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 Give In
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Way out of your reach
Hustle, bustle another day (hustle, bustle, hustle)
And don′t seem too meek
Your luck can be planned (good news, bad news)
Your luck can be planned (good news)
Don't give in (don′t give in), don't jack it in (don't jack it in)
Don't give in, don′t jack it in
Don't submit, no, don′t you quit
Don't give in, don't jack it in
Don′t submit (onward), no, don′t you quit (forward)
Try, try, try, try, try
Try, try, try, try, try
Try, try, try, try, try
Try, try, try, try, try
Let faith be your shield
Let truth be your sword
Arm yourself with love
In this, mystical world of ours
Don't give in (don′t give in), don't jack it in (don′t jack it in)
Don't submit (don′t submit), no, don't you quit (no, don't you quit)
Don′t give in, don′t jack it in
Don't submit, no, don′t you quit
Don't give in, don′t jack it in
Don't submit, no, don′t you quit
Your goal looks to be far away
Way out of your reach
Hustle, bustle another day (hustle, bustle, hustle)
And don't seem too meek
Don't give in, don′t jack it in
Don′t submit, no, don't you quit
Don′t give in, don't jack it in
Don′t submit, no, don't you quit
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's song, "Don't Give In," speak to perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. The first stanza speaks to the struggles and aspirations of the individual, with the goal being a faraway endpoint that requires dedication and hard work to attain. The second stanza focuses on keeping one's resolve and not succumbing to fear or defeatism. The chorus emphasizes this message, urging the listener not to give up, quit or submit to the challenges ahead. The repetition of "try" emphasizes the importance of effort, and how persistence in the face of difficulty can bring success.
The final stanza brings a spiritual message to the song, drawing on the power of faith, truth, and love to overcome adversity. The message is one of fortitude and resilience, with the listener encouraged to use these principles to attain their goals.
Overall, "Don't Give In" is a message of optimism and self-reliance, urging the listener not to be discouraged by obstacles and to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Your goal looks to be far away
It seems like your objective is quite challenging and may take a lot of effort to achieve.
Way out of your reach
Your goal is currently beyond your capabilities and may seem unreachable.
Hustle, bustle another day (hustle, bustle, hustle)
Every day is full of commotion and activity, and it can be overwhelming to deal with the daily routine.
And don't seem too meek
Despite the struggles you face, it's crucial not to appear timid or powerless.
Your luck can be planned (good news, bad news)
Your fortune may be shaped by your actions and decisions. It can either be positive or negative.
Your luck can be planned (good news)
It's good news that you have some control over your destiny and can shape it to some extent.
Don't give in, don't jack it in
Don't surrender or abandon your efforts to achieve your goal.
Don't submit, no, don't you quit
Don't give in to pressure, nor should you give up your dreams.
Onward
Move forward with determination and courage.
Forward
Keep moving in the right direction towards your objective.
Let faith be your shield
Believe in yourself and your abilities to tackle any challenge.
Let truth be your sword
Be honest and straightforward in your actions, and use your inner strength as a weapon against any obstacle.
Arm yourself with love
Surround yourself with positive energy and emotions, and use it as a source of strength.
In this, mystical world of ours
In this world full of mysteries and uncertainties, you can find strength in your beliefs, values and love.
Try, try, try, try, try
Put in repeated efforts to succeed in your objectives.
Writer(s): David Hinds
Contributed by Adalyn B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
gregtanian
probably the greatest reggae band ever from the UK. never made a bad album and the production is always next level. Brilliant vocals
Lawrence Njawe
The best band ever from the UK. YES better than Aswad, although they too are good
Eric Garfield
Selwyn has more rhythm on the keyboard than any other performer. He’s from another world w his fingers!!!
Lawrence Njawe
@Eric Garfield Selwyn is great but i think Michael Ibo Cooper of Third World is a Monster in that regard.🎹
plusx001
Ends don't seem to meet, yet your luck can be planned..move onward..forward..and let faith be your shield...don't give in..very inspirational...Big up steel pulse!!!!!
gregtanian
its a pity the UK record labels and radio never supported reggae music. They would have been blessed with these types of quality bands
Marie B
It promotes positivity not suicide so they don’t want it 😤
Min Stokes
First heard this on the John Peel show
Neo Guerra
Linda harmonia musical....
san dolo
Amazing song