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.
Higher Than High
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take me where
I can sing unto you
O when the battle is done
Take me higher then high
My sword she's heavy
Sing sing O David
Sing me your song
Harmony cry cry
And now we reach
The river is rolling
And now we seize the time
Sun it's so high
I see I hear
Rolling rolling rolling rolling
Strings
Were playing in my head
And now I know
Just what to do
I close my eyes
Till the morning comes
Hey hey hey hey.
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's song "Higher Than High" are a call to a higher power, asking to be taken to a place where the singer can sing unto God. The image of battle is used metaphorically, with the singer's sword heavy and heart worn from life's struggles, but still he calls out to God. Through the image of King David singing his song in harmony, the writer is expressing a desire to be lifted up and to transcend the struggles of this world.
The river is mentioned as an obstacle to be conquered, but once overcome, the singer can feel the music inside his head and knows what to do. The phrase "rolling rolling rolling rolling" suggests the cyclical nature of life, but also the ability to move forward despite obstacles. The closing lines of "I close my eyes till the morning comes" suggest a temporary respite from the struggles of life, perhaps through prayer or meditation.
Overall, the lyrics of "Higher Than High" convey a deep spiritual yearning to connect with a higher power and transcend the struggles of this world. The metaphor of battle and the image of King David are used to express a desire for strength and harmony in the face of strife.
Line by Line Meaning
O father
Addressing God
Take me where
Requesting God to take them to a special place
I can sing unto you
Wants to praise God through song
O when the battle is done
Referencing to the struggles they face
Take me higher then high
Requesting to be brought to a new level of joy and freedom after overcoming struggles
My sword she's heavy
Feeling burdened by life's troubles
My heart is worn
Feeling emotionally exhausted from hardships
Sing sing O David
Requesting a song from the biblical figure, David
Sing me your song
Asking David to share his wisdom and strength
Harmony cry cry
Signifying the emotional depth of the song
And now we reach
Moving forward in time and overcoming their struggles
The river is rolling
A metaphor for the constant flow of time
And now we seize the time
Taking control of their own destiny
Sun it's so high
Expressing the beauty of nature and the world around them
I see I hear
Experiencing life with all senses
Rolling rolling rolling rolling
Repetition emphasizing the constant flow of life
Strings
Music is present in their head constantly
Were playing in my head
Words and music are combined in their consciousness
And now I know
Through overcoming struggles, they have gained knowledge and strength
Just what to do
Confidently moving forward in life
I close my eyes
Meditating and finding inner peace
Till the morning comes
Waiting for a new beginning or for clarity in life
Hey hey hey hey.
Chanting to celebrate life and its challenges
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michiel v/d Vlies
O Father
Take me where
I can sing unto you
Yahweh
O when the battle is done
Take me higher then high
My sword she's heavy
My heart is worn
Sing sing O David
Sing me your song
Harmony cry cry
And now we reach
The river is rolling
And now we seize the time
Sun it's so high
I see I hear
Rolling rolling rolling rolling
Strings
Were playing in my head
And now I know
Just what to do
I close my eyes
Till the morning comes
Hey hey hey hey
Elaine Vickers
just takes me back to my youth!!!!!!! Now I am 55 years old, still great!!!
Sonysam
@Elaine Vickers Come on Steel pulse
Elaine Vickers
still listening at 56!!!!!!
Lawrence Njawe
I've Overlooked this track in favour of other ones for much too long.... Now I'm into it head & foot for real..
Michiel v/d Vlies
I love this song. it's one of my favorite Steel Pulse songs. reggae seems so simple but its the most underrated music ever
Lori Limper
I come back to this song again again when my heart and soul need healing....
Enrico Muratore
I always loved this very special song that takes me higher than high
jamalydude
One of my fave songs EVER
Michiel v/d Vlies
O Father
Take me where
I can sing unto you
Yahweh
O when the battle is done
Take me higher then high
My sword she's heavy
My heart is worn
Sing sing O David
Sing me your song
Harmony cry cry
And now we reach
The river is rolling
And now we seize the time
Sun it's so high
I see I hear
Rolling rolling rolling rolling
Strings
Were playing in my head
And now I know
Just what to do
I close my eyes
Till the morning comes
Hey hey hey hey
Greg Reno
all time favorite song