The Pioneers were formed in 1962 by brothers Sydney and Derrick Crooks, and their friend Winston Hewitt. Their early recordings "Good Nanny" and "I'll Never Come Running Back to You" were self-produced at the Treasure Isle studio using money lent to the Crooks brothers by their mother and appeared on Ken Lack's Caltone label.
Several other singles followed, none of them hits, before Hewitt immigrated to Canada in 1966. Hewitt was replaced for around a year by former Heptone Glen Adams.
The Pioneers' early singles were not successful, and Sydney began promoting concerts, while Derrick took up a job with the Alcoa bauxite company. The group broke up in mid-1967.
Sydney began working at Joe Gibbs' record shop, and through Gibbs, returned to recording. At his first session (to record "Give Me Little Loving"), with the other members of The Pioneers gone, Crooks recruited Jackie Robinson, who he found outside the studio just before recording began. Crooks later said of the encounter:
"When I was about to voice the song I looked outside the studio and I saw a little boy sitting on a stone. I said 'Hey, come here man, you can sing?' He sang the harmony for 'Give Me Little Loving' and his name was Jackie Robinson. After that I said to him 'You are one of the Pioneers from today' and he became the lead singer of the Pioneers".
The new version of The Pioneers enjoyed success with singles such as "Longshot" (a track written and produced by Lee "Scratch" Perry on Gibbs' behalf about a long-lived but unsuccessful racehorse), "Jackpot", "Catch the Beat", and "Pan Yu Machete" (an attack on Perry, who left Gibbs in 1968 to start working on his own productions). Crooks and Robinson also recorded as The Soul Mates in 1967. The group parted ways with Gibbs after an argument and moved on to work with Leslie Kong, the first recording for Kong being "Samfie Man", a song about a confidence trickster, which topped the Jamaican singles chart.
The classic trio, and the move to the UK: 1969-77
After a few further singles with Kong, the group recruited Desmond Dekker's half-brother George Agard to become a trio again. Sydney Crooks and his former Pioneer brother Derrick, along with Winston Bailey also recorded as The Slickers, recording "Nana" for producer Neremiah Reid. The Pioneers scored again with a sequel to "Long Shot", "Long Shot (Kick De Bucket)". When Kong heard that the horse had died (during its 203rd race), he insisted that the group write a song about it; The song was written and recorded quickly and became an instant hit. The band was popular in the United Kingdom, particularly among skinheads. "Long Shot Kick de Bucket" was a big hit in 1969, and led to a tour of the UK, during which they resolved to relocate there. Their cover of Jimmy Cliff's "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" made #5 as a single in 1971.
The band did indeed move to the UK in 1970. Their third UK hit was "Give and Take", which reached #35 in January 1972.
In 1976 the Pioneers teamed up with Eddy Grant for an album for Mercury Records called Feel The Rhythm. Grant preferred to produce them as a soul group and they released a number of singles in that idiom, including "Broken Man", "Feel The Rhythm" and "My Good Friend James"
The change of style was a critical but not a commercial success and the band split up for a time in the late 1970s, with Crooks concentrating on production work and continuing with his brother in The Slickers, while Agard and Robinson continued to record, together on the album George & Jackie Sing, and separately.
The group reformed in the late 1970s and continued until 1989, when they split again to concentrate on separate careers. "Long Shot Kick de Bucket" was a minor UK chart hit again in 1980 upon re-issue. At the same time, "Long Shot Kick de Bucket" was covered by The Specials on their The Special AKA Live! EP, which was a UK #1 hit in 1980.
The Pioneers song "Starvation" was also covered on the "Starvation/Tam Tam Pour L'Ethiopie" charity single released in 1985, which peaked at UK number 33. The Pioneers shared lead vocal duties on the single with members of UB40, with backing vocals by General Public.
In 1999, the group reformed again and have continued to perform together since.
In 2005, the Pioneers performed at the Maranhão Roots Reggae Festival in São Luís, Brazil before 15,000 fans. The following year they appeared at the Godiva Festival in the War Memorial Park, Coventry, England. "Long Shot Kick de Bucket" was used in the 2008 film, The Wackness.
The Pioneers also had a number 42 UK hit in 1980 with a double-A-side release of "Long Shot Kick de Bucket" and Harry J All-Stars' "Liquidator", and a four-track EP consisting of tracks by The Pioneers, The Maytals, The Skatalites, and Jimmy Cliff reached number 86 in 1989.
The Pioneers track "Jackpot" was covered by The Beat on their 1980 album I Just Can't Stop It. Their song "Starvation" was also covered on the "Starvation/Tam Tam Pour L'Ethiopie" charity single released in 1985.
The Selecter covered "Time Hard" as "Everyday" on their 1980 album Too Much Pressure
Discography
Albums
Greetings From The Pioneers - 1968 - Amalgamated - produced by Joe Gibbs
Long Shot - 1969 - Trojan Records - produced by Leslie Kong
Battle Of The Giants - 1970 - Trojan Records - produced by Leslie Kong
Yeah - 1971 - Trojan Records
I Believe In Love - 1972 - Trojan Records
Freedom Feeling - 1973 - Trojan Records
I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door - 1974 - Trojan Records
Feel The Rhythm -1976 - Mercury Records
Roll On Muddy River - 1977 - Trojan Records
Pusher Man - 1978 - Squad Disco
Pusher Man - 1978 - Trojan Records (different tracks to the Squad Disco release)
What A Feeling - 1980 - Pioneer International
Reggae for Lovers - D.M.C.
Compilations
From The Beginning - 1969-1976 - WWS
Kick De Bucket - Rhino Records
Greatest Reggae Hits - 1979 - Trojan Records
More Reggae For Lovers Vol.4 - 1985 - Vista Sounds
Longshot Kick De Bucket (The Best Of) - 1997 - Trojan Records
Let Your Yeah Be Yeah (Anthology) - 2002 - Trojan Records
Give And Take: The Best of The Pioneers - 2003 - Trojan Records
Singles
"Good Nanny" (196?), Caltone
"I'll Never Come Running Back to You" (196?), Caltone
"Sometimes" (1965), Island (B-side to Theo Beckford's "Trench Town People")
"Good Nanny" (1966), Rio
"Too Late" (1966), Rio
"Give Me Little Loving" (1968), Amalgamated
"Long Shot" (1968), Amalgamated
"Jackpot" (1968), Amalgamated
"No Dope Me Pony" (1968), Amalgamated
"Tickle Me For Days" (1968), Amalgamated
"Catch the Beat" (1968), Amalgamated
"Sweet Dreams" (1968), Amalgamated
"Shake It Up" (1968), Blue Cat
"Give It To Me" (1968), Blue Cat
"Whip Them" (1968), Blue Cat
"Reggae Beat" (1968), Blue Cat
"I Love No Other Girl" (1968), Caltone
"Easy Come Easy Go" (1968), Pyramid
"Pee Pee Cluck Cluck" (1968), Pyramid
"Pan Yu Machete"
"Love Love Everyday" (1969), Amalgamated (B-dside to the Moon Boys' "Apollo 11")
"Don't You Know" (1969), Amalgamated
"Mama Look Deh" (1969), Amalgamated
"Who the Cap Fits" (1969), Amalgamated
"Alli Button" (1969), Amalgamated
"Long Shot Kick De Bucket" (1969), Trojan (UK #21)
"Black Bud" (1969), Trojan
"Poor Rameses" (1969), Trojan
"Samfie Man" (1970), Trojan
"Boss Festival" (1970), Trojan
"Driven Back" (1970), Trojan
"Simmer Down Quashie" (1970), Trojan
"Battle of the Giants" (1970), Trojan
"Money Day" (1970), Trojan
"I Need Your Sweet Inspiration" (1970), Trojan
"Starvation" (1971), Summit
"Get Ready" (1971), Summit
"Land of Complexion" (1971), Summit
"Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" (1971), Trojan (UK #5)
"Give and Take" (1971), Trojan (UK #35)
"I am a Believer" (1971), Hot Shot
"Story Book Children" (1972), Summit
"I Believe in Love" (1972), Trojan
"Roll Muddy River" (1972), Ifusion
"At the Discotheque" (197?), Trojan
"Bad to be Good" (1973), Trojan
"Do It Right" (197?), Trojan
"Hit Me With Music", (197?), Trojan
"Some Livin' Some Dyin'" (197?), Trojan
"Sweet Number One" (197?), Trojan
"World Needs Love" (197?), Trojan
"Honey Bee" (1974), Trojan
"Jamaica Jerk Off" (1974), Trojan
"Feel The Rhythm (of You and I)" (1976), Mercury
"Broken Man" (1976), Mercury
"My Good Friend James" (1977), Mercury
"Mother Ritty" (19??), Beverleys
"Rock My Soul" (1985), Creole
"Reggae in London City" (1986)
"Bad Company" (198?), Pioneer International
"Starvation" (198?), Boss
"Papa Was a Rolling Stone" (1973), Joe Gibbs
"Bring Back the Yester Years" (1997), Joe Gibbs
"Run Run Run" (19??), MGA
"Mettle" (19??), Trojan
Money Day
The Pioneers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Every day should be like sunday
If tomorrow was da blue Monday
When friday comes around, it's money day, yeah
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Tuesday, wednesday i work all day yeah
Thursday and friday she comes my way, yeah
Sat+rday, sat+rday she didn't stay, yeah
Sunday, sunday she was on her way, yeah
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Tuesday, wednesday i work all day yeah
Thursday and friday she comes my way, yeah
Sat+rday, sat+rday she didn't stay, yeah
Sunday, sunday she was on her way, yeah
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
The lyrics to The Pioneers' song "Money Day" reflect the desire for a better life and the cyclical nature of work and financial struggles.
