Before joining forces, Sly was drumming for the Skin Flesh and Bones band and Robbie was the bass player for the Aggrovators. They also used to play in clubs (Sly at Tit for Tat and Robbie at Evil People), and used to check each other out. They found out that they had the same ideas about music in general (both are huge fans of Motown, Philly Sound and Country & Western, in addition to Jamaican legendary labels Studio One and Treasure Isle), and Reggae production in particular. They first worked together for the newly created Channel One label and studio, operated by the Hoo Kim brothers.
They changed the face of Reggae several times: in 1976, they introduced a harder beat called "Rockers", which quickly replaced the then prevalent "One drop" style, then introduced the "rub a dub" sound in the early 1980s. Sly and Robbie were important in developing the trend towards computer assisted music and programmming in the mid 1980s.
Also in the early 1990s they introduced a novel sound with the hits "Bam Bam" and "Murder She Wrote" by Chaka Demus & Pliers. Chaka Demus' rough DJ vocals were matched with Pliers' sweet, melodic, soul-influenced singing; this unusal vocal pairing was championed by Sly and Robbie. This formula has since been used with great success by the likes of Shaggy (who teamed up with singers Rayvon or Rik Rok), Shabba Ranks, Maxi Priest and others. This predates and may have influenced the recent trend in some rap music where a song's "hook" or chorus is sung by a guest, while the verses are rapped.
Sly & Robbie continued to innovate during the 1990s and early 2000s, fusing Dancehall and Latin music sounds (La Trenggae) or Dancehall and hip hop/R&B (their 2004 Big Up riddim). In 2001, their "Strip to the Bone" album paired them with electro producer Howie B, and together they explored new dub territories.
Far from restricting themselves to the Jamaican scene, (in which they have played for virtually every prominent Jamaican musical artist from Beenie Man to Sean Paul to Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown and others), they have been one of pop music's most sought after rhythm sections, playing for and producing superstars such as Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones, Grace Jones, Joan Armatrading, Gilberto Gil, Joe Cocker, Serge Gainsbourg, Simply Red, Michael Franti, Sting, Khaled, Tricky, Doug E. Fresh, Carlos Santana, Sinéad O'Connor, and many more.
They have produced No Doubt's hits 'Hey Baby' and 'Underneath it All'. They also produced some tracks off Suggs first album 'The Lone Ranger' including the hit version of Cecilia featuring Louchie Lou and Michie One which sold over 500,000 copies in the UK alone.
After 30 years together, they still tour and record relentlessly. Their last US tour was with Tony Rebel and Half Pint, during the Spring of 2005. During the Summer of 2005, they toured Europe and the UK with Bunny Rugs, lead singer for Third World. During the Fall of 2005 they were on the road with Sinéad O'Connor and in August 2006, they appeared with Don Carlos at the Reggae on the River Festival, while they backed Cherine and Queen Ifrica in 2007 and early 2008.
They have produced several new Jamaican artists for their TAXI label, including Kibaki, Mynimoo and Zennlocc, as well as confirmed superstars such as Elephant Man. They have also recorded with their original group, the Revolutionaries, to produce Horace Andy's new album "Livin' it up" (2007). They recently signed the lovers rock sensation Bitty McLean to their TAXI label and are planning to release "MOVIN' ON", Bitty's new album, during 2008.
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Last Christmas
Sly & Robbie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As I walk up to your door
And I realize this face of mine's been ravaged for the longest time
You might not recognize me anymore
But, darlin', it's your daddy
Please forgive me for what I've done
I know you despise the tears that lines the fear that holds them in inside
I'm sorry, I was wrong
Just give me one last Christmas
I'll make it up to you
Sadness is a friend of mine
I've let you down a million times
Give me one last Christmas with you
I know I don't deserve it
If I was you, I'd slam the door
We paid the cost for the things we lost, I blew up all the lines I crossed
'Cause I don't come 'round here anymore
Give me one last Christmas
I'll make it up to you
Sadness is a friend of mine
I've let you down a million times
Give me one last Christmas with you
Darlin', I know I hurt you bad
And I don't deserve your kindness or fuse
I left your mother to be a father too
And I realize I lost my life when I walked out on you
Give me one last Christmas
I'll make it up to you
Sadness is a friend of mine
I've let you down a million times
Give me one last Christmas with you
Just give me one last Christmas
I'll make it up to you
Sadness is a friend of mine
I've let you down a million times
Give me one last Christmas with you
The lyrics to Sly & Robbie's song "Last Christmas" tell a story of remorse, redemption, and a plea for forgiveness. The singer, identified as the father, reflects upon the damage he has caused in the past. As he approaches the door, he realizes that his once familiar face now bears the effects of his mistakes. He acknowledges that his actions have led to his daughter no longer recognizing him and despising the tears that reveal his regret.
In a heartfelt plea, he introduces himself as her daddy and asks for forgiveness for his past wrongdoings. He expresses his willingness to make amends and offers one last chance to spend Christmas together, hoping to rectify the countless times he has let her down. Although he acknowledges that he doesn't deserve this opportunity and understands if she were to slam the door in his face, he still hopes for a final chance to repair their relationship.
The song delves into the remorse and regret felt by someone who has caused pain and disappointment in their loved ones' lives. It highlights the longing for forgiveness and the desire to make things right, even if it means facing the consequences of their actions. Ultimately, it showcases the flawed but universal human yearning for redemption and the hope of rebuilding broken relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
The snow crunches underfoot
As I make my way towards your doorstep, I am aware of the cold and harsh reality of my actions.
As I walk up to your door
Approaching your house, I am filled with immense guilt and regret for the pain I've caused.
And I realize this face of mine's been ravaged for the longest time
In this moment, I finally understand the lasting effects of my destructive behavior on my own countenance.
You might not recognize me anymore
My actions have changed me to the point that you may no longer see the person you once knew.
But, darlin', it's your daddy
Despite my flaws, I am still your father, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
Please forgive me for what I've done
I sincerely beg for your forgiveness for the pain I have caused and the mistakes I have made.
I know you despise the tears that lines the fear that holds them in inside
I am aware that my tears carry the weight of your disappointment and the fear of losing your love.
I'm sorry, I was wrong
I deeply apologize and acknowledge my wrongdoing, recognizing that my actions have hurt you deeply.
Just give me one last Christmas
If you can find it in your heart, grant me the opportunity to make up for my mistakes during this final Christmas together.
I'll make it up to you
I am committed to repairing the damage I've caused and proving my love and devotion to you.
Sadness is a friend of mine
Throughout my life, I have become accustomed to the presence of sadness due to my actions and their consequences.
I've let you down a million times
I am keenly aware of the countless occasions where I have disappointed you and broken your trust.
I know I don't deserve it
I understand that I am undeserving of your forgiveness and the second chance I am seeking.
If I was you, I'd slam the door
If our roles were reversed, I would expect you to reject me and close the door on any further reconciliation.
We paid the cost for the things we lost, I blew up all the lines I crossed
Both of us have suffered the consequences of the things we lost due to my reckless actions, as I have shattered all boundaries and commitments.
'Cause I don't come 'round here anymore
I have abandoned this place, both physically and emotionally, due to the shame and regret I carry within me.
Darlin', I know I hurt you bad
My beloved, I am acutely aware of the immense pain I have caused you.
And I don't deserve your kindness or fuse
I acknowledge that I am not deserving of your kindness or patience, as I have tested your limits and pushed you to your breaking point.
I left your mother to be a father too
I made the selfish decision to abandon your mother, leaving her to raise you on her own, and in the process, I neglected my responsibilities as a father.
And I realize I lost my life when I walked out on you
I finally understand that by walking away from you, I lost the chance to truly live and experience the love and connection a father should have with his child.
Give me one last Christmas with you
Grant me the gift of one final Christmas together, where I can try to make amends and create lasting memories of love and redemption.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Flynn Francis, Konrad Olsen, Robert Peter Williams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind