He began his music career by performing for different New York reggae dancehall sound systems in the 1980s, most notably Tony Screw's Downbeat The Ruler, based in The Bronx.
His recording debut was in 1986 on the African Love Music independent record label with "Who The Cap Fits (Let Them Wear It)" from the album Rough & Rugged. In his early years, Jeff Buckley lead his group on guitar and lent a hand with backing vocals.
Shinehead signed a recording contract with Elektra Records in 1988, and remained with them until 1995.
His best known single was the cover version of Sting's "Englishman In New York", re-titled as "Jamaican In New York" (1993). It reached #30 in the UK Singles Chart in April 1993. The single featured on the Sidewalk University album. He is largely credited as being one of the original acts to cross hip-hop with reggae music.
ONE Meatball
Shinehead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He found an eating place in town.
He looked the menu through and through
To see what fifteen cents could do:
One meatball, one meatball,
He couldn't bought but one meatball.
The simple dinner he had planned.
The guests were startled, one and all,
To hear that waiter oddly call:
"One meatball, one meatball,
This here gent wants one meatball."
The little man felt ill at ease,
Said "Some bread, son, if you please."
The waiter hollered down the hall
"Ya gets no bread with one meatball!"
One meatball, one meatball,
"Ya gets no bread with one meatball!"
The song "One Meatball" by Shinehead tells the story of a little man who has only fifteen cents to spend at an eating place in town. He looks through the menu to see what he can afford and decides on ordering one meatball. He tells the waiter his request and the other guests are surprised to hear it, but the waiter complies by calling out for "one meatball." Feeling uncomfortable with the attention, the little man asks for some bread, but the waiter boldly states "Ya gets no bread with one meatball!"
The song is a testament to the struggles of poverty and the humiliation that often comes with it. The little man's simple request is met with ridicule and embarrassment, highlighting the inequality and discrimination present in society. Despite his limited means, the little man persists in trying to find a way to fill his hunger, showing a sense of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Overall, "One Meatball" is a powerful commentary on social injustice that resonates with audiences to this day. Its catchy melody and memorable lyrics make it a popular tune for covers and adaptations, and its message serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and kindness towards those less fortunate.
Line by Line Meaning
A little man walked up and down,
A short man strolled back and forth
He found an eating place in town.
He discovered a restaurant in the city.
He looked the menu through and through
He examined the menu completely
To see what fifteen cents could do:
To see what he could order for his budget of fifteen cents
One meatball, one meatball,
He decided to order only a single meatball
He couldn't bought but one meatball.
He could only afford to purchase a solitary meatball
He told the waiter near at hand
He informed the nearby waiter
The simple dinner he had planned.
About his plain meal choice
The guests were startled, one and all,
All of the other diners were surprised
To hear that waiter oddly call:
When the odd waiter hollered out
"One meatball, one meatball,
"This customer wants just one meatball,
This here gent wants one meatball."
Only one meatball is what he desires.
The little man felt ill at ease,
The short man was uncomfortable
Said "Some bread, son, if you please."
He asked, "May I have some bread?"
The waiter hollered down the hall
The waiter yelled to the kitchen
"Ya gets no bread with one meatball!"
"No bread for you if you order one meatball!"
One meatball, one meatball,
Only one meatball is what he will be fed
"Ya gets no bread with one meatball!"
"You won't receive bread alongside your single meatball!"
Contributed by John H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@arizonacatman1
I just picked up the Elektra 40th anniversary 2 CD. Some very interesting tracks on here, including this one!
@Opticlogic
I m very great full for this post, been looking all over the place for this song.. I got a lot of covers but not this one.. til now. Thanks
@dennisprice6915
this is a cover
@sifo9534
The little man walked up and down
To find an eating place in town
He read the menu through and through
To see what 15 cents could do
One meat ball
One meat ball
He could afford but one meat ball
He told the waiter near at hand
The simple dinner he had planned
The guests were startled one and all
To hear the waiter loudly call
One meat ball everbody
One meat ball
Hey this here gent wants one meat ball
You know, the liitle man fet ill at ease
He said some bread sir if you please
The waiter hollered down the hall
You gets no bread with one meat ball
One meat ball
One meat ball
Well, you gets no bread with one meat ball
The little man felt very bad
One meat ball was all he had
And in his dreams he hears that call
You gets no bread with one meat ball
One meat ball and no spaghetti
One meat ball
You gets no bread with one meat ball
Let's try it one more time, now
One meat ball
One meat ball
That one was gooey
You gets no bread with one meat ball