The repeated lines "Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo, Doo bee bee doo doobee de" serve as an infectious and catchy musical refrain that adds energy and rhythm to the song.
The first verse suggests that every day should feel like a Sunday, which typically represents a day of rest and relaxation. They contrast this ideal with the reality of a blue Monday, which symbolizes the beginning of a new workweek and the struggles that come with it.
The lines "I work all night, I no get no pay, yeah, When Friday comes around, it's money day, yeah" highlight the frustration of working tirelessly without receiving fair compensation. However, amidst this struggle, there is a glimmer of hope when Friday arrives and brings the possibility of receiving much-needed income. This emphasizes the importance of money in the lives of the working-class individuals the song portrays.
The subsequent verses further illustrate the repetitive nature of work and the influence it has on personal relationships. The singer describes working through Tuesday and Wednesday, and then eagerly anticipating the arrival of Thursday and Friday when their love interest "comes their way." However, the fleeting nature of the relationship is reflected in the line "Saturday, Saturday she didn't stay, yeah," suggesting that the weekend romance was short-lived. Finally, on Sunday, the person is already "on her way," symbolizing the constant movement and transience of both work and relationships in their life.
Overall, "Money Day" explores the themes of the daily grind, the scarcity of financial stability, and the inevitable comings and goings of human connections. The upbeat ska rhythm, coupled with these thought-provoking lyrics, creates a paradoxical blend of energy and reflection.
Line by Line Meaning
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Expressing a carefree and joyful attitude
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Continuing the carefree and joyful expression
Every day should be like sunday
Desiring for every day to have a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere
If tomorrow was da blue Monday
Imagining a future where the start of the week is not as stressful
I work all night, i no get no pay, yeah
Working tirelessly without receiving any compensation
When friday comes around, it's money day, yeah
Anticipating the day when finally payment is received for the hard work
Tuesday, wednesday i work all day yeah
Continuing to work diligently throughout the weekdays
Thursday and friday she comes my way, yeah
Hoping for someone special to enter one's life towards the end of the week
Sat+rday, sat+rday she didn't stay, yeah
Experiencing disappointment as the person leaves on Saturday, not staying for long
Sunday, sunday she was on her way, yeah
Being excited as the person is about to arrive on Sunday
Tuesday, wednesday i work all day yeah
Continuing to work diligently throughout the weekdays
Thursday and friday she comes my way, yeah
Hoping for someone special to enter one's life towards the end of the week
Sat+rday, sat+rday she didn't stay, yeah
Experiencing disappointment as the person leaves on Saturday, not staying for long
Sunday, sunday she was on her way, yeah
Being excited as the person is about to arrive on Sunday
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Expressing a carefree and joyful attitude
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Continuing the carefree and joyful expression
Ska ba ba dee bee bee doo
Expressing a carefree and joyful attitude
Doo bee bee doo doobee de
Continuing the carefree and joyful expression
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lukalion Dj
on the 70's in Argentina, a pop & beat singer, recorded a cover tune of this song on spanish, this record is really very rare to find for all argentinian reggae collectors!!
Cash82Mx
@CABDELL escucha esta versión remasterizada y pon atención a la linea de bajo y batería. Esto se llama reggae. Si la escuchas más lenta o más rápida, eso no le cambia el estilo y el patrón musical del reggae. https://youtu.be/eMyzJSKjVIY
Cash82Mx
@CABDELL te falta oido, parece que no sabes diferenciar el patrón de bajo y batería que tiene Money day. Te recomiendo escuchar más horas de música jamaquina. En algún momento vas a dejar la majadería y lo vas a entender.
CABDELL
@Cash82Mx acabo e descubrir que por lo general las canciones de bob Marley van en rango entre 60 bpm 70 bpm hasta 80 bpm por lo general
CABDELL
@Cash82Mx esta canción llamada rocksteady del minuto 14: 43 tiene igual velocidad que MONEY DAY DE THE PIONEER. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVLyDvQh7k8
NautilusStars
I like the song and the beat, I've listened a lot on the radio in Bolivia around 1973.
NaturalProd007 Natural Prod'
BIG TUNE!!
TheSmogCutter
Nice one!
Josue Guillen
Esto es conexión argentina jamaica.. saludos d lima Perú
Devil City
Thanks 🙏