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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One Way Dub
Sly & Robbie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like holding my hand
When I'm low, you let me know
You always understand
And I love the way you love
It makes me feel so fine
I love the way you love
I'll never do you wrong
I'll never make you cry
If you stop lovin' me
I know that I'll just die
Because I love the way you love
It makes me feel so fine
I love the way you love
Because I know you're mine, all mine
Folks tell me now and then, find somebody new
I don't care what the people may say
I'm sticking right here with you
Because I love the way you love
It makes me feel so fine
I love the way you love
Because I know you're mine, all mine
Folks tell me now and then, find somebody new
I don't care what the people may say
I'm sticking right here with you
Because I love the way you love
It makes me feel so fine
I love the way you love
Because I know you're mine, all mine
The lyrics above are from the reggae song "One Way Dub" by the Jamaican band Sly & Robbie. The song is a tribute to a deep and loving relationship. The lyrics express the singer's gratitude towards his partner for holding his hand during difficult times and always understanding him. The song's lyrics also show the singer's devotion towards his partner, promising never to do anything that would make his partner cry and die if his partner stops loving him.
The song's chorus highlights the singer's appreciation of the way his partner loves him, sweet and sincere, making him feel fine. The folks' advice to the singer to find somebody new is quickly dismissed as the singer confidently affirms his love for his partner and his commitment to the relationship.
Overall, the lyrics of "One Way Dub" celebrate the beauty of a profound and committed relationship, characterized by mutual understanding, affection, and trust. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the joy of a loving partnership.
Line by Line Meaning
The sweet things you do to me
I appreciate the kind gestures and actions you show me
Like holding my hand
Even small actions such as holding my hand provide comfort and support
When I'm low, you let me know
You offer me reassurance and encouragement during difficult times
You always understand
You are empathetic towards my feelings and thoughts
And I love the way you love
I feel grateful for the genuine love and care that you provide
It makes me feel so fine
Your love brings me happiness and a sense of contentment
Because I know you're all mine
I value and cherish the exclusive love and commitment we share
I'll never do you wrong
I promise to never intentionally harm or betray you
I'll never make you cry
I strive to act in a way that does not cause you emotional pain or distress
If you stop lovin' me
If your feelings towards me change or fade
I know that I'll just die
It would deeply affect and hurt me if you were to leave me
Folks tell me now and then, find somebody new
Others may suggest that I seek a new romantic partner instead of staying with you
I don't care what the people may say
I am not swayed by the opinions or judgments of others regarding our relationship
I'm sticking right here with you
I am committed to remaining in this relationship with you
Because I love the way you love
Your love and devotion are what keep me invested in this relationship
Because I know you're mine, all mine
I feel secure and confident knowing that our love is exclusive and genuine
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AL ABRAMS, BERRY GORDY JR, BERRY JR GORDY, JOHN ODEN, STANLEY MIKE OSSMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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