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.
- - -

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'.

Mr. Bodyguard
The Mighty Diamonds Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. boduguard ?
Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard ?

Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard ?
'Cause I-man nuh wan' no one a mi yard
No one to claim seh dem a mi guard a mi yard
Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard ?
I want to know who

Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard ?

One of these days it a go dread (dreader than dread)
Ev'ryone looking a place to hide 'em head, well dread
Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard ?
I wanna know who
Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard, yeah

All who claim seh them a chief of staff
One a these days dem ha fi chuck off, yeah
Come a walk
Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard ?
I don't know who
Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard, yeah

'Cause I-man nuh wan' no one a mi yard
No one to claim seh dem a mi guard a mi yard
Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard ?

I wanna know who
Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. bodyguard, yeah

Overall Meaning

The Mighty Diamonds' "Mr. Bodyguard" is a reggae song that reflects the concerns and fears of Jamaican civilians during the 1970s. The song invokes the image of the powerful and feared figure of the bodyguard and how important they are to individuals and communities. The song is delivered in the form of a series of questions that repeat throughout the song, highlighting the fear and uncertainty that hangs over Jamaica at the time.

The chorus "Who's gonna bodyguard ya, Mr. Bodyguard?" is a direct challenge to whoever is supposed to be providing security and protection for the people. They warn that "One of these days it a go dread" and that everyone will be looking for a place to hide their head. The lyrics suggest that the people have lost confidence in their leaders and those who claim to be their protectors. The song reminds us that our strength lies not only in those in positions of authority but also in our fellow citizens and those who serve and protect us truly.

The song is a reflection of the political and social instability that was present in Jamaica in the 1970s. The country was deeply divided along political and economic lines, and crime and violence were rampant. The song expresses a sense of hopelessness and disillusionment with the political leaders who are supposed to protect the people.

Line by Line Meaning

Who's gonna bodyguard ya, mr. boduguard ?
Asking who will protect the bodyguard when he is in danger.