1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the 1970… Read Full Bio ↴1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the 1970s. The core was Albert Griffiths (guitarist and singer), Clinton Fearon (bassist and singer) and Gallimore Sutherland rhythm guitar and singer. The two most famous albums are Trenchtown Mix Up (1976) and Proverbial Reggae (1978) with songs as "Hearsay", "Jah Works", "Dreadlocks the Time is Now". "Mix Up", "Music Makers from Jamaica", and "Soul Rebel" – a song written by The Wailers.

Formed
1967, Kingston, Jamaica
Members
Albert Griffiths, Errol Grandison (1967-73), David Webber (1967-69), Clinton Fearon (1969-87), Gallimore Sutherland (died in January 2017)

2. Gladiators is progressive metalcore band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Lancaster is a cultural hub located amongst five major U.S. cities known for bringing audiences together in the vibrant music scene exclusive to the region. GLADIATORS work tirelessly to set themselves apart and establish a new frontier in the genre of metal. They bring a fresh perspective and direction to a scene that has developed a specific sound.

Members
Michael Hart (vocals), Josh Krantz (guitar), Caleb Stoltzfus (drums), Bernard Stabley (bass)

Rich Man Poor Man
The Gladiators Lyrics

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The rich man poor man beggar man thief
Everyone claim that them are the chief
The rich man buy the poor man's life
The poor man take away the beggar man's wife

Don't cry my brothers
Don't cry my sisters

Tears won't change the situation
It's just a form, a form of reaction

If you step on fire, fire burn you
If you play with puppy, puppy lick your mouth
So stand up strong, you got to know where you belong,
Say the weak ones now will soon become strong

Hey, everything will soon be okay
As soon as the war is over
Jah children will be free to come over
Singing and dancing ready to take over
Have some faith, have a little faith

Hey, everything will soon he okay
As soon as the war is over
Jah children will be free to come over

Singing and dancing ready to take over
Have some faith, have a little faith...

Overall Meaning

The Gladiators’ song “Rich Man Poor Man” speaks to the class struggle and power dynamics that exist within societies. The lyrics describe how everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic standing, claims to be in charge. The rich man is portrayed as having the power to control the poor man’s life, while the poor man can take away the beggar man’s wife. This highlights the idea that power is constantly shifting and that no one has complete control.

The chorus encourages people to stay strong and not cry, as tears won’t change the situation. It suggests that reacting emotionally is often futile when trying to address social and economic issues. The lyrics go further to assert that those who are currently weak will soon become strong, indicating that change is on the horizon.

The song ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that everything will be okay when the war is over and Jah’s (God’s) children are free. It advocates for having faith, and speaks to the idea that there is always hope for a better future.

Overall, “Rich Man Poor Man” is a powerful commentary on power dynamics and hope for change.

Line by Line Meaning

The rich man poor man beggar man thief
This is a listing of different societal classes that exist in the world

Everyone claim that them are the chief
Every societal class feels it is the most important

The rich man buy the poor man's life
Those with power can control the fate of those without

The poor man take away the beggar man's wife
Those who have little can also experience loss and hardship

Don't cry my brothers
Do not despair, fellow members of society

Don't cry my sisters
Do not despair, fellow members of society

Tears won't change the situation
Crying will not lead to resolution of issues

It's just a form, a form of reaction
Crying is simply a physiological response

If you step on fire, fire burn you
Actions often have consequences

If you play with puppy, puppy lick your mouth
Actions often have consequences