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.
Worth His Weight in Gold
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Be here now
Rally round the flag
Rally round the red, gold, black and green
Rally round the
Rally round the red, gold, black and green
Red for the blood
That flowed like the river
Marcus say, Sir Marcus say
Green for the land, Africa
Marcus say
Yellow for the gold
That they stole
Sir Marcus say
Sir Marcus say
Black for the people
It looted from
They took us away
Captivity, captivity
Required from us a song
Right now man say repatriate, repatriate
I and I patience have now long time gone
Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, everyone (ooh)
Four hundred (ooh)
Four hundred million strong
Ethiopia stretch forth her hands
Closer to God, we Africans
Closer to God, we Africans
Closer to God, we can
In our hearts is Mount Zion
Now you know seek the lion
Our hearts is Mount Zion
Now you know, now you know
Ayy, how can we sing in a strange land?
(Sing in a strange land)
Don't want to sing in a strange land
(Sing in a strange land)
Liberation
True democracy
One God, one aim
One destiny
Rally round the
Rally round the
Red for the blood
That flowed like the river
Rally round the
Rally round the
Green for the land, Africa
Rally round the
Rally round the
Yellow for the gold
That they stole
Rally round the
Rally round the
A we the black people
Remember when we used to dress like kings
Conqueror of land
Conqueror of seas
Civilization far moved from caves
Oppressor
Oppressor man live deh, live deh
I curse that day (that day, that day)
The day they made us slaves
I say, how can we sing in a strange land?
(Sing in a strange land)
(Sing in a strange land)
Don't want to sing in a strange land, no, no, no
(Sing in a strange land)
(Sing in a strange land)
Liberation
True democracy
One God, one aim
One destiny
Rally round the flag
Rally round the red, gold, black and green
Rally round the
Rally round the red, gold, black and green
A bright shining star (rally round the flag)
Yeah, Africa (rally round the red, gold, black and green)
Catch star liner right now (rally round, rally round)
Yeah, Africa, Africa
A history, no more a mystery (rally round the, rally round)
Africa, Africa
Respect and authority (rally round the flag)
Africa, Africa (rally round the red, gold, black and green)
Climb ye the heights of humanity (rally round, rally round)
Africa, Africa
Come rally (rally round the)
Come rally (rally round)
Come rally
Come rally round
Come rally (rally round the flag)
Come rally (rally round the red, gold, black and green)
Come rally
Come rally round
Come rally (rally round the)
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's "Worth His Weight In Gold" are a rallying cry for African unity and liberation from the oppressive systems of colonization, slavery, and racism that have long plagued the continent and its people. The song is an ode to Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader and activist who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League, and is remembered as a champion of Pan-Africanism and Black nationalism. Garvey's legacy is evoked in the lyrics, particularly his advocacy for a return to Africa and the importance of the colors red, gold, black, and green as symbols of Black identity and pride.
The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer urges listeners to rally around the flag and the colors of Black liberation, invoking Garvey's name and his teachings about the significance of each color. Red represents the bloodshed endured by Africans during slavery and colonization, while green symbolizes the natural beauty and richness of the African continent. Yellow signifies the gold and other resources that European powers have exploited from Africa, and black stands for the people who have been robbed of their rightful place in the world. The second verse speaks to the historical trauma of slavery and forced migration, acknowledging the pain of being uprooted from one's home and culture. The final verses of the song return to the rallying cry for African unity, liberation, and self-determination, calling for the end of oppression and the establishment of true democracy and one destiny for all Africans.
Overall, "Worth His Weight In Gold" is a powerful call to action, urging all people of African descent to embrace their shared history and identity, reject the systems that have long oppressed them, and fight for justice and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Rally round the flag
Unite behind a common symbol of our movement
Rally round the red, gold, black and green
Stand together behind the colors of our African heritage
Marcus say, Sir Marcus say
Referring to Marcus Garvey, leader of the Black Nationalist movement
Red for the blood that flowed like the river
Symbol of the blood shed by Black people throughout history
Green for the land, Africa
Symbolizes the continent of Africa
Yellow for the gold that they stole
Gold stolen from Africa by colonizing countries
Black for the people it looted from
Symbol of the African people who were exploited and oppressed for generations due to colonialism and slavery
They took us away, captivity, captivity
Refers to the transatlantic slave trade and its long-lasting impact
Required from us a song
Despite the trauma of slavery, Black people used music to express themselves and retain their cultural identity
Right now man say repatriate, repatriate
Urging Black people to return to Africa, their ancestral homeland
Closer to God, we Africans
By reconnecting with Africa, Black people can feel closer to God and their spiritual roots
In our hearts is Mount Zion
Symbol of the ultimate goal of liberation for Black people
Liberation, true democracy, one God, one aim, one destiny
Describing the ideal vision of a future of equality and justice for Black people
Remember when we used to dress like kings
Recalls a time in Africa's history when its people were prosperous and dignified
Oppressor man live deh, live deh
The oppressor is still present and exerting power today
Come rally round
Calling on Black people to come together in solidarity towards our common goal
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: David Robert Hinds
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Axewhipe
Marcus say sir Marcus say
Red for the blood
That flowed like the river
Marcus say sir Marcus say
Green for the land Africa
Marcus say
Yellow for the gold
That they stole
Marcus say
Black for the people
It was looted from
Tiffany Muir
I love this song RESPECT AND LOVE TO STEEL PULSE , JAH ALMIGHTY BLESSINGS MY SISTER'S AND BROTHER'S❤💛💚
Jamworld876
I love this song, I can't stop listening to it for two days now xD I love how some songs never get old
Caribbean Brother
Come rally!
Kari
I cant either!
🎲DON WILLIAM & WILSON SHOW🎲
🙌🏾
BaD-_-SaMaRiTaN
The whole album hits
round about midnight
Rest in power Steve "Grizzly" Nisbett, the pulse behind Steel Pulse!
John Scott
RIP Grizzly, his drumming will beat continually. One of the great true reggae bands that has stood the test of time
Lawrence Njawe
Masterpiece of a track!!!!
Peterkin Kashero mwahunga
I love this song and it keeps reminding me of hope verse faith