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.
I-spy...
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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I Spy With My Little Eye
Raggamuffin Him A Turn Rude Bwoy
If You Live Him A Give You A Bly
Him No Fraid Fe Shot Up A Guy
Him A Come In A De Dancehall
Don't You Dare Step On His Toes
Ignorance Is All He Knows
Him A Ganster Him No Jester
Him A Don Da Da In De Area
O He's A Bad Influence
Pon De Children Yeah Arh!
CHORUS
No Stranger To Danger
Respect No-One Sah (Rudie don't fear)
So No Move Him To Anger
Gwarn like a vulture
DJ Jukie Ranks.
Yes I Spy Yes I Spy Yes I Spy
With My Little Eye (Oh Gsoh)
There's A Reason Why
All Bad Boys Take A Dive
None Shall Escape
The Judgement In This Time
DJ Jukie Ranks
I Spy I Spy I Spy With My Llittle Eye
Who Lives By The Gun
Surely Die By The Gun
Old Time Saying
But It Still Stand Strong
Raggamufffin Rebel
Better Settle Down
Boody Bye Bye
And You De Underground
Yes I Spy Spy With My Little Eye
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's song I-Spy describe a threatening figure in the form of a rude boy or gangster who is not afraid to use violence or murder. The song opens with David Hinds singing "I spy with my little eye, raggamuffin him a turn rude bwoy," indicating that the song is about a man who was once a reggae or dancehall fan, but has since become a violent and dangerous individual. Hinds warns those around that if they cross the rude boy's path, he will not hesitate to shoot them. The lyrics serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers that come with glorifying gun violence and machismo.
Hinds goes on to describe the rude boy's behavior in the dancehall, warning people not to step on his toes or face the consequences of being killed. In the chorus, he emphasizes that this rude boy "respects no one" and is "no stranger to danger." The song continues to describe the rude boy's actions and beliefs, such as his ignorance and his bad influence on the youth. Hinds concludes that those who live by the gun will die by it, calling for the rude boy to "settle down" before he meets his untimely end.
Line by Line Meaning
David Hinds
The name of the artist who created the song.
I Spy With My Little Eye
The singer is observing something/someone closely and carefully.
Raggamuffin Him A Turn Rude Bwoy
The person being observed was once a peaceful raggamuffin, but has now turned into a rude bwoy.
If You Live Him A Give You A Bly
The bwoy may spare you if you're lucky enough to not encounter him in the wrong way.
Him No Fraid Fe Shot Up A Guy
The bwoy is not afraid to shoot someone.
Him A Come In A De Dancehall
The bwoy enters the dancehall.
Don't You Dare Step On His Toes
Do not upset the bwoy in any way.
He'll Put You Six Foot Under
The bwoy may harm/kill you.
Ignorance Is All He Knows
The bwoy is lacking knowledge and has an uneducated view of the world and life.
Him A Ganster Him No Jester
The bwoy is a dangerous gangster and not trying to be funny or amusing.
Him A Don Da Da In De Area
The bwoy is a leader/ruler in the area and holds power.
O He's A Bad Influence
The bwoy is a negative influence to others.
Pon De Children Yeah Arh!
The bwoy's behavior may have a negative impact on the children in the area.
No Stranger To Danger
The bwoy is familiar with danger and risks.
Respect No-One Sah (Rudie don't fear)
The bwoy has no respect for anyone and doesn't care about being feared by others.
So No Move Him To Anger
Do not provoke the bwoy and make him angry.
Gwarn like a vulture
The bwoy is aggressive and dangerous like a vulture.
Yes I Spy Yes I Spy Yes I Spy
The singer continues to observe closely and carefully.
With My Little Eye (Oh Gsoh)
The observation is made with the singer's own eyes.
There's A Reason Why
There is a specific reason behind what the artist is observing.
All Bad Boys Take A Dive
All those who engage in negative/dangerous behavior will receive negative consequences.
None Shall Escape
No one will be able to avoid facing the consequences of their actions.
The Judgement In This Time
The consequences of one's actions will come in due time.
Who Lives By The Gun
Those who use guns for their lifestyle or profession.
Surely Die By The Gun
Those who use guns will likely face death from guns.
Old Time Saying
This is an old and commonly-known statement.
But It Still Stand Strong
The statement is still true and relevant today.
Raggamufffin Rebel
The person being observed is a rebel/outsider from the mainstream culture.
Better Settle Down
The rebel should calm down and not act in a dangerous or violent way.
Boody Bye Bye
The rebel may face death or negative consequences.
And You De Underground
The rebel will be gone/dead and in the ground.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: HORACE KEITH HINDS, ROBERT DEL NAJA, GRANTLEY EVAN MARSHALL, ANDREW LEE ISAAC VOWLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind