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.
Darker Than Blue
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ready right now, Ready right now
We people who are darker than blue
Are we gonna stand around this town
And let what others say come true
Are we just good for nothing so them figure
We can hardly stand for that
Or is that where its really at?
Well, pardon me brother
As you stand in your glory
I hope you don't mind
If I tell the whole story
Ready right now, Ready right now
Ready right now , Are you ready right now
We people who are darker than blue
There's no time for segregation
I'm talking 'bout brown and yellow too
High yellow gal can you tell
Your just a surface of our deep well
If your mind can really see
You know your colour is the same as me.
Well, pardon me brother
As you stand in your glory
I know you won't mind
If I tell the whole story
Are you ready Right now
Are you ready right now
Arh! yeh! arh!
Are you ready?
Ready â?? Oh now now
Dry your weeping eyes
'Cause we are on the rise
Head up to the sky
Keep your eyes upon prize
Jah Jah is the power and the glory
Giving us a brand new story
No mek tribal war destroys we
Let's bring about some unity.
Yeah, Yeah!
We People of African blue
It's now time to seize the land
That's been long time overdue
Politician 'pon a mission
They conjuring up corruption
So long we've been denied
And were just not satisfied
Well, pardon me brother
As you stand in your glory
I know that I know you won't mind
If I tell the whole story
Ready right now
Ready right now
Are you ready right now
Are you ready right now
In a Zimbabwe,Mozambique and South Africa
Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast and Liberia oh yeah
Ready right now
The lyrics to Steel Pulse's "Darker Than Blue" present a powerful message about the struggles faced by people of color and the need for unity in fighting against racism and oppression. The song starts with the repetition of "Ready right now," emphasizing the importance of taking action immediately. The first verse speaks directly to the experiences of black people who are often labeled as worthless and shiftless. The singer questions whether this is really the case or if it is just a stereotype perpetuated by society.
In the second verse, the lyrics expand beyond just the black community to include brown and yellow people as well. The singer emphasizes that despite differing skin tones, they are all the same and should work together to fight against segregation and discrimination. The third verse touches on the political and social unrest in Africa and the need for change and unity there as well. Throughout the song, the singer speaks truth to power and urges listeners to stand up and fight for their rights.
Overall, "Darker Than Blue" is a powerful and timeless song that continues to resonate with listeners today. It is a call to action for people of color to unite and fight against systemic racism and oppression.
Line by Line Meaning
Ready right now, Ready right now
Immediate action is needed.
We people who are darker than blue
This song is about people of color.
Are we gonna stand around this town
Will we tolerate injustice?
And let what others say come true
Will we believe lies spread by others?
Are we just good for nothing so them figure
Are we really worthless?
Worthless shiftless nigga's
Derogatory term for people of color.
We can hardly stand for that
We will not tolerate such racism.
Or is that where its really at?
Are we really defined by our skin color?
Well, pardon me brother
Excuse me, friend.
As you stand in your glory
As you stand proud.
I hope you don't mind
I hope you won't take offense.
If I tell the whole story
If I speak the truth.
There's no time for segregation
We must end discrimination now.
I'm talking 'bout brown and yellow too
This includes people of all skin colors.
High yellow gal can you tell
Light-skinned woman, do you understand?
Your just a surface of our deep well
Your skin color is just one aspect of who you are.
If your mind can really see
If you truly understand.
You know your colour is the same as me.
We are all equal regardless of skin color.
Dry your weeping eyes
Stop crying.
'Cause we are on the rise
We are gaining power.
Head up to the sky
Keep your spirits high.
Keep your eyes upon prize
Stay focused on our goal.
Jah Jah is the power and the glory
God is powerful and glorious.
Giving us a brand new story
God is giving us a new future.
No mek tribal war destroys we
We must avoid internal conflicts.
Let's bring about some unity.
We must work together.
We People of African blue
We are people of color.
It's now time to seize the land
We must claim our rights.
That's been long time overdue
Our rights should have been honored a long time ago.
Politician 'pon a mission
Politicians have their own agendas.
They conjuring up corruption
They are creating corruption.
So long we've been denied
We have been deprived for too long.
And were just not satisfied
We demand more than what we've been given.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Baron Circle Classic Cars Dean
Great tribute to the late, Curtis Mayfield!
solomonsaysmusic
This is the song that represents these times. I love my blue family, always. One love my sisters and brothers. Until the lion of Judah rule the earth aloha 🤙🏾
Eric Handley
Tell the whole story !!! The slave trade, the Caribbean slave trade, the Scramble for Africa, colonization, imperialism, pillage, Jim Crow, the Black Codes. Tell the whole damn story
Jeferson Lima
Q sommm Louco heeeein galado kkkkk
Matty80822
pardon me brother, if i stand in your glroy? pardon me brother did i stand in your glory...
Michael Obannon
This one and born fe rebel are the best
DA BUSH
I'M READY FOR THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH YAHWEH BEN YAHWEH
IvaDi
(Y) Yes !
Billy Dale
Bonne nuit Family