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.
Harassment
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Harassment is the mark of the beast in the struggle
In the hands of the enemy the middle of the hastle
But blessed I'm bound to be
If I bear our the battle
If I give dem the power they bring back the shackles
So I got to overthrow the struggle.
Captured by command of corrupted law
Not to be released till they beat I raw
Trumped a charge on I
I've got no alibi
No leg to stand in court says I need you support
I say
We'll fight 'till last
Roots Roots
Three nines nine nine nine
The mark of the beast yeh
Vonk dem harassment
Got to overthrow the struggle
We'll fight till last
Harassment.
Steel Pulse's song "Harassment" is a powerful call-to-action against oppression, specifically focused on the experience of black people who are unjustly targeted and mistreated by the authorities. The lyrics suggest that harassment is a manifestation of evil at work in society and a tool of the oppressor, designed to keep people down and prevent them from achieving their full potential. However, the singer is determined not to be beaten down by harassment and encourages others to join him in the struggle.
The first verse describes how harassment is a constant obstacle in the lives of black people, always threatening to derail their progress: "Harassment is the mark of the beast in the struggle / In the hands of the enemy the middle of the hastle / But blessed I'm bound to be / If I bear our the battle / If I give dem the power they bring back the shackles." However, the singer is also optimistic that he can overcome this challenge if he remains resolute and determined: "So I got to overthrow the struggle."
The second verse delves into the singer's personal experience of harassment and injustice: "Captured by command of corrupted law / Not to be released till they beat I raw / Trumped a charge on I / I've got no alibi / No leg to stand in court says I need you support." Despite facing these difficulties, the singer refuses to back down and instead encourages others to join him in the fight for justice: "We'll fight 'till last / Roots Roots / Three nines nine nine nine / The mark of the beast yeh / Vonk dem harassment / Got to overthrow the struggle / We'll fight till last."
Overall, "Harassment" is a powerful and emotional song that conveys the frustration, anger, and determination of black people who have been targeted by harassment and oppression. It is a call to arms for all those who believe in justice and equality and who refuse to be silenced or intimidated.
Line by Line Meaning
Roots Roots
Acknowledging their cultural heritage and foundation
Harassment is the mark of the beast in the struggle
Systemic oppression acts as a tool of the adversary in the fight for freedom
In the hands of the enemy the middle of the hastle
Oppressors maintain power via harassment of marginalized groups
But blessed I'm bound to be
If I bear our the battle
If I give dem the power they bring back the shackles
Perseverance through struggle is essential, lest we give oppressors the ability to enslave us once more
So I got to overthrow the struggle.
Revolution is necessary for the liberation of the oppressed
Captured by command of corrupted law
Not to be released till they beat I raw
Injustices within the legal system allow for the indefinite detention and punishment of those in opposition to the status quo
Trumped a charge on I
I've got no alibi
No leg to stand in court says I need you support
False accusations and a lack of representation lead to an unfair trial
I say
We'll fight 'till last
A resolute commitment to resistance
Three nines nine nine nine
The mark of the beast yeh
Vonk dem harassment
The repetition of the number nine symbolizes the pervasiveness and evil of harassment
Got to overthrow the struggle
We'll fight till last
Reiterating the call for revolution and unyielding resistance
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David Robert Hinds
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Norman Sylvester
I played these Steel Pulse in my home so much that my daughter became such a fan of Steel Pulse before she could understand and relate to the lyrics. That's one of the ways in bringing up a child, she dislikes mediocre reggae or reggae that isn't uplifting her thoughts. Thanking you steel pulse for the help.
brian ladder
steel pulse are on an other lvl i hope your not all "BLM" with your kids we all have one common enemy! We'll fight to last!
Simon Pierre
Because you know...who is the enemy?
Tapeworm
Irie
Tapeworm
@Simon Pierre ourselves
Lawrence Njawe
The very first Steel Pulse song I heard in the early 80s with a punky sound which made it a novelty at the time
thenowchurch
These guys are so musically sophisticated.
Like a reggae Steely Dan.
brian ladder
lol yessir like the stranglers to punk reggae is generally simple with easy lyrics david hinds is seriously underrated lyricist "can not be bought na sold, freedom increases 100 fold"
brian ladder
funny enough my dads fav band is steel pulse but he said steely dan were best concert he ever seen
thenowchurch
@brian ladder I have never seen Steely Dan live but I have seen Pulse a few times and one show
for the Earth Crisis tour was one of the best concerts I have ever attended.
Every one was standing on the chairs in the hall and even on the stage , fans were next to the band.
The sweet ganja was being passed around freely to all who wanted to partake.
The good old days!