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.
Melting Pot
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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CHORUS
I know Babylon for a plot
Runnings inna Earth well hot
False rulers sit back and get fat
Runnings inna yard well hot
Can't get no food for the pot
It come in like a melting pot
I can't stop thinking 'bout South Africa
Why do my people have to suffer?
Racist regime nothing to offer
Not even two pence in the coffer
Women and babies under baton charge
Informers, backsliders are all at large
Stoning of churches even cemeteries
We've been in turmoil for centuries
There must be something we can do
There must be a way we can get through
There must be something we can do
There must be a way we can get through
CHORUS
Runnings in the ghetto well hot
I know Babylon for a plot
Runnings inna Earth well hot
False rulers sit back and get fat
Runnings inna yard well hot
Can't get no food for the pot
Runnings inna Earth well hot
It come in like a melting pot
Can't get no food, feel restless
Sometimes it seems so helpless
Guns, bombs, dogs and batons
We've had enough
It seems the only solution is fight rough with tough
Guns, bombs, dogs and batons
We've had enough
It seems the only solution is fight rough with tough
There must be something we can do
There must be a way we can get through
There must be something we can do
There must be a way we can get through
CHORUS
Runnings in the ghetto well hot
I know Babylon for a plot
Runnings inna Earth well hot
False rulers sit back and get fat
Runnings inna yard well hot
Can't get no food for the pot
Runnings inna Earth well hot
It come in like a melting pot
We know (I and I know)
We know seh them done have a plot
We know (yes we know)
We know seh the Earth a run hot
We know (I and I know)
We know Babylon got a plot
We know (yes we know)
It come in like a melting plot
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's song "Melting Pot" address political and social issues related to the oppression of black people, particularly in South Africa. The first verse, "Runnings in the ghetto well hot," refers to the intense heat of the political climate in impoverished areas where people are struggling to survive. The chorus, "I know Babylon for a plot/Runnings inna Earth well hot/False rulers sit back and get fat/Runnings inna yard well hot/Can't get no food for the pot/Runnings inna Earth well hot/It come in like a melting pot," highlights the conspiracy of the ruling class to oppress the poor and the dire conditions caused by poverty and lack of resources.
The second verse, "Women and babies under baton charge/Informers, backsliders are all at large/Stoning of churches even cemeteries/We've been in turmoil for centuries," illustrates the level of violence carried out against black people and their communities, with women and children being particularly vulnerable. The frustration and sense of desperation are expressed in the lines, "Can't get no food, feel restless/Sometimes it seems so helpless/Guns, bombs, dogs and batons/We've had enough."
"Melting Pot" is a call to action, an appeal for change, and a demand for justice. The repetition of the lines, "There must be something we can do/There must be a way we can get through," emphasizes the need for collective action and solutions to the ongoing oppression faced by black people. The song also acknowledges the awareness of the existence of a plot against black people and calls for solidarity, unity, and resistance against the oppressive systems.
Line by Line Meaning
Runnings in the ghetto well hot
Things are really bad in the ghetto
I know Babylon for a plot
Referring to the corrupt ruling powers as Babylon and accusing them of a scheme
Runnings inna Earth well hot
Things are bad all over the world
False rulers sit back and get fat
The corrupt and cruel authorities thrive at the expense of the people they rule
Runnings inna yard well hot
Even at home, things are hard
Can't get no food for the pot
People are starving and can't find enough food to put in a pot to cook
It come in like a melting pot
The world feels like a melting pot of different cultures, races and issues
I can't stop thinking 'bout South Africa
The song's narrator is troubled by the rampant racism and violence in South Africa
Why do my people have to suffer?
The artist is questioning why certain people are oppressed and mistreated while others aren't
Racist regime nothing to offer
The oppressive government has nothing positive to contribute
Not even two pence in the coffer
The government is not contributing anything to change the situation and is openly corrupt
Women and babies under baton charge
Even innocent and vulnerable people are subjected to violence by authorities
Informers, backsliders are all at large
Corrupt officials and their allies are free and doing harm
Stoning of churches even cemeteries
Desecrating holy places and graveyards is a sign of the government's contempt for humanity
We've been in turmoil for centuries
Oppression and conflict are nothing new to this part of the world and may have deep historical roots
Can't get no food, feel restless
Starvation and deprivation are stressful and maddening
Sometimes it seems so helpless
It's hard to feel like there's anything a person can do to make things better
Guns, bombs, dogs and batons
The violent tools used by oppressors
We've had enough
The people have reached a breaking point
It seems the only solution is fight rough with tough
Violence may be the only option left to fight back against cruelty and injustice
We know (I and I know)
The artist and their community are aware of a problem
We know seh them done have a plot
They know the people in power are scheming against them
We know (yes we know)
The singer and their community are repeatedly emphasizing their understanding of the situation
We know seh the Earth a run hot
The world is in a state of turmoil and crisis
We know Babylon got a plot
They are reiterating their belief that the people in power are corrupt and scheming
It come in like a melting pot
The problems of the world are all enmeshing and intensifying
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: SELWYN DELRAINZE BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind