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.
X Ressurection
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Malcolm X
Malcolm X
Born in imaha Nebraska
May 19 year 25
Was the son of a Garvey teacher
We will keep his name alice
Youthful years were full of adventure
In jail he learned to be our leader
Thank God he was released on time
Spoke out gainst Jim Crows in justice
And never turned the other cheek
There's no room for non violent protest
Yes these words were what he preached
Taught us bout Pan Africanism
To put my people back on their feet
Take what's ours robbed by the system
He said by any means
Let Malcolm live through us
Black liberation is a must
Let Malcolm live through us
Black liberation is a must
They have tried to rid his name
From history books and magazines
They even tried to criticize
His greatness and philosophy
Against all kinds of exploitation
For all of us he bore the pain
We won't let him be forgotten
No he did not die in vain
Put away the misconception
That he came to teach us hate
So wake up from your sleep and slumber
Wake up before its too late
We need to resurrect that spirit
A lease of life the people need
To fight resistance from the system
He said by any means
Let Malcolm live through us
Black liberation is a must
Let Malcolm live through us
Black liberation is a must
By any means by any means
By any means necessary
The song "X Resurrection" by Steel Pulse is a tribute to Malcolm X and his influence on the African American community. The song tells the story of Malcolm X's life, from his birth in Omaha, Nebraska, to his time in prison where he became a leader of the civil rights movement. The lyrics speak of his teachings on Pan Africanism and Black liberation, and the importance of taking action "by any means necessary" to achieve it.
The song begins with a mention of David Hinds, the lead singer of Steel Pulse, and then quickly moves to the subject of the song, Malcolm X. The lyrics highlight his upbringing and how he became involved in crime before finding his calling as a civil rights leader. They also acknowledge his vocal criticisms of Jim Crow laws and the importance of not turning the other cheek in the face of injustice.
The song's chorus urges listeners to keep Malcolm X's memory alive and to continue fighting for Black liberation. The final lines of the song drive the message home, calling for action to be taken by any means necessary.
Overall, "X Resurrection" serves as a powerful homage to Malcolm X and his teachings, inspiring listeners to continue his legacy of advocacy and justice for the Black community.
Line by Line Meaning
David Hinds
The songwriter of the song.
Malcolm X
The subject of the song, a prominent Civil Rights activist.
Malcolm X
Repetition of the subject's name to emphasize his importance.
Born in imaha Nebraska
Specifies the birthplace of Malcolm X.
May 19 year 25
Specifies the birthdate of Malcolm X.
Was the son of a Garvey teacher
Tells the listener about Malcolm X's father and his occupation.
We will keep his name alice
The subject's name will always be remembered.
Youthful years were full of adventure
Malcolm X had an exciting youth.
Drifted to a life of crime
Malcolm X became involved in criminal activities.
In jail he learned to be our leader
Malcolm X became a prominent activist during his time in prison.
Thank God he was released on time
Malcolm X's release from prison was a fortunate event.
Spoke out gainst Jim Crows in justice
Malcolm X was a voice against racial segregation and injustice.
And never turned the other cheek
Malcolm X did not believe in pacifism or passive resistance.
There's no room for non violent protest
Malcolm X did not support non-violent forms of protest.
Yes these words were what he preached
Malcolm X's beliefs were centered around resistance and direct action.
Taught us bout Pan Africanism
Malcolm X believed in unity and solidarity within the African Diaspora.
To put my people back on their feet
Malcolm X wanted to empower Black people to overcome oppression.
Take what's ours robbed by the system
Malcolm X believed that Black people were owed reparations for the injustices perpetrated against them.
He said by any means
Malcolm X believed in using any method necessary to achieve Black liberation.
Let Malcolm live through us
Malcolm X's legacy should be continued by those who remember him.
Black liberation is a must
Freedom and equality for Black people is a necessity.
They have tried to rid his name
People have attempted to erase Malcolm X from history.
From history books and magazines
Places where Malcolm X's legacy should be preserved.
They even tried to criticize
Malcolm X has faced attempts to discredit his message.
His greatness and philosophy
Malcolm X's ideas and beliefs have been attacked.
Against all kinds of exploitation
Malcolm X was against all forms of oppression.
For all of us he bore the pain
Malcolm X fought for the freedom of all people.
We won't let him be forgotten
Malcolm X will be remembered for his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.
No he did not die in vain
Malcolm X's death was not without purpose.
Put away the misconception
Malcolm X has been misunderstood by some.
That he came to teach us hate
People wrongly believe that Malcolm X promoted hatred towards white people.
So wake up from your sleep and slumber
Malcolm X's message should not be ignored.
Wake up before its too late
We must act now to continue Malcolm X's legacy.
We need to resurrect that spirit
Malcolm X's values and beliefs should be renewed in our actions.
A lease of life the people need
People need Malcolm X's message to feel empowered.
To fight resistance from the system
Malcolm X's ideas should be used to challenge systems of oppression.
By any means by any means
Emphasis on Malcolm X's belief in taking action by any means necessary.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind