Having left Coxsone the Ethiopians started recording at Dynamic Studios for the W.I.R.L. label releasing one of the all-time ska classics, the exhuberant 'Train to Skaville', which was their first success. In 1968 they recorded the song Everything Crash, their first big hit and a cry of criticism on the political situation in Jamaica at the time (water rationing and power cuts had been introduced leading to unrest, 31 people were shot by the police). Everything Crash was later covered by Prince Buster. 'The Whip' is another of their enduring songs from that period.
In 1969 they released the album Reggae Power and in 1970 the album Woman a Capture Man. In the period '70 - '75 the Ethiopians switched from producer to producer releasing several great songs like, no baptism, pirate and good ambition. In 1975 Stephen Taylor died in a car crash, Leonard Dillon continued to tour as the Ethiopian. In 1991 he recorded the album "On The Road Again".
There is also another band under the name as "ETHIOPIANS." They are a lo-fi band with a mix of garage rock and surf creating a unique atmospheric sound. Members of ETHIOPIANS are Marty Brass and Paul Ryan.
Buss Your Mouth
The Ethiopians Lyrics
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She say, him say, them say
Don't start the confusion
Don't start the confusion
For when you say, him say
She say, I say
It will cause a contention
Watching, buying, chopping
Watch, cows and hounds can't cure
Watching, buying, chopping
Watch, cows and hounds can't cure
Ah, don't burst your mouth
Don't say, I say, you say
She say, him say, them say
Watching, buying, chopping
Watch, cows and hounds can't cure
Ah, don't burst your mouth
The lyrics to The Ethiopians' song "Buss Your Mouth" are a warning against spreading rumors and causing confusion. The repetition of phrases such as "Don't say, I say, you say" and "She say, him say, them say" emphasizes the idea that spreading information secondhand can only lead to misunderstandings and disagreements. The lines "Watching, buying, chopping / Watch, cows and hounds can't cure" suggest that even if someone is watching and listening closely, they still may not have all the facts and should be cautious about what they spread.
The repeated phrase "Ah, don't burst your mouth" underscores the importance of keeping one's words in check. The use of the word "burst" implies a sense of danger or harm that can come from careless speech. Overall, the song's message is a call for honesty and restraint in communication, in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain healthy relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't say, I say, you say
Don't repeat hearsay or gossip, whether from yourself or others
She say, him say, them say
Second-hand information isn't reliable or accurate
Don't start the confusion
Spreading rumors can cause misunderstandings and conflict
For when you say, him say
She say, I say
It will cause a contention
It will cause a contention
Sharing unverified information can lead to disagreements or arguments
Watching, buying, chopping
Watch, cows and hounds can't cure
Watching, buying, chopping
Watch, cows and hounds can't cure
Mind your own business and don't involve yourself in other people's affairs
Ah, don't burst your mouth
In other words, keep quiet and don't spread rumors
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Leonard Winston Dillon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind