Steel Pulse originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, Birmingham, and comprised David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals) and Ronnie McQueen (bass).
However, it is Hinds who, as songwriter, has always been the engine behind Steel Pulse, from their early days establishing themselves in the Birmingham club scene onwards. Formed in 1975, their debut release, 'Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku" arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. They followed it with 'Nyah Love' for Anchor.
Surprisingly, they were initially refused live dates in Caribbean venues in the Midlands because of their Rastafarian beliefs. Aligning themselves closely with the Rock Against Racism 1 organisation, they chose to tour instead with sympathetic elements of the punk movement, including the Stranglers, XTC etc.: "Punks had a way of enjoying themselves - throw hordes at you, beer, spit at you, that kind of thing".
Eventually they found a more natural home in support slots for Burning Spear, which brought them to the attention of Island Records. Their first release for Island was the 'Ku Klux Klan' 45 rpm, a considered tilt at the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage.
By this time their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown (keyboards), Steve 'Grizzly' Nesbitt (drums), Fonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Michael Riley (vocals). Handsworth Revolution was an accomplished long playing debut and one of the major landmarks in the evolution of British reggae.
However, despite critical and moderate commercial success over three albums, the relationship with Island had soured by the advent of Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever). They switched to Elektra, and unveiled their most consistent collection of songs since their debut with True Democracy, distinguished by the Garveyeulogising 'Rally Around' cut.
A further definitive set arrived in Earth Crisis. Unfortunately, Elektra chose to take a leaf out of Island's book in trying to coerce Steel Pulse into a more mainstream vein, asking them to emulate the pop-reggae stance of Eddy Grant. Babylon Bandit was consequently weakened, but did contain the anthemic 'Not King james Version', which was a powerful indictment on the omission of black people and history from certain versions of the Bible.
Their next move was id Hinds of Steel Pulse to MCA for State Of Emergency, which retained some of the synthesized dance elements of its predecessor. Though it was a significantly happier compromise, it still paled before any of their earlier albums.
Rastafari Centennial was recorded live at the Elysee Montmarte in Paris, and dedicated to the hundred year anniversary of the birth of Haile Selassie. It was the first recording since the defection of Fonso Martin, leaving the trio of David Hinds, Steve Nisbett and Selwyn Brown.
While they still faced inverted snobbery at the hands of British reggae fans, in America their reputation was growing, becoming the first ever reggae band to appear on the Tonight television show. Their profile was raised further when, in 1992, Hinds challenged the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission in the Supreme High Court, asserting that their cab drivers discriminated against black people in general and Rastas in particular.
Drummer Steve "Grizzly" Nisbett (15 March 1948 – 18 January 2018) died in 2018.
The band are still recording and touring.
Bare Necessities
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean it's bare necessities, old mother nature's recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life
They call it bare necessities, the simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean it's bare necessities, old mother nature's recipes
That brings the bare necessities of life, yeah
I couldn't be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzing in the trees
Will make some honey just for me, yeah
You look right under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants
Then maybe try a few
The bare necessities of life will come to you
It's bare necessities
No apologies
It's bare necessities
No apologies
Bare necessities, the simple bare necessities
Forget about your troubles and your strife
I mean the bare necessities, old mother nature's recipes
Brings the bare necessities of life
Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
I couldn't be fonder of my big home
The bees are buzzing in the trees
Will make some honey just for me, yeah
You look right under the rocks and plants
And take a glance at the fancy ants
And maybe try a few
The bare necessities of life will come to you
The bare necessities of life will come to you
Will come to you, will come to you
Bare necessities
No apologies
Bare necessities
Bare necessities
No apologies, no, no
The lyrics to Steel Pulse's "Bare Necessities" are both simple and profound. The song emphasizes the importance of taking in the natural world with wonder and appreciation. It suggests that if we focus on the basic necessities of life, we can forget about our worries and strife. The lyrics present the idea that nature provides us with everything we need to live fulfilled lives.
The repetition of the phrase "bare necessities" highlights how important it is to focus on the simple things in life. The term "old mother nature's recipes" emphasizes how nature is the source of all life and sustenance. When the lyrics suggest that we look "right under the rocks and plants and take a glance at the fancy ants," it encourages us to pay attention to the smaller things around us that are often overlooked. It urges us to appreciate even the smallest things that make life beautiful.
Overall, the message of the song is clear - if we concentrate on the essentials of life, we will find contentment and happiness. It encourages people to live simpler and less complicated lives, to appreciate and respect the planet's natural resources and to find pleasure in the bare necessities.
Line by Line Meaning
They call it bare necessities, the simple bare necessities
The things necessary for a fulfilling life can be quite simple.
Forget about your worries and your strife
Do not let your worries and anxieties consume you.
I mean it's bare necessities, old mother nature's recipes
Nature provides all that humans require for survival and happiness.
That brings the bare necessities of life
Living a simple and natural lifestyle can lead to a fulfilling life.
Wherever I wander, wherever I roam
No matter where I go in life, the simple things remain important.
I couldn't be fonder of my big home
I have a deep attachment and love for my natural surroundings.
The bees are buzzing in the trees
The natural world is alive and buzzing with activity.
Will make some honey just for me, yeah
I can partake in the fruits of nature's labor.
You look right under the rocks and plants
By examining the small details of nature, one can appreciate its beauty and complexity.
And take a glance at the fancy ants
Even the smallest creatures can have intricate and interesting lives.
And maybe try a few
By trying new things and experiences, one can expand their horizons and enrich their life.
It's bare necessities
Life can be simple and still fulfilling.
No apologies
There is no need to feel guilty for appreciating and enjoying the simple things.
The bare necessities of life will come to you
By living a simple and natural lifestyle, one can find fulfillment without searching for it.
Will come to you, will come to you
Fulfillment and happiness will come naturally through simple living.
Bare necessities
Simple and natural living is all that is needed for a fulfilling life.
No apologies, no, no
There is no need to feel guilty or apologize for living a simple and happy life.
Contributed by Cole M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lawrence Njawe
Steel Pulse on Disney !!! This contrast makes me smile!!
Anna Fisher
Love it!
Laura B
David Hinds voice makes me melt
Being A Good Human Being Brings Great Things
Only my rastamen can switch it up... Love it
danboyguitar94
fabulous!
warriorrecords
@YoniIsrael Hi, we are not sure if it is available there, but you can always order the CD directly from Steel Pulse's website (steelpulse dot c o m) and they will mail it to Israel. Thanks!
Marcelo Gil
i want to DOWNLOAD this album! but, i didnt find!
warriorrecords
@stabpc Hi, you can click the link in the description of the video and it will take you to the album on iTunes.
* Feather . Fluff *
1:09
pato3mix
@stabpc go torrentz or just search for the name of the band plus mediafire on google