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.
Spiritualize It
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And what I see happening now
Seems like the world's gone crazy
And everything's breaking down
Tricky politics fight their corner
Take the dollars and pass the buck
But everyday the voice gets stronger
If you can see what I'm saying,
Raise your hand
Stand up and be counted again ...
CHORUS:
We've got to spiritualise it
Undivide this world that we share
We've got to spiritualise it
Recognize that we can be there
Spritualise it
Every woman every man
got to get up and
Spiritualise it
Some people say God is their witness
But still they do the crimes
Drag the devil into health and fitness
Keep him safe all the time
In a negative, sedative system
We never get organised
Without a little positive resistance
To open up all our eyes
If you can see what I'm saying, raise your hand
Stand up and be counted again ooh yeah!
CHORUS :
And as we get closer to this, don't be frightened
Or try to avoid it by running away
Cos there's no escape from the place that's inside us
That knows what is right no matter what we say
There's no more time to delay
Spritualise it
Every woman every man
got to get up and
Spiritualise it
CHORUS
Can you feel it
Can you feel it
Spirit spirit spirit spirit.....and fade
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's song Spiritualize It address the state of the world and the need to bring spiritual consciousness into our daily lives. The opening verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, painting a picture of a world that seems to be falling apart due to politics and broken systems. The lines "Seems like the world's gone crazy, And everything's breaking down" provide a stark description of the current state of things. However, the song's chorus provides a glimmer of hope, as it urges listeners to "spiritualize it" and "undivide" the world we share.
The second verse delves into the hypocrisy of those who claim to be religious but still commit crimes. The lines "Some people say God is their witness, But still they do the crimes" highlight the idea that personal spirituality is not enough to make real change in the world. It's only through positive resistance and organizing that we can truly open our eyes and see what needs to change.
Overall, Spiritualize It is a call to action for listeners to recognize the power of spiritual consciousness as a tool for change. It reminds us that in a world that can often feel overwhelming and broken, we have the power to come together and make it better.
Line by Line Meaning
Now listen up, listen good to me
Pay attention to my words
And what I see happening now
The current state of the world
Seems like the world's gone crazy
The world is chaotic
And everything's breaking down
Things are falling apart
Tricky politics fight their corner
Politicians are deceitful
Take the dollars and pass the buck
They blame others instead of taking responsibility
But everyday the voice gets stronger
People are starting to speak out more
Says we can't trust to luck
We cannot rely on chance
If you can see what I'm saying,
If you understand my message
Raise your hand
Show your support
Stand up and be counted again ...
Take action and make your opinion known
CHORUS:
The chorus of the song
We've got to spiritualise it
We need to bring spirituality into our lives
Undivide this world that we share
We need to come together instead of being divided
Recognize that we can be there
We are capable of achieving our goals
Some people say God is their witness
Some claim religious beliefs
But still they do the crimes
Despite their beliefs, they act immorally
Drag the devil into health and fitness
Even bad things get promoted as good
Keep him safe all the time
Society protects evil
In a negative, sedative system
The current world promotes pessimism and numbness
We never get organised
People do not come together to make things better
Without a little positive resistance
Without some effort to change things for the better
To open up all our eyes
To see the world as it is
If you can see what I'm saying, raise your hand
If you agree with my message, show your support
Stand up and be counted again ooh yeah!
Take action and make your voice heard
CHORUS :
The chorus of the song
And as we get closer to this, don't be frightened
As we approach change, do not be afraid
Or try to avoid it by running away
Do not ignore the problem
Cos there's no escape from the place that's inside us
We cannot escape our own conscience
That knows what is right no matter what we say
We know what is right, even if we do not always act on it
There's no more time to delay
We must act now, there is no time left
Can you feel it
The song's message is reaching people
Spirit spirit spirit spirit.....and fade
The song ends with a call to action
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOE CANG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lawrence Njawe
Great number. Added touch of Pop & contemporary influences without compromising the reggae feel
Yorkshire Pianist
I second that.
Lawrence Njawe
Great song and characteristically powerful lyrics...
Bonaventure Djamie
Good !
Arturo Williams
Open my Book Of life Now