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.
Prodigal Son
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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Sodom and Gomorrah no deh yah so!
Woy desperation has return over yonder
Sodom and Gomorrah no deh yah so!
Wild one, you are like the Prodigal Son yeah
And if you're the Prodigal Son, my friend
Then you're the one, you
Your culture
To enter a world known for hacklings
In abundance, yeah
The hustlers of life
Have hooked and drained you from the man
Form the man that you used to be, turn your back on us
Return Rastaman where you came from
The land of your forefathers
Reaching the gates with your two long hands
Searching out for clean water
Wild one
Prodigal come forth and rejoice with your voice
To the heavens
Chant some song, chant some song
Prodigal come forth and repent
Rastafari sins forgiven
Woy! Desperation has return
One has returned without one's soul
And has squandered all his possessions
Let us cleanse your body now
From your service to the swine, because
You've been dead and now to anoint your head
With wisdom, knowledge and over standing
A lesson has been taught unto you my friend
Time for a feast and rejoicing
Wild one
Woy! Desperation has return
Prodigal has returned to his culture
Prodigal has returned give him water
Prodigal has returned, has returned
The lyrics to Steel Pulse's song Prodigal Son explore themes of desperation, cultural identity, and redemption. The song likens the wild one to the biblical Prodigal Son who left home with his inheritance only to return destitute and in shame. The chorus of the song echoes the desperation that has returned and the absence of morality and righteousness in the world. The verses contrast the hustlers of life who have drained the wild one of his identity and culture, with the call for him to return to the land of his forefathers and reclaim his true self.
The lyrics also suggest that the Prodigal Son has lost his way in a world known for its hacklings and that he must repent and seek forgiveness from Rastafari. The mention of clean water and anointment with wisdom and knowledge speaks to the themes of spiritual cleansing and rebirth. The song ultimately ends on a hopeful note as the Prodigal Son returns to his culture and is given water to drink.
Overall, the lyrics to Prodigal Son promote the importance of cultural identity, spiritual redemption, and returning to one's roots.
Line by Line Meaning
Woy! Desperation has return
The feeling of hopelessness has come back
Sodom and Gomorrah no deh yah so!
The level of wickedness is not as high here
Woy desperation has return over yonder
The feeling of hopelessness has returned in that area
Sodom and Gomorrah no deh yah so!
The level of wickedness is not as high here
Wild one, you are like the Prodigal Son yeah
You are living like the prodigal son, always seeking pleasure and material things
And if you're the Prodigal Son, my friend
If you have lived like the prodigal son,
Then you're the one, you
You are the chosen one
Left taking your only possession
You left your culture behind
Your culture
Your Jamaican roots and values
To enter a world known for hacklings
To enter a world full of dangers and evils
In abundance, yeah
Lots of wickedness
The hustlers of life
Those who live by manipulating and exploiting others
Have hooked and drained you from the man
They have made you lose your identity and self-respect
Form the man that you used to be, turn your back on us
You have become someone you weren't meant to be, and have abandoned your community
Return Rastaman where you came from
Come back to your roots, Rastafarianism and Jamaica
The land of your forefathers
Where your ancestors lived
Reaching the gates with your two long hands
Asking for help with open arms
Searching out for clean water
In search of purity and innocence
Prodigal come forth and rejoice with your voice
Celebrate your return with joy and happiness
To the heavens
To God above
Chant some song, chant some song
Sing and make music to praise God
Prodigal come forth and repent
Make amends for your past mistakes and wrongdoings
Rastafari sins forgiven
God has forgiven you for your sins, as you have repented and returned to him
One has returned without one's soul
You came back empty and lost
And has squandered all his possessions
You have wasted all your resources
Let us cleanse your body now
We must purify and heal you
From your service to the swine, because
From your time spent living among sinners and wicked people
You've been dead and now to anoint your head
You were lost and now you've been reborn and anointed with God's grace
With wisdom, knowledge and over standing
You have gained wisdom, knowledge, and understanding
A lesson has been taught unto you my friend
You have learned a valuable lesson
Time for a feast and rejoicing
We must celebrate your return and new life
Prodigal has returned to his culture
You have come back to your Jamaican roots, traditions, and values
Prodigal has returned give him water
We must provide you with water, a symbol of purity and life
Prodigal has returned, has returned
You have come back, returned to us and to God
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOHNNY WINTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind