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.
Train to Ska-Ville
The Ethiopians Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Train to Skaville
Chicke chicke chicke
Beep beep train to Skaville
Pick your seat
Everyone on board
Chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke
Beep beep
Free man free
Free as a bird in a tree
Beep beep
The Ethiopians' "Train to Skaville" is a classic ska song that has been covered by a number of bands over the years. On the surface, the lyrics are fairly straightforward - the song is about a train that is heading to Skaville, where everyone is invited to join in the revelry. However, there are a few key lines in the song that suggest a deeper meaning.
For example, the line "Free man free, free as a bird in a tree" suggests a sense of liberation or freedom - perhaps from the restraints of everyday life, or from societal norms. Likewise, the repeated refrain of "Chicke chicke chicke" could be seen as a kind of call-and-response, urging listeners to join in the fun.
Overall, the song paints a picture of a utopian community where all are welcome and all are free to be themselves. It's a message of hope and inclusivity that has resonated with ska fans for decades.
Line by Line Meaning
Train to Skaville
We're on a journey to a place called Skaville
Chicke chicke chicke
The train is moving forward making the sound 'chicke chicke chicke'
Beep beep train to Skaville
The train is making a beep beep sound and it's headed to Skaville
Pick your seat
Choose where you want to sit on the train
Everyone on board
All passengers need to get on the train so we can leave
Chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke chicke
The sound of the train moving forward continues
Psh
The sound of the train suddenly stopping
Beep beep
The train starts moving again and makes a beep beep sound
Free man free
We're all free to do what we want and be who we want on this journey
Free as a bird in a tree
We're completely free just like a bird soaring high up in a tree
Beep beep
The train continues to move forward and makes the beep beep sound again
Lyrics © Royalty Network Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: LEONARD WINSTON DILLON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MalloryKnox.
I found this by accident due to a typo. Best mistake I've ever made. Never heard anything like this in my life, and I think I've just found my new favourite genre. I was getting sick of metal anyway
@mirapilates
Ska music has a rich history. A whole subculture is associated with it. The original skinheads were into ska and were not racist. If you like metal you should check out bands like the Specials that combined elements of punk with traditional ska. They are considered the second wave. Bands like Operation Ivy combined ska with Punk in the third wave. I like ska in all its forms. If you want to see some really great Ska footage watch . "The story of skinhead" by Don Letts. It's a fascinating story of youth culture.
@archiebolter8362
What where you originally looking for 😂, and also how can anyone get sick of metal!? 😂🤘
@TheJackoelliott
You won't be disappointed ✌️
@ocielgarcia906
@@archiebolter8362 exactly! I love both Metal and Ska. Could NEVER get tired of both
@reddog5031
You'll be Ska ed for life now!
@mickrudy9002
Was a rudeboy at 12 still love dem tunes today as I'm 54 still a rudeboy at heart
@juniorsgv88
i'm a rudeboy called a Cholo, Mexican American Gangster from L.A. that indulges in Soul and Reggae. @ 53 in '24
@philipfox2810
Loved this since I was a teen in the 60's. So happy youngsters today appreciate it. WONDERFUL RAW SOUND.
@stephenokwechime1609
The.Ethiopians ........keep ur
seat....free as a bird...its obvious, revolutionary song.