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.
Don't Be Afraid
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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I gave my pledge to you
And I never forget
The good times and the bad times
And even some regrets
Time has passed and we both knew
And tough we're not together
Our love it still remains
So don't be afraid to say
What you need to tell me
'Cause maybe it's love that will work
This time around
It's easy for you to see
I lay my head on your shoulder
And my heart skips a beat
We've got to find love and make it last
Don't you know...
Don't think about defeat
So don't be afraid to try
Because it's a game where the strong
Do have to dwell
And maybe you'll find yourself
The future's waiting... who can tell
The future's waiting... who can tell
The future's waiting... who can tell
So don't be afraid to try
Because it's a game... where the strong
Do have to dwell
And maybe you'll find yourself
The future's waiting... who can tell
She me love, this yah feeling
Said this love, it's appealing
She me treasure this yah loving feeling
Seh me love, this yah feeling
Said this love, it's appealing
And it's gonna stay with me
Stick around
Settle down
You and me together
Love can be found
The song "Don't Be Afraid" by Steel Pulse is about the power of love and the possibility of rekindling love even after tough times and separation. The lyrics are a message to a former lover, reassuring them that their love still remains strong, and encouraging them not to be afraid to express their feelings. The singer reminds their partner of the good times they shared and acknowledges the tough times as well as the regrets. The song encourages the listener to be strong and not to be afraid to try again, as love is worth fighting for. The chorus reinforces this message by encouraging the listener to take a chance and to believe in the power of love.
The lyrics are poetic and emotive, using simple language to convey the songwriter's message effectively. The song's message is particularly poignant in its universal appeal, as everyone has experienced the ups and downs of love. The song's catchy rhythm, upbeat melody, and smooth vocals bring its message to life, making it an anthem for anyone who has ever struggled with love.
Line by Line Meaning
I gave my pledge to you
I promised myself to you
And I never forget
And I always remember
The good times and the bad times
All the wonderful moments and difficult times we shared
And even some regrets
And even some things that I wish I could change
Time has passed and we both knew
We've grown older and realized
That there comes a time to change
That it's time for us to move on
And tough we're not together
Even though we're not in a relationship anymore
Our love it still remains
My love for you still exists
So don't be afraid to say
So, please don't hesitate to tell me
What you need to tell me
What you've been meaning to say
'Cause maybe it's love that will work
Maybe it's love that can bring us together
This time around
This time, if we try again
It's easy for you to see
You can tell how much I still care
I lay my head on your shoulder
I rest my head on your shoulder
And my heart skips a beat
And I feel an exciting flutter in my heart
We've got to find love and make it last
We need to discover love and sustain it
Don't you know...
Don't you realize...
Don't think about defeat
Don't let the possibility of failure discourage you
So don't be afraid to try
So, please don't hesitate to make an effort
Because it's a game where the strong
Because it's a competition where the resilient
Do have to dwell
Must persevere
And maybe you'll find yourself
And you might realize
The future's waiting... who can tell
The future is uncertain...who knows what will happen
She me love, this yah feeling
I love this feeling
Said this love, it's appealing
This love is attractive
She me treasure this yah loving feeling
I value this loving feeling
Seh me love, this yah feeling
I said I love this feeling
Said this love, it's appealing
This love is attractive
And it's gonna stay with me
And it will always remain with me
Stick around
Stay with me
Settle down
Become comfortable and secure
You and me together
We can be together
Love can be found
We can find love
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: RONALD CARROLL, DANIEL CASTRO, MARK BROWN, RICHARD SEARLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind