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.
shining
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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New breezes kinda cool
So raise up raise up
This could be your time yeah yeah yeah
Raise up you head
Raise up and live
A new day again right on time
Lift up your head
Things to be said in this time
So summer is here
And flowers in full bloom
The sun is in the air
Get up get out
Try and find out
What life what life what life
Has in store for you
CHORUS
Sunshine is shining
Sunshine is shining
Sunshine is shining
Sunshine is shining
The sun is the light
The moon and the stars
That guides in the day and loves in the night
So open your eyes
Lift up your head
Thing to be seen in this time (hey)
CHORUS
Raise up your head
Raise up and live
A new day again right on time
So open your eyes
Lift up your head
Things to be said in this time
So summer is here
And flowers in full bloom
The sun is in the air
Get up get out
Try and find out
What life what life what life
Has in store for you
CHORUS
Sunshine is shining
Sunshine is shining
Sunshine is shining
Sunshine is shining
The sun is the light
The moon and the stars
That guides in the day and loves in the night
So open your eyes
Lift up your head
Things to be seen in this time (hey)
CHORUS
Raise up your head
Raise up and live
A new day again right on time
So open your eyes
Lift up your head
Things to be seen in this time
For summer is here
And flowers in full bloom
The sun is in the air
Get up get out
Try and find out
What life what life what life
Has in store for you
CHORUS
The song "Shining" by Steel Pulse is an uplifting and motivational call to the listener to awaken to the possibilities of a new day. The lyrics encourage the listener to raise their head, open their eyes, and be aware of the beauty and opportunities available to them. The lyrics reference the seasons, summer being the time of full bloom and sunshine, with the symbolism of the sun serving as a guide in the day and the night. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the presence and importance of sunshine and its ability to shine on the listener's life if they allow themselves to embrace it.
The song's message of positivity and the importance of seizing the day is a common theme in Steel Pulse's music. The band, formed in Birmingham, UK, in 1975, is considered one of the most significant reggae bands of all time. The band's music often addresses political and social issues, playing a significant role in the punk and reggae movements in the UK.
In "Shining," Steel Pulse returns to a more straightforward message of hope and inspiration. The song's upbeat tempo paired with the lyrics' call to action inspires the listener to have a more optimistic outlook on life. The song's use of natural imagery reinforces the connection between humans and the environment, with sunshine serving as a metaphor for the light that can guide one through life.
Overall, "Shining" by Steel Pulse is a powerful song that encourages self-reflection and embracing the possibilities of new beginnings. Its message is a particular call to action to those who may feel stuck or unmotivated to take steps to make positive changes in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Night time is growing old
The night is almost over, and it's time to start a new day.
New breezes kinda cool
The air is refreshing and feels nice.
So raise up raise up
Get ready, prepare yourself.
This could be your time yeah yeah yeah
Now is a good opportunity for you to shine and achieve your goals.
Raise up you head
Be confident, hold your head high.
Raise up and live
Take action, live your life to the fullest.
A new day again right on time
Every day is a new opportunity, arrive at the right moment.
So open your eyes
Be aware, see the possibilities in front of you.
Lift up your head
Be confident, look ahead.
Things to be said in this time
There are important things that need to be discussed now.
So summer is here
The season of warmth, joy, and growth has arrived.
And flowers in full bloom
Nature is beautiful and thriving.
The sun is in the air
The energy and warmth of the sun are around us.
Get up get out
Take action, don't waste time.
Try and find out
Explore, discover, and learn new things.
What life what life what life
What opportunities and experiences lie ahead?
Has in store for you
What surprises and blessings are waiting for you?
CHORUS
The refrain of the song.
Sunshine is shining
The sun is shining, representing warmth, light, and positivity.
The sun is the light
The sun provides light and energy, which are essential to life.
The moon and the stars
The moon and the stars guide us at night, and make us wonder about the mysteries of the universe.
That guides in the day and loves in the night
The sun represents the energy and warmth of the daytime, while the moon and stars evoke the romantic, mystical feeling of the nighttime.
Things to be seen in this time (hey)
There are many beautiful and inspiring things to be witnessed and appreciated now.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALPHONSO MARTIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@NeedMoreHennessy
cant believe they took the entire Caught You album off of Apple Music! I would listen to this song each morning before I started my day.
@BarnabyWild13
Just notice this too. Bummer. Love this song.
@villasquare7377
i know right
@paulieandmeparis
Listening to these guys live, is like listening to the album. Note for note...Hands down one of the greatest reggae bands of all time.
@GodsChildNYC
This is the type of songs we should let the children listen to. Night time is growing old New breezes kinda cool So raise up raise up This could be your time yeah yeah yeah Raise up you headRaise up and live A new day again right on timeSo open your eyesLift up your headThings to be said in this time So summer is hereAnd flowers in full bloomThe sun is in the air Get up get outTry and find outWhat life what life what lifeHas in store for you
@TheKonga88
Sunshine is shining in Colorado with Steel Pulse blasting near the mountains.. What a great day.. 🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🌙🌕🌕☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️🙋🙋🌛🌃🎄🎄
@johnbrenchak5234
Beautiful 🎵 song, one of my favorites.
@kauaarboit7827
YEAH MAN.....DAVID AND STEEL PULSE ...CLASSIC MUSIC
@notebender49
one of their best songs, by one of the best music group of any music genre. thank you steel pulse for being.
@afpseb4582
Pure heavenly happiness firm one of the best