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'.

Have Mercy dub
The Mighty Diamonds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Guide us Jah man, guide us Jah man, oh yeah
Have mercy on a good man and help him we pray, Jah man
Have mercy on a good girl and help her we pray, Jah man

Man was made to suffer, yeah
And women were made to feel the pain
Stay by our side and guide us we pray, Jah man
Give us all your blessing and help us we pray, Jah man

Time is running out, but we need no one, not to cry nor shout
Change them who's gone astray and show them the way, Jah man
Make this an everlasting example we pray, Jah man, yeah

Man was made to suffer, yeah, yeah
And women was made to feel the pain

Have mercy on a good man and help him we pray, Jah man
Have mercy on a good girl and help her we pray, Jah man

Overall Meaning

The Mighty Diamond's song "Have Mercy" is a plea to Jah, or God, to guide and bless them. The lyrics start with a repeated phrase "Guide us Jah man, guide us Jah man, oh yeah." This repetition creates a feeling of desperation and a call for divine intervention. The first verse is a request for mercy for good men and good girls who are suffering. The second verse acknowledges the inevitability of suffering for men and women but still implores Jah to stay with them and give them his blessing. The bridge reiterates the need for guidance and for Jah to change those who have strayed from the path, creating an everlasting example.

The lyrics of "Have Mercy" are heavily influenced by Rastafarianism, a religion that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. Rastafarians believe in the divinity of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, and the importance of social justice and peace. The lyrics of "Have Mercy" express these beliefs by asking Jah to guide them and to show them the way.

Line by Line Meaning

Guide us Jah man, guide us Jah man, oh yeah
We ask for your guidance and support, Jah, as we navigate through life's challenges.

Have mercy on a good man and help him we pray, Jah man
We hope for your mercy, Jah, to assist a good man in need of help.

Have mercy on a good girl and help her we pray, Jah man
We ask for your mercy, Jah, to help a good girl facing difficulties.

Man was made to suffer, yeah
It seems that the purpose of man's existence is to endure challenges and hardships.

And women were made to feel the pain
As with men, women too experience the discomforts the world presents.

Stay by our side and guide us we pray, Jah man
We ask that you remain with us, Jah, as we navigate this world and guide us to righteous paths.

Give us all your blessing and help us we pray, Jah man
We ask for your blessings and assistance, Jah, as we try to make it through life's challenges.

Time is running out, but we need no one, not to cry nor shout
Although time seems to be running out, we do not need anyone to be upset or make a scene about it.

Change them who's gone astray and show them the way, Jah man
We ask that those who have lost their way be guided back on to the right path, Jah.

Make this an everlasting example we pray, Jah man, yeah
We pray that the lessons we learn in life become everlasting examples.

Have mercy on a good man and help him we pray, Jah man
We hope for your mercy, Jah, to assist a good man in need of help.

Have mercy on a good girl and help her we pray, Jah man
We ask for your mercy, Jah, to help a good girl facing difficulties.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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