterry8179
I stand up and I stand tall, I don't follow anyone. Everything changes, But Soja's message will always remain the same... and that's love. To spread love amongst everyone with no judgement, including music style. <3
@trevorkovacs7821
What I think is so ironic is all the people hating on it care sooo much about the different vibe they have, but listen to the lyrics. They are still pushing love and peace and vibe and so what, they did something different, dont be those "fans" that wont let bands change for themselves.
@liquidlife3551
Damn all these Original fans hating on the new sound not rolling with em. That's Sad.
@molitau04
Changing is apart of life !
@Dilmowais23
Man, I came here to listen and enjoy SOJA's new music then I read the comments. Not everybody is going to like it so DEAL WITH IT!!!
@blackfrost9074
Love this song soo much! "I stand up and I stand tall" =))
@hellloca4462
Luv this song so much and love SOJA so much 2! I remember when U guys sign my shirt in Montreal I was a blast concert with MatisYahu, I will never forget that day! U and your music is such an inspiration to me! Thanks for all the love guys!
@toddlerfriend3261
Smile sing brought me hear. Awesome song btw. Stick in my head all day.