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.
Ku Klux Klan
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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Minding my own business
I come face to face, with my foe
Disguised In violence from head to toe
I holla and I bawl (Ku Klux Klan)
But dem naw let me go now
To let me go was not dem intention
Dem seh one nigga the less
Stand strong black skin and take your blow
It's the Ku, the Ku Klux Klan
Here to stamp out blackman yah
The Ku, the Ku Klux Klan heh!
To be taught a lesson not to walk alone
I was waiting for the Good Samaritan
But waiting was hopeless
It was all in vain
The Ku Klux Klan back again
I holla and I bawl (Ku Klux Klan)
Dem naw let me go now
Dem seh one nigga the less
The better the show
Stand strong blackskin and take your blow
The Ku, Ku Klux Klan
Rape, lynch, kill and maim
Things can't remain the same yah no!
Blackman do unto the Klan
AS they would do to you
In this case hate they neighbour
Those cowards only kill who they fear
That's why they hide behind
The hoods and cloaks they wear
I holla and I bawl, Ku Klux Klan
Dem naw let me go no, Ku Klux Klan
Oh no, oh no
Here to stamp out black man yah
Rape, lynch, kill and maim
Things can't remain the same yah
No, no, no, no
The song "Ku Klux Klan" by Steel Pulse is a powerful and intriguing protest song against the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist group founded during the Reconstruction era in the United States. The lyrics describe the experience of a black man who is attacked by the Klan while walking alone. He cries out for help, but no one comes to his rescue. The lyrics emphasize the violent and hateful nature of the Klan, and urge black people to stand strong against their oppression.
The song begins with the singer minding his own business when he is suddenly confronted by the Klan, who are "disguised in violence from head to toe." He calls out for help, but they refuse to release him. The Klan's intention was to eliminate one more black person, believing it would be good for their show. Despite the singer's plea for a Good Samaritan, no one comes to his aid. He then encourages black people to remain strong in the face of oppression and to stand up against the Klan's actions.
The song's second verse is a call to action, urging black people to treat the Klan the way they treat them, and to hate their neighbors. The singer highlights the cowardice of the Klan, who only target people they fear and hide behind their hoods and cloaks. He concludes by reiterating the Klan's violent and hateful nature, and pointing out that things cannot remain the same.
Overall, "Ku Klux Klan" is an emotionally charged song that highlights the discrimination and oppression faced by black people at the hands of white supremacists. It emphasizes the need for unity and strength in the face of hate and encourages marginalized communities to stand up for their rights and fight against injustice.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking along just kicking stones
I was walking aimlessly, not bothering anyone.
Minding my own business
I was not interfering with anyone else's life.
I come face to face, with my foe
I ran into someone who hates and wants to harm me.
Disguised In violence from head to toe
He was dressed in a way that indicated he wants to express his hate and violence.
I holla and I bawl (Ku Klux Klan)
I cried out that I was being attacked by the Ku Klux Klan.
But dem naw let me go now
But they wouldn't back off or let me be.
To let me go was not dem intention
Their goal was not to let me walk away unharmed.
Dem seh one nigga the less
They said, 'The fewer black people around, the better for everyone.'
The better for the show
They believed that killing or harming black people was entertaining.
Stand strong black skin and take your blow
I must remain steadfast and brace for the strike.
It's the Ku, the Ku Klux Klan
These attackers are members of the Ku Klux Klan.
Here to stamp out blackman yah
Their intention is to eliminate me, a black man.
To be taught a lesson not to walk alone
They had a plan to teach me a tragic lesson for daring to walk alone as a black man.
I was waiting for the Good Samaritan
I was hoping someone would come to my aid and rescue me.
But waiting was hopeless
My hopes were dashed.
It was all in vain
All my waiting and hoping was pointless.
Rape, lynch, kill and maim
The Ku Klux Klan commit brutal actions such as rape, lynching, murder, and maiming.
Things can't remain the same yah no!
We must work to change this reality.
Blackman do unto the Klan
We must respond to the Ku Klux Klan in kind.
As they would do to you
We must treat them like they have treated us.
In this case hate they neighbour
We must hate our oppressors.
Those cowards only kill who they fear
The Ku Klux Klan only hurts people who they are afraid of.
That's why they hide behind
That's the reason why they wear hoods and cloaks.
Dem naw let me go no, Ku Klux Klan
They continued to hold me captive even when I pleaded with them to release me.
Oh no, oh no
I was horrified and terrified.
No, no, no, no
I refuse to accept this reality and must take action to make a change.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind