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.
Soul Of My Soul
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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So let's make a start
One life one love one aim
And of one heart
Our love is reaching new horizons
Stretching further and higher than before
I want to turn out the light
Settle down and close the door
Please don't ever leave my side
'Cause you're always on my mind
Your are truly magical
You are one of a kind
Though we've had our sticky times
We were able to survive
This love is real
[Chorus:]
Soul of my soul
Each beat of my heart
You light up my life
Let's make a start
Soul of my soul
Dream of my dreams
You light up my life
Let's make it right
Soul of my soul
You light up my light
The thrill of our first encounter
Lingers deep within my consciousness
How can we ever forget
Our first touch on the night
That we first met
Please don't ever leave my side
'Cause you're always on my mind
Your are truly magical
You are one of a kind
Though we've had our sticky times
We were able to survive
This love is real
[Chorus]
Rub me dub me like dis ya
Love me love me like dat deh
We've got our lives to live
So let's make a start
One life, one love, one aim
And of one heart
Please don't ever leave my side
'Cause you're always on my mind
Your are truly magical
You are one of a kind
Though we've had our sticky times
We were able to survive
This love is real
The song "Soul Of My Soul" by Steel Pulse is a romantic ballad that speaks to the depth of emotions between two lovers. The lyrics convey a sentiment of appreciation and mutual dependence on one another. The singer explains that they have one life to live and they should make a start towards their dreams and aspirations. They believe that they are both of one heart with one love and one aim, which is to be together. Their love is reaching new horizons as it stretches further and higher than before, adding excitement and inspiration to their lives. The singer admires their partner's magical qualities, calling them one of a kind, despite having their ups and downs, they have been able to survive through it all. The song portrays the intense feelings of love, loyalty, and appreciation for the partner.
The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase "Soul of my soul, each beat of my heart, you light up my life, let's make a start." Here, the singer emphasizes the importance of their partner in their life, calling them the soul of their soul and the dream of their dreams; they light up their life and are the source of their motivation. The singer makes a promise to their partner that they will never leave their side because they are always on their mind. The love between the two is real and pure.
In summary, "Soul Of My Soul" is a romantic love song that professes the depth of emotions between two lovers. The song speaks to the appreciation and mutual dependence on one another, the excitement, and inspiration added to their lives due to their love. The lyrics convey an intense feeling of love, loyalty, and appreciation for the partner.
Line by Line Meaning
We've got our lives to live
We have a limited time on this earth and we must make the most of it.
So let's make a start
We should begin pursuing our dreams and goals right away.
One life one love one aim
We should focus on one goal with the one life we have, which is to love and be loved.
And of one heart
We are united in our pursuit of love and happiness.
Our love is reaching new horizons
Our love has grown and matured to encompass new levels of understanding and appreciation.
Stretching further and higher than before
Our love has grown to overcome previous limitations and reach new heights.
Sometimes it feels so inspiring
Our love is a source of motivation and encouragement for both of us.
I want to turn out the light
Sometimes, our love is so intense that all I want to do is spend quiet, intimate moments with you.
Settle down and close the door
I want to remove all distractions and focus solely on you.
Please don't ever leave my side
Your presence in my life is invaluable and I can't bear the thought of losing you.
'Cause you're always on my mind
You occupy a central place in my thoughts and I constantly think about you.
Your are truly magical
You possess a special quality that is indefinable and impossible to replicate.
You are one of a kind
You are unique and unlike anybody else in the world.
Though we've had our sticky times
We have gone through difficult times in our relationship.
We were able to survive
Despite the challenges, we were able to overcome them and emerge stronger.
This love is real
Our love is authentic, deep and true.
Soul of my soul
My soul is intimately connected to yours.
Each beat of my heart
My heart beats in time with yours, a reflection of our deep connection.
You light up my life
You bring joy, hope and fulfillment to my life.
Let's make a start
Let's begin the next phase of our journey together.
Dream of my dreams
You are the embodiment of my deepest desires and aspirations.
Let's make it right
Let's ensure that our love continues to flourish and grow.
You light up my light
You are the source of light and inspiration in my life.
The thrill of our first encounter
The excitement and anticipation of our first meeting still lingers in my mind.
Lingers deep within my consciousness
Our first meeting has left a deep and lasting impression on my mind.
How can we ever forget
Our first encounter is impossible to forget, due to the intense emotions and feelings that it evoked.
Our first touch on the night
The moment we first made physical contact with each other is etched in my memory forever.
Rub me dub me like dis ya
Love me in the way that only you know how.
Love me love me like dat deh
Express your love for me in your own unique way.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: SELWYN BROWN, DAVID ROBERT HINDS, PETER LORD, V JEFFREY SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind