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.
Dudes
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But right before my eyes
When I look you on a date last night
And to my surprise
You were staring in the eyes
The eyes of another man
How could you fall in love so fast
Is this a boyfriend
CHORUS
Who's that dude
I've got an attitude
I wanna know I wanna know
I wanna know
Who's that dude
I've got an attitude
Oh baby I'm not so crazy
Don't believe the hype
That I won't make a fight
Though jealousy is not my style oh no
I guess your ways are set
To give me no respect
On the streets I leave you to run wild
How could you fall in love so fast
Is this a boyfriend
From your past
CHORUS
Who's that dude
I've got an attitude
I wanna know I wanna know
I wanna know
Who's that dude
I've got an attitude
Oh baby I'm not so crazy
Is an old flame come to light your fire
Is this your idea of having fun
Well I'm telling you
You doing wrong
What's the matter with you
CHORUS
Who's that dude
I've got an attitude
I wanna know I wanna know
I wanna know
Who's that dude
I've got an attitude
Oh baby I'm not so crazy
Who's that dude
Cause I've got an attitude
Is he an old flame
Come to light your fire
Satisfy your hearts desire
In the song "Dudes" by Steel Pulse, the singer expresses his astonishment and jealousy when he sees the person he loves with another man. The song opens with the lyrics "They say love is blind, but right before my eyes, when I took you on a date last night, and to my surprise, you were staring in the eyes, the eyes of another man". The singer is perplexed by the sudden change in their relationship and wonders how his loved one could have fallen in love with someone else so quickly.
The chorus of the song repeats the question, "Who's that dude?", as the singer tries to get an answer to his query. He is frustrated and hurt by the situation, but he doesn't want to believe the rumors he's been hearing about the other person. However, he is ready to confront them and fight for their relationship if needed. In the end, the singer suggests that his loved one's behavior is wrong and advises them to reconsider their actions.
Overall, "Dudes" is a song about jealousy, mistrust, and disappointment in a relationship. The singer's feelings are palpable in each line of the lyrics, and the beat and instrumentals of the song add to its intensity.
Line by Line Meaning
They say love is blind
Love is often thought to make people overlook flaws or other undesirable traits in their partners
But right before my eyes
However, I witnessed something concerning that could not be ignored
When I look you on a date last night
When I saw you out with someone else on a date last night
And to my surprise
To my shock and surprise
You were staring in the eyes
You were locked in a deep gaze with your date
The eyes of another man
Specifically, you were staring into the eyes of another man
How could you fall in love so fast
How did you become enamored with another person so quickly?
Is this a boyfriend
Could this person be someone you were dating before?
From your past
Someone who you were romantically involved with in the past?
CHORUS
The chorus expresses the artist's desire to know the identity of the person they saw their partner with
Don't believe the hype
Do not think that I am not willing to fight for our relationship
That I won't make a fight
I am not above fighting for what I believe in
Though jealousy is not my style oh no
Despite this situation, I would not describe myself as inherently jealous
I guess your ways are set
Perhaps your actions indicate that you do not respect me or our relationship
To give me no respect
It seems like you are showing me little regard
On the streets I leave you to run wild
I am not going to control your actions or whereabouts, you may do as you please when we are apart
Is an old flame come to light your fire
Is this person someone you had a previous romantic relationship with who you are trying to rekindle things with
Is this your idea of having fun
Is this type of behavior what you consider to be enjoyable
Well I'm telling you
I am informing you
You doing wrong
That your actions are not appropriate and could be damaging to our relationship
What's the matter with you
The artist expresses a sense of confusion and dismay at their partner's behavior
CHORUS
The chorus reinforces the artist's desire to know the identity of their partner's new love interest
Oh baby I'm not so crazy
Despite the challenging situation, the singer maintains their sanity and rationality
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind