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.
Prediction
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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Prediction, yeah, from the days of old
Prediction, yeah, from way back when
The years Jah send, years Jah send
Prediction a long, long time ago
Selassie was neglected, tell me when?
Like the tales of the Messiah, yah
Garvey was rejected tell me when?
Unlike the Baptist he has kept his head
I said vank!
William Gordon and Paul Bogle led
A rebellion cause they used their heads
But had their necks in a noose
Martyrs of freedom, freedom condemned
But Jah Jah cut them loose. Hen heh
Prophesised that, we would suffer by
Those who think themselves superior to
Our colour, yes sah
Descendants of Naiman the Leper
Ask Elisha
Offsprings of Naiman the Leper
Ask Elisha
If a lie, ask Elisha, ask Elisha
If a lie, ask Elisha, ask Elisha
If a lie, ask Elisha, ask Elisha
If a lie, ask Elisha, ask Elisha
If a lie, ask Elisha, ask Elisha
If a lie, ask Elisha, ask Elisha
Tomorrow's what we're on about
Tomorrow's what we're on about
Not yesterday
It's up to man to understand
To have success upon this land
He better have some faith
Have
Some
Faith
Repeat
Have, some, have some, faith!
Have, some, have some, faith!
The impossible have a habit of happening
If you think a lie I atell ask Elisha
Ask Elisha... ask Ellsha...
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's "Prediction" are a commentary on the past and present experiences of the black community, as well as a projection of the future. The chorus begins with "Prediction, prediction foretold," indicating that the song is speaking to events that are already known or predicted. The song then references key figures of black history, such as Emperor Selassie and Marcus Garvey, who were neglected and rejected in their time. The suffering of black people at the hands of those who deem themselves superior to them is also addressed, with the reference to Naiman the Leper and the question to ask Elisha if it is a lie or not.
Throughout the song, Steel Pulse emphasizes the importance of faith and the ability to create change. The repeated call to "have some faith" is a reminder that in the face of adversity, belief in something greater than ourselves can be a powerful tool for making a difference. The final line, "The impossible have a habit of happening," suggests that even though the challenges facing the black community may seem insurmountable, there is always hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Prediction, prediction foretold
This song is about predictions that have been made and that came true.
Prediction, yeah, from the days of old
This prediction has been around for a long time.
Prediction, yeah, from way back when
These predictions were made a long time ago.
The years Jah send, years Jah send
These predictions are linked to the years that Jah (God) has sent.
Prediction a long, long time ago
This prediction was made a very long time ago.
Selassie was neglected, tell me when?
This line questions when Selassie was neglected, which is possibly a reference to the Emperor of Ethiopia who is seen as a messianic figure.
Like the tales of the Messiah, yah
The predictions are like the tales of the Messiah.
All over again
These predictions have happened before.
Garvey was rejected tell me when?
This line questions when the political leader Marcus Garvey was rejected.
Unlike the Baptist he has kept his head
Unlike John the Baptist who was executed, Selassie was able to keep his head.
I said vank!
This line is not clear in its meaning.
William Gordon and Paul Bogle led
These two names are historical figures that are seen as heroes.
A rebellion cause they used their heads
They led a rebellion because they thought critically.
But had their necks in a noose
They were executed for their rebellion.
Martyrs of freedom, freedom condemned
They are remembered as martyrs to freedom even though they were condemned.
But Jah Jah cut them loose. Hen heh
Jah (God) was able to release them from their earthly suffering.
Prophesised that, we would suffer by
These predictions state that we will suffer.
Those who think themselves superior to
Our suffering is due to those who think they are superior to us.
Our colour, yes sah
Our skin color is one of the reasons why we are oppressed.
Descendants of Naiman the Leper
This line is difficult to interpret without additional context.
Ask Elisha
This line is referring to the previous line about Naiman the Leper, and telling the listener to read the story in the Bible about Naiman and the prophet Elisha.
Tomorrow's what we're on about
The song is focusing on the future.
Not yesterday
The song is not focused on the past.
It's up to man to understand
It's up to us to understand the world around us.
To have success upon this land
To be successful in life, we need to understand how the world works.
He better have some faith
We need to have faith if we want to succeed.
Have
This line is reiterating the importance of having faith.
Some
This line emphasizes that we only need a bit of faith.
Faith
The word faith here refers to the trust, confidence and belief we have in our religious beliefs.
The impossible have a habit of happening
Miracles happen more often than we think they will.
If you think a lie I atell ask Elisha
If someone thinks this prediction is a lie, they are encouraged to read the story of Naiman and Elisha in the Bible for clarification.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ALPHONSO MARTIN, BASIL GLENDON GABBIDON, DAVID ROBERT HINDS, MICHAEL RILEY, RONNIE MCQUEEN, SELWYN DELRAINZE BROWN, STEPHEN VINCENT NISBETT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LastWinter79
WOW! This is a gem. Thank you. Cheers from Italy.