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.
Dem A Wolf
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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Whilst three a dem a pointing back
All the planning and a scheming
Behind the natty dreadlocks back
Want to kill the one that lead dem
Many called but few are chosen
I and I spirit can not be broken no
Dem a wolf in sheep's clothing
Dem a fox 'pon the sly
Dem a beelzebub disciple
Come fe fight down I and I
Tried my best to listen to mama
Papa threw his two cents too
They said always watch the friends around you
Cause some of them are not for you
You can tell them by the way they handshake
Posing with their plastic smile
If you listen to the tone of their voices
They'll try to pull the wool right over your eyes
Dem a wolf in sheep's clothing
Dem a fox 'pon the sly
Dem a beelzebub disciple
Come fe fight down I and I
I'm the lord's annointed
Who stand by my side
And protect me from the
Dem a wolf in sheep's clothing
Dem a fox 'pon the sly
Dem a beelzebub disciple
Come fe fight down I and I
In Steel Pulse's song "Dem A Wolf," the lyrics speak to the theme of betrayal and false friendship all while highlighting the idea that not all that glitters is gold. The opening lyrics "There they go a point dem finger/Whilst three a dem a pointing back" suggest that those who point fingers are often guilty of their own accusations. This is followed by the idea that those who plot and scheme against others often do so behind their backs. The lyrics "Want to bite the hand that feed dem/Want to kill the one that lead dem" demonstrate that even those who receive help and guidance from others can turn against them.
The chorus of the song "Dem a wolf in sheep's clothing/Dem a fox 'pon the sly/Dem a beelzebub disciple/Come fe fight down I and I" emphasizes the idea that not everyone is as they appear, not everyone who claims to be a friend is genuine, and that some people are determined to bring others down. The section of the song that follows the chorus is a warning to listen to the advice of elders and to be discerning in character judgement. The lyrics "You can tell them by the way they handshake/Posing with their plastic smile/If you listen to the tone of their voices/They'll try to pull the wool right over your eyes" suggest that appearances can be deceptive.
Overall, the song "Dem A Wolf" is about the importance of being vigilant and wise about the company we keep. It highlights the pain of betrayal and the damage that false friendship can do. It also serves as a reminder that not everyone who claims to be a friend has your best interest at heart.
Line by Line Meaning
There they go a point dem finger
They are blaming others for their own wrong-doings
Whilst three a dem a pointing back
Meanwhile, they themselves are also guilty of similar actions
All the planning and a scheming
They are secretly conspiring against others
Behind the natty dreadlocks back
While pretending to be friendly and trustworthy
Want to bite the hand that feed dem
They are ungrateful and disloyal to those who helped them
Want to kill the one that lead dem
They aim to harm those who guide and mentor them
Many called but few are chosen
Few people are truly good and pure-hearted
I and I spirit can not be broken no
The consciousness and self-esteem cannot be shattered
Dem a wolf in sheep's clothing
They pretend to be harmless but are actually dangerous
Dem a fox 'pon the sly
They are cunning and hidden in their actions
Dem a beelzebub disciple
They follow the devil's path
Come fe fight down I and I
They are against and trying to defeat the artist himself
Tried my best to listen to mama
The artist has tried to heed his mother's advice
Papa threw his two cents too
The artist's father has also given his opinion
They said always watch the friends around you
They warned him to be cautious of his companions
Cause some of them are not for you
Some of these people intend to harm him
You can tell them by the way they handshake
You can identify them by their insincere handshake
Posing with their plastic smile
They are faking their friendly smile
If you listen to the tone of their voices
If you pay attention to their tone of voice
They'll try to pull the wool right over your eyes
They will try to deceive and manipulate you
I'm the lord's annointed
The artist believes he is chosen by God
Who stand by my side
God is always with him
And protect me from the
God will protect him from the harm caused by
Dem a wolf in sheep's clothing
These people who pretend to be harmless, but are actually dangerous
Dem a fox 'pon the sly
They are cunning and hidden in their actions
Dem a beelzebub disciple
They follow the devil's path
Come fe fight down I and I
They are against and trying to defeat the artist himself
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind