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.
Things A Get Bad To Worse
The Ethiopians Lyrics
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Things a get from bad to worse everyday
We were all looking for a change
But no changes seems to be made
We were all looking for a change
But no changes seems to be made
Things a get from bad to worse everyday
You think you had it hard last year
Well, you better tighten up your belt
And dress appeal yourself
For I, this I hear, my love, yeah
Things a get from bad to worse everyday
You know, see, see
Things a get from bad to worse everyday
You think you had it hard last year
Well, you better tighten up your belt
And dress appeal yourself
For I, this I hear, my love, this I hear, my love
This I hear, my love
You know, see, see
You know, see, see
You know, see, see
The Ethiopians’ song “Things A Get From Bad To Worse” speaks to the feelings of disappointment and disillusionment people experience when they hope for change but find that their situation only gets worse. The repetition of the phrase “things a get from bad to worse” emphasizes the cyclical nature of despair and the sense of hopelessness that arises when life doesn’t seem to improve. The lyrics suggest that people desire change and progress, but that they are not getting it. In fact, the situation is getting worse.
The line “you think you had it hard last year, well you better tighten up your belt” speaks to the idea that each year is worse than the last, and that people must adapt to more challenging circumstances. The line “dress appeal yourself” can be interpreted as a call for people to put on a brave face and try to look presentable, even when times are tough. The phrase “this I hear, my love” can be interpreted as a lament for a lost love or a lost hope.
Overall, the song is a somber reflection on the challenges of life and the difficulty of finding meaning and stability in an ever-changing world. The repetition of the lyrics underscores the sense of despair and the feeling that things are getting worse with each passing day.
Line by Line Meaning
Things a get from bad to worse everyday
Everyday we see the worsening of our situation
We were all looking for a change
But no changes seems to be made
We had hoped for change, but nothing has improved
You think you had it hard last year
Well, you better tighten up your belt
And dress appeal yourself
For I, this I hear, my love, yeah
If you thought last year was tough, prepare for even harder times ahead. Be ready to work harder and improve yourself.
You know, see, see
Repeated line emphasizing that the message is clear and evident.
Writer(s): Leonard Dillon
Contributed by Kaelyn E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.