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.
Better Days
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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Outta sight, it's all right
There's light at the end of the tunnel
Pay at the end of the day
Thanks that me don't have to grumble
Goodness is coming our way
It's all right, it's all right
I do remember, I do recall
The magic moments when we stood so tall
A nation to be respected, a nation full of pride
So shake the bluesy feeling that is hurting you inside
Hurting you inside
There's better days ahead for us
You need not fret nor worry
Oh yes, this time around, my friend
I'm sure you won't be sorry
They say how the future
Is guided by your past
Through trials and tribulation
Yes, we were meant to last
So hold on to your hope and dreams
For all that it's worth
'Cause I know the day will come
When the meek shall inherit the world
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
If you uptight, everything's all right
Outta sight, it's all right
They'll be better days, don't you worry
A positive way you won't be sorry
It's all right, it's all right
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's "Better Days" are rooted in optimism and hope, and offer a comforting message for anyone going through a difficult time. The opening lines "Uptight, every thing is all right / Outta sight, it's all right" suggest that even when things seem overwhelming or out of control, there is still a sense of inner peace and positivity to be found. The reference to the "light at the end of the tunnel" and the idea that "goodness is coming our way" further reinforces this idea of hopefulness and the belief that things will eventually get better.
The song then moves into a nostalgic reflection on previous moments of pride and accomplishment as a nation, encouraging listeners to hold on to their memories of better times and to remember that there are still "better days ahead." The message is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, and the repeated refrain of "It's all right, it's all right" feels like a reassuring mantra that everything will be okay in the end.
Ultimately, the lyrics of "Better Days" are a call to action, urging listeners to hold onto their dreams and keep hope alive in the face of difficult circumstances. The song suggests that even when things seem hopeless, there is still reason to believe that there are better days ahead and that we can work towards creating a better future for ourselves and those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
Uptight, every thing is all right
Despite feeling anxious or nervous, you can still have hope because everything will be alright.
Outta sight, it's all right
Even if things seem far away or difficult to achieve, there is still hope that everything will be alright.
There's light at the end of the tunnel
Even during tough times, there is still hope that everything will get better in the end.
Pay at the end of the day
After working hard and persevering through tough times, there will be a reward at the end of the day.
Thanks that me don't have to grumble
Instead of complaining about difficulties or hardships, it is important to maintain a positive outlook and be thankful for what one has.
Goodness is coming our way
Despite current difficulties or hardships, there is hope that positive things will come in the future.
I do remember, I do recall
Reminiscing about the past and remembering better times can bring hope and strength during difficult times.
The magic moments when we stood so tall
Reflecting on moments of triumph and success in the past can bring hope and strength during difficult times.
A nation to be respected, a nation full of pride
Reminiscing about previous times when the nation was respected and full of pride can bring hope and strength during difficult times.
So shake the bluesy feeling that is hurting you inside
It is important to push through and overcome negative emotions that can hold you back during tough times.
There's better days ahead for us
Despite difficult times or setbacks, there is still hope that the future will bring better days.
You need not fret nor worry
Despite what may be happening, it is important to remain positive and avoid worrying about the future.
Oh yes, this time around, my friend
Reflecting on past examples of success can give hope and strength for the future.
I'm sure you won't be sorry
If one maintains a positive outlook and pushes through difficult times, there is no reason to regret or feel sorry for anything.
They say how the future
There is talk of how current actions will affect future outcomes.
Is guided by your past
Past actions and experiences can impact future outcomes and decisions.
Through trials and tribulation
During tough times or hardships, there is still hope for positive outcomes and success.
Yes, we were meant to last
Despite difficult times and hardships, it is important to persevere and believe that one with survive and overcome anything.
So hold on to your hope and dreams
During tough times or hardships, it is important to hold onto what one believes in and not give up hope for the future.
For all that it's worth
No matter how difficult the situation, it is important to maintain belief in oneself and one's dreams.
Cause I know the day will come
Despite current difficulties, there is hope for the future.
When the meek shall inherit the world
One day, those who have persevered and held onto their beliefs through tough times will be rewarded and see success.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
An expression of affirmation and enthusiasm.
If you uptight, everything's all right
Even if one feels nervous or anxious, everything can still turn out alright.
Outta sight, it's all right
Even if success or positive outcomes seem far away, there is still hope that everything will be alright.
They'll be better days, don't you worry
A reminder that, during tough times, there is hope for better future days.
A positive way you won't be sorry
If one maintains a positive outlook and pushes through difficult times, there is no reason to feel sorry and regret for anything.
It's all right, it's all right
A reminder that, despite tough times and setbacks, everything will ultimately be alright.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: PETER HINDS, JEAN MAUNICK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind