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.
Emotional Prisoner
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah!
Hear my story
Rage and fury
I've been used and abused
God knows I've paid my dues
No time to lose I've got the blues
I've got to get out
The shituation that I'm living
I've got to get out
The flesh is weak but I'm still willing
I've got to get out Yeah!
Me a go kill dem wid de riddim
CHORUS
An Emotional Prisoner
And JAH is my listener
He will guide me through
This ghetto blues
I've been whipped and I've been tricked
Human cargo from the slavery ship
I clenched my fist can't take more of this
It's time for me to flip the script
I've got to get out
The shituation that I'm living
I've got to get out
The flesh is weak but I'm still willing
I've got to get out I am
Me a go kill dem wid de riddim
CHORUS
Oh in my heart I search for love
Cause I've been taken advantage
Got to carry JAH JAH heavy load
Along that rough and ragged road
I got to escape, before it's too late
So don't test my faith cause I'm jumping the gate
And I'm out
CHORUS
Emotional Prisoner
And JAH is my listener
My fortress and protection
My spiritual connection
The rod of all correction
Through trials and tribulation
This is no delusion
I see him in a vision
Emotional, emotional uncontrollable
Uncontrollable emotional
The song "Emotional Prisoner" by Steel Pulse, which was released in 1994, narrates the story of a person who has been through severe hardships in life and is striving to overcome them. The lyrics are filled with rage and fury that reflect the pain and suffering the singer has experienced. He has been used and abused throughout his life and has had to pay a high price for it. He has been living in a situation that has made him feel trapped, and he cannot take it anymore. It seems like he's at his breaking point, and he's ready to explode. He has clenched his fists, ready to release his anger and flip the script. He feels like he's become an emotional prisoner and is searching for a way out.
The singer turns to Jah, a Rastafarian deity, as his listener and guide through his struggles. He seeks refuge in Jah and hopes that he will guide him through the ghetto blues he is experiencing. He acknowledges that he has been taken advantage of and is carryings Jah's heavy load on that rough and ragged road, representing the difficulties in life. He sees Jah as his spiritual connection, his fortress, and protection, as Jah can correct him through trials and tribulations. The singer is determined to break free from his emotional prison before it's too late and tests his faith.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been used and abused
I have been mistreated and taken advantage of.
God knows I've paid my dues
I have faced the consequences for my actions and hardships to the extent that even God is aware.
No time to lose I've got the blues
There is no more time to waste in my current miserable state of mind.
So please don't you light my fuse
I don't want anyone to aggravate me anymore since I am already burnt out.
The shituation that I'm living
The current situation that I am in feels like a huge mess.
The flesh is weak but I'm still willing
Even though I am weak, I am still determined to make a change.
Me a go kill dem wid de riddim
I will defeat my oppressors with the power of music.
An Emotional Prisoner
I am trapped in a state of emotional instability.
And JAH is my listener
God is my confidant and hears my prayers.
I've been whipped and I've been tricked
I have suffered physical and mental abuse and have been deceived.
Human cargo from the slavery ship
I feel like a slave brought to a new land against my will.
It's time for me to flip the script
It's time for me to change my story and take control of my life.
Oh in my heart I search for love
I yearn for emotional support and compassion.
Cause I've been taken advantage
I have been exploited by others for their own benefit.
Got to carry JAH JAH heavy load
I have to bear my problems by myself, with only God to console me.
Along that rough and ragged road
My journey has been grueling and full of obstacles.
So don't test my faith cause I'm jumping the gate
Don't make me lose my faith in God or I will leave everything behind to escape.
Emotional Prisoner
I am still entrapped in a vicious cycle of emotional turmoil.
My spiritual connection
My bond with God gives me hope and strength to move forward.
The rod of all correction
God will discipline me for my mistakes and lead me to the right path.
This is no delusion
My faith in God is not a mere illusion but a real force in my life.
I see him in a vision
I can visualize God's guidance and support in difficult times.
Emotional, emotional uncontrollable
My emotions are overwhelming and out of control.
Uncontrollable emotional
My emotional instability keeps me in bondage.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nicholas Keys
Another song that is describing me!!! Very powerful!
Edwardo Barrientos
Love this song,
Emotial prisoner!!!
Tylisa Branley
I love reggae music!! Love this song
Winand Sogbor
Steel Pulse is always an inspiration. Jah guide. PEACE.
Alioune Badara Camara
Love it
Derek Bullene
So many great shows including greek theater reggae on the river Fillmore and more!frogger
Derek Bullene
Love'that creative and I.rie!artistic vibe steel pulse and the Melody is mellow-blunts and green spliffs necessary for thay artistic groove the pulse brings! Frogger Derek Bullene
Derek Bullene
love thouse reggae on the river moments!Frogger
jaye reid
i guess only five more of us have had enough
Nicholas Keys
I agree!