They recorded for the major Jamaican producers at the time, including Coxsone Dodd of Studio One fame. The Heptones had a number of Jamaican hits for Studio One, including "Pretty Looks Isn't All", "Fattie Fattie" and "I Hold the Handle." They went on to record with Joe Gibbs, Harry J (Harry Johnson), and Rupie Edwards. In 1977, they recorded "Party Time" for Lee Perry, one of Perry's finest productions, which included a version of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released."
Sibbles left the group in 1977 to start a successful solo career. He was replaced by Naggo Morris. After Sibbles left, the group's popularity waned. The original trio reunited in 1995 and released Pressure! produced by Tappa Zukie
Hypocrite
The Heptones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But, oh, you just do it in vain
'Cause others have done so before
And yet I see them walk through that same door
Hypocrite, where will you run to now?
Hypocrite, you will get hurt somehow
Hypocrite, I know that time will tell on you
I thought you were smart
But man, you've got a wicked, wicked heart
And, oh, you're just being used
When they're through, you will be refused
So hypocrite, where will you run to now?
Hypocrite, you will get hurt somehow
Hypocrite, I know that time will tell on you
Time will tell on you
I just can't understand
Why you got to be a wicked man?
It's a dog gone shame
I thought you were smart
But man, you've got a wicked, wicked heart
And, oh, you're just being used
When they're through, you will be refused
So hypocrite, where will you run to now?
Hypocrite, you will get hurt somehow
Hypocrite, I know that time will tell on you
Time will tell on you
You're nothing but a hypocrite
Yeah, yeah, boy, hypocrite
You're gonna meet your judgment, hypocrite
The Heptones's song Hypocrite is a song about betrayal and deception. The lyrics speak about someone who pretends to be a friend but is actually using the singer for their own personal gain. The singer is aware of this deception and is warning the hypocrite that their actions will not go unnoticed or unpunished.
The first verse speaks about how the hypocrite has carried the singer's name but has done so in vain, as others have done so before. The singer has seen past friends walk through the same door, indicating that the hypocrite's actions are not unique. The use of the word "hypocrite" in the chorus implies that the person is pretending to be something they are not.
The second verse continues the theme of deception and betrayal, with the singer accusing the hypocrite of having a wicked heart and being used by others. The phrase "when they're through, you will be refused" suggests that the hypocrite will eventually be abandoned by those using him, and will be left alone to face the consequences of his actions.
The final verse reiterates the singer's confusion and disappointment that someone they thought was a friend could be so deceitful. The repetition of the chorus at the end of the song emphasizes the idea that the hypocrite will not be able to escape the consequences of their actions.
Overall, the song highlights the importance of honesty and genuine friendship, and warns against those who pretend to be someone they are not.
Line by Line Meaning
You've carried my name
You have been associating with me publicly
But, oh, you just do it in vain
However, your association with me lacks sincerity and purpose
'Cause others have done so before
Because this is a behavior that has been repeated by other people in the past
And yet I see them walk through that same door
But these people have managed to get away with it and continue to do so
Hypocrite, where will you run to now?
You are two-faced and dishonest, where will you go or hide now?
Hypocrite, you will get hurt somehow
Your deceitful actions will catch up with you and you will suffer the consequences
Hypocrite, I know that time will tell on you
Your true character will eventually be exposed and revealed to everyone
Hear what I say
Listen to my words and advice
I thought you were smart
I initially believed you to be intelligent
But man, you've got a wicked, wicked heart
However, your true nature is cruel and malevolent
And, oh, you're just being used
You are being taken advantage of and exploited by others
When they're through, you will be refused
Once they are done with you, you will be rejected and abandoned
I just can't understand
I am unable to comprehend
Why you got to be a wicked man?
What motivates you to behave in such a cruel and malevolent way?
It's a dog gone shame
It is truly a pity and disgraceful
You're nothing but a hypocrite
You are nothing more than a deceitful and two-faced person
Yeah, yeah, boy, hypocrite
Yes, you are indeed a hypocrite
You're gonna meet your judgment, hypocrite
You will eventually face the consequences of your dishonest and deceitful actions
Contributed by Avery J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
colin varney
pure class brilliant lead & backing vocals great in any genre of music
Roger Peachey
Love the heptones. Our day will come is my favorite track.
I kinda forgot
I love this song and it reminds me of my mum x
Paul Cazley
Same😭
Kweku Acheampong
Me too
Paula Jordan
finaly found this song again, after losing it on here 2yr back, big memory song ♥♡
smokeemonkee
Brinsley Schwarz showing the good taste to cover this soulful classic by the classy and soulful Heptones.
Isacbud
Does anyone know the chords for this? Brilliant tune
italrel
RIP Barry Llewellyn, founder of the heptones.
Diogo Lima
Letra pesada !!!!!! Rooootsssss