1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the… 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)

Rude Boy Ska
The Gladiators Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Why-
Shoobe-doobe-do-by dey
Won't you come dance with me
Me want you come wheel an' turn me
Go lick me head 'pon de tamborina
I've got to keep on movin'
Dreadlocks dread
Shoobe-doobe-do-by dey

Wanti wanti cyaan get it, an' getti getti no want it
Gimme little soul oh Lord

Dreadlocks dread
Shoobe-doobe-do-by dey

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Gladiators' song "Rude Boy Ska" captures the essence of the ska music of the 1960s in Jamaica. The song opens with an invitation to dance, "Won't you come dance with me", that is delivered in a playful and upbeat tone. The lyrics then start to reference specific elements of ska music, with lines like "Go lick me head 'pon de tamborina", which highlights the importance of percussion in the music style.

The next verse uses Jamaican patois to express the idea of wanting something that is unattainable, "Wanti wanti cyaan get it, an' getti getti no want it", while the chorus continues to repeat the phrase "Shoobe-doobe-do-by dey" in a catchy and infectious manner. The use of the phrase "Dreadlocks dread" in both verses is reflective of the Rastafarian influence on the Jamaican music scene.

Overall, "Rude Boy Ska" captures the energy and vibrancy of ska music, with its focus on dance, percussion, and upbeat rhythms. The use of patois and references to Rastafarian culture further help to root the song in the Jamaican experience.

Line by Line Meaning

Why- Shoobe-doobe-do-by dey
The singer starts with a playful, energetic intro, beckoning the listener to come closer and dance with them.

Won't you come dance with me
The singer is inviting someone to share a moment with them and enjoy the music.

Me want you come wheel an' turn me
The singer wants their dance partner to take the lead and show them some moves.

Go lick me head 'pon de tamborina
The singer is caught up in the beat and feels the music so intensely that they want to be part of it physically.

I've got to keep on movin'
The singer is confident and determined to keep dancing, despite any obstacles or challenges.

Dreadlocks dread
The singer is proud of their cultural identity and heritage, which is reflected in their appearance.

Wanti wanti cyaan get it, an' getti getti no want it
The singer recognizes that sometimes people want things they cannot have, while others do not value what they already possess.

Gimme little soul oh Lord
The singer is asking for a spiritual boost to help them feel even more connected to the music and the world around them.

Dreadlocks dread
The singer repeats their pride in their cultural identity, and specifically their hairstyle.

Shoobe-doobe-do-by dey
The singer ends the song with the same joyful energy as they began, inviting the listener to keep dancing and having fun.

Contributed by Brody O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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