Their first three singles all made the Top 40 in the Britain, and their eponymously-titled 1987 debut album entered the UK album chart at number 2, and eventually sold over a million copies. The highest placed single from this album was "Ideal World", which reached number 14 in the UK singles chart.
In 1988 they released a cover of the Isley Brothers' "Harvest For The World", with all proceeds going to charity. The video for the track was an animation, created by four leading animation companies, including Aardman of Wallace and Gromit fame. The video won several awards, and the single reached number 8 in the charts.
1989 saw another charity single success, this time as performers on a version of Ferry 'Cross The Mersey, released in aid of those affected by the Hillsborough disaster, which stayed at number one for several weeks.
Their second album, Colour released in 1990, reached number one in the UK album chart, and in 1992 the follow-up, Happy in Hell charted at number 18. But none of their following singles reached the top 20.
The early 1990s saw the band continuing to tour, but declining in popularity. A "Greatest Hits" album, The Best of the Christians was released in 1993 and peaked at number 22.
Garry Christian moved to Paris in 1995 to record a solo album, effectively breaking up the band, although no formal announcement was made and the door was open to future reformation. Four years later they began to perform together again in an "unplugged" acoustic format. In 1999 they carried out a thirty six date tour of the UK, with a similar tour undertaken in 2000.
By 2001 The Christians began to write songs for a 'comeback' album, Prodigal Sons, which was released in 2003. This was also supported by a UK tour in October 2003 and further promotion in France, Spain and UK throughout 2004.
In 2005 Russell Christian decided he no longer wished to tour, and a decision was made to return to a full band format, rather than the 4-man “unplugged” line-up that had been touring since 1999.
This new 'band' (comprising Garry Christian /vocals, Henry Priestman/keys,accordion, Neil Griffiths/acoustic guitar/backing vocals, Stewart Boyle/electric guitar, Bobby Kewley/bass, and Craig Connet/drums) was unveiled on the autumn 2005 tour. The same version of the original band is currently preparing for their next tour in 2006.
Small Axe
The Christians Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Playing smart and not being clever?
I say you're working iniquity to achieve vanity, yeah,
But the goodness of JAH JAH endureth forever.
If you are the big tree,
We are the small axe.
Sharpened to cut you down,
Ready to cut you down.
These are the words of my master.
Keep on telling me
No weak heart shall prosper,
Oh, no they can't.
And whosoever diggeth a pit, Lord,
Shall fall in it, shall fall in it.
Whosoever diggeth a pit shall bury in it,
Shall bury in it.
If you are the big tree,
We are the small axe
Sharpened to cut you down,
Ready to cut you down.
And whosoever diggeth a pit shall fall in it, fall in it.
Whosoever diggeth a pit shall bury in it, shall bury in it.
If you have a big tree,
We have a small axe
Ready to cut you down,
Sharpened to cut you down.
If you are the big tree,
we are the small axe
Ready to cut you down,
Sharpened to cut you down.
The song "Small Axe" by The Christians is based on a biblical verse from Psalm 52, which discusses the fate of those who place their trust in wealth and power. The lyrics address those who use their intelligence and power to work evil and achieve their own vanity, warning them that they will ultimately be brought down by smaller, seemingly weaker forces.
The lines "If you are the big tree, we are the small axe, sharpened to cut you down, ready to cut you down" symbolize the idea that those in power, represented by the "big tree," should not underestimate or dismiss the smaller, less powerful groups, represented by the "small axe." The small axes, though seemingly weaker, are still dangerous and powerful enough to bring down the big trees.
The song also references the biblical idea of karma or retribution, with the verses "Whosoever diggeth a pit, Lord, shall fall in it, shall fall in it" and "whosoever diggeth a pit shall bury in it, shall bury in it." This idea reinforces the notion that those who use their power for evil will ultimately experience their own downfall.
Overall, "Small Axe" speaks to the idea that those in positions of power should not look down upon those who are seemingly weaker, as they possess a unique strength that can bring down even the mightiest.
Line by Line Meaning
Why boasteth thyself, oh evil men,
Addressing those who are wicked and arrogant.
Playing smart and not being clever?
Trying to be clever but not succeeding.
I say you're working iniquity to achieve vanity, yeah,
Accusing them of doing wrong to gain status or glory.
But the goodness of JAH JAH endureth forever.
Believing that good will always win.
If you are the big tree,
If you have power and influence.
We are the small axe.
We may be small, but we are strong enough to make a difference.
Sharpened to cut you down,
Prepared to take down those in power.
Ready to cut you down.
We are determined to take down those in power.
These are the words of my master.
This is what the artist believes to be true.
Keep on telling me
Encouraging the artist to continue spreading this message.
No weak heart shall prosper,
Believing that those who are weak-minded or morally lacking will not succeed.
Oh, no they can't.
Asserting that these people will not achieve their goals.
And whosoever diggeth a pit, Lord,
Warning those who plot against others to be careful.
Shall fall in it, shall fall in it.
Saying that those who plot against others will end up getting hurt themselves.
Whosoever diggeth a pit shall bury in it,
Those who plot against others will be the ones to suffer the consequences.
Shall bury in it.
Their actions will ultimately come back to haunt them.
If you have a big tree,
If you are in a position of power.
We have a small axe
We may not have much power, but we are capable of bringing you down.
Ready to cut you down,
We are prepared to take down those in power.
Sharpened to cut you down.
We are determined to take down those in power.
If you are the big tree,
If you have power and influence.
we are the small axe
We may be small, but we are strong enough to make a difference.
Ready to cut you down,
We are prepared to take down those in power.
Sharpened to cut you down.
We are determined to take down those in power.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@murrayhutton7558
This is a SUPERB track,even at 70 years old,I love it,many thanks for this,it puts some faith back in 'modern' music,cheers,Murray
@pepeibz21
buenos recuerdos 26 años despues! como me gustaba este grupo. me emociona escucharlos, hay ahi una mostalgia de coml sentia a esta musica tiempo atras.
@gilieX
Very great. With many thanks.
@joemckenna6690
I used to have a vhs tape of the concert for jamaica, the boys did this. One of the best tracks of the show.
@hanslangbroek7069
Goed nummer, goede tekst, spiritueel sterk. Ken het ook van Bob Marley.
@joemckenna6690
..and then some Tony
@flickster68
The Dogs Bollocks! You know what I mean.