Tribute To Skatalites
The Busters Lyrics


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there was a band coming from jamaica
playing a beat called the Ska
to many fans they are the best
thru the many years they passed all the tests

SKATALITES was their name and friends they were
it is their music we like to hear
SKATALITES was their name it was their music and beat
that gave us a musical treat

who can forget their "Lawless Street"
with the SKATALITES a musical treat
who can forget this music complete
and the many fans who rock to the beat

SKATALITES was their name and friends they were
it is their music we like to hear
SKATALITES was their name it was their music and beat
that gave us a musical treat

whether you're white or whether you're black
we want to keep you dancing now till you´re feelin' dread
who can forget their feet moving beat
and the fun we had with their music complete

SKATALITES was their name and friends they were
it is their music we like to hear
SKATALITES was their name it was their music and beat
that gave us a musical treat

Don Drummond on trombone gave us the heat
and Lloyd Knibbs on drums showed us the beat
Tommy McCook and Mr. Alphonso
made Baba Brooks and the rest of the horns blow

SKATALITES was their name and friends they were
it is their music we like to hear
SKATALITES was their name it was their music and beat
that gave us a musical treat

SKATALITES was their name and friends they were
it is their music we like to hear




SKATALITES was their name it was their music and beat
that gave us a musical treat

Overall Meaning

The Busters's song "Tribute to Skatalites" is a homage to the legendary Jamaican ska band Skatalites, who played a pivotal role in the development of ska music in the 1960s. The song begins by acknowledging the origins of ska music, which was created by Skatalites and their contemporaries in Jamaica. The lyrics then describe how Skatalites passed all of the musical tests through the many years they were active and how their music still resonates with fans today.


The chorus of the song highlights the importance of Skatalites' music and beat as a musical treat, which is enjoyed by fans irrespective of their skin color. The lyrics hold true to the spirit of ska music, as the genre broke down racial barriers and became popular amongst people of all backgrounds.


The verses of the song mention individual band members and their contributions to Skatalites' music. Don Drummond on trombone is credited with bringing the heat, Lloyd Knibbs on drums showed the beat, Tommy McCook and Mr. Alphonso made Baba Brooks and the rest of the horns blow. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the significance of Skatalites' music and beat as a source of joy for many people.


Line by Line Meaning

there was a band coming from jamaica
The Skatalites were a band from Jamaica


playing a beat called the Ska
They played a style of music known as Ska


to many fans they are the best
Their music was very popular and many people considered them to be the best


thru the many years they passed all the tests
They were successful and endured for many years


SKATALITES was their name and friends they were
The band's name was Skatalites and they were good friends


it is their music we like to hear
We enjoy listening to their music


it was their music and beat
Their music was characterized by a distinctive beat


that gave us a musical treat
Their music was a delightful experience for us


who can forget their "Lawless Street"
Their song 'Lawless Street' was very memorable


with the SKATALITES a musical treat
The Skatalites provided an enjoyable musical experience


who can forget this music complete
Their music was unforgettable


and the many fans who rock to the beat
Their music had many enthusiastic fans who danced to the beat


whether you're white or whether you're black
Their music was enjoyed by people of any race


we want to keep you dancing now till you´re feelin' dread
They wanted their music to inspire dancing and create a sense of fun


who can forget their feet moving beat
Their music had a distinctive rhythm that made people want to move


and the fun we had with their music complete
Their music created a sense of joy and lightheartedness


Don Drummond on trombone gave us the heat
Don Drummond played the trombone with tremendous passion and energy


and Lloyd Knibbs on drums showed us the beat
Lloyd Knibbs played the drums with great skill and rhythm


Tommy McCook and Mr. Alphonso
Tommy McCook and Mr. Alphonso were also very talented musicians


made Baba Brooks and the rest of the horns blow
Their combined talents allowed them to create beautiful, powerful music




Contributed by Bella W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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