The reggae vocalist trio formed 1969 in Kingston, Jamaica by lead vocalist … Read Full Bio ↴The reggae vocalist trio formed 1969 in Kingston, Jamaica by lead vocalist Donald "Tabby" Shaw, and Fitzroy "Bunny" Simpson and Lloyd "Judge" Ferguson. They had major success 1976 with the hit Right Time. The trio continued to produce hits in later years, e.g. the classic Pass The Kouchie (1982). That song was covered by the English group Musical Youth, known as the international hit Pass The Dutchie. Similar groups are The Heptones, The Gladiators.
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Mighty Diamonds are a Jamaican trio who had major success during the 70's at the 'Channel One' studio and record label at Maxfield Avenue, Jamaica.
Despite their heyday at Channel One, the trio continued to produce sublime work in later years, notably for 'Gussie Clarke' with the classic 'Pass The Kouchie' which rode an updated cut of an old Studio One instrumental called 'Full Up'. The tune was also covered by the English group 'Musical Youth' but was known as 'Pass The Dutchie'.

Dem A Worry
The Mighty Diamonds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dem a tally want to back the clock
Dem a critic just won′t to face the fact
Dem a worry cause them know
It just can't last
Dem a system just can′t last
We steeping forward
And we no turn back
We under pressure

But we never cry
We getting stronger cause we know
War is to explode
Said war is to explode
We know what they are trying to do
But we got our own plans too
We know where the string will break
Pretty soon it gonna be late
It's gonna be too late
We know what they are trying to do
But we got our own plans too
We know where the string will break
Pretty soon it gonna be late
It's gonna be too late
Well, well, well
Dem a tally want to back the clock
To keep the whips falling on our backs
Dem a worry cause they know
War is to explode
Said war is to explode
Well, well, well

Dem a tally want to back the clock
Dem a critic just won′t to face the fact
Dem a worry cause them know
It just can′t last
Dem a system just can't last
We steeping forward
And we no turn back
We under pressure
But we never cry
We getting stronger cause we know
War is to explode
Me said them war is to explode
Well, well, well
We know what they are trying to do
But we got our own plans too
We know where the string will break
Pretty soon it gonna be late
It′s gonna be too late
We know what they are trying to do
But we got our own plans too
We know where the string will break
Pretty soon it gonna be late
It's gonna be too late
Well, well, well

Dem a tally want to back the clock
To keep the whips falling on our backs
We getting stronger cause we know
War is to explode
Me said them war is to explode
We know what they are trying to do
But we got our own plans too
We know where the string will break
Pretty soon it gonna be late
It′s gonna be too late
We know what they are trying to do
But we got our own plans too
We know where the string will break
Pretty soon it gonna be late
It's gonna be too late
We know where the string will break
Pretty soon it gonna be late
It′s gonna be too late
We know what they are trying to do
But we got our own plans too
We know where the string will break

Pretty soon it gonna be late
It's gonna be too late

Overall Meaning

The Mighty Diamonds's song "Dem A Worry" is a powerful message about social and political upheaval. The lyrics suggest that there are forces at work trying to turn the clock back to a time of oppression, but the singer's perspective is one of hope, as they declare that progress can't be stopped no matter how much some may resist it.

The song is an anthem of resistance against oppression, as the lyrics speak to a sense of urgency and determination to stand up against those who would try to hold people back. The message is that the struggle may be difficult, but the singer is prepared to fight for justice and equality until the end.

The chorus "We know what they are trying to do, but we got our own plans too" is a call to action for listeners to join in the fight against oppression, while also acknowledging the hard work, organization and dedication required to achieve true change.

Line by Line Meaning

Dem a tally want to back the clock
They want to go back to the way things were in the past.

Dem a critic just won′t to face the fact
They are critical of the present situation but refuse to acknowledge the truth.

Dem a worry cause them know It just can′t last
They are worried because they know the current system is not sustainable.

Dem a system just can′t last
The current system is on its last legs and cannot continue much longer.

We steeping forward And we no turn back
We are moving forward and refuse to go back to the past.

We under pressure But we never cry
We are facing challenges, but we won't give in.

We getting stronger cause we know War is to explode
We are getting stronger because we know that conflict is inevitable.

Said war is to explode
War is going to happen.

We know what they are trying to do But we got our own plans too
We are aware of their intentions, but we have our own strategies as well.

We know where the string will break Pretty soon it gonna be late
We know the point at which the system will collapse, and it's going to be too late for them to act.

It′s gonna be too late
Time is running out, and it will soon be too late to save the collapsing system.

To keep the whips falling on our backs
To maintain their control over us and continue to oppress us.

Well, well, well
An expression of surprise or a statement of emphasis.

Writer(s): Carlton Hines

Contributed by Hannah C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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