1) The Upsett… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least four bands with the name The Upsetters:
1) The Upsetters was the name given to the house band for Jamaican reggae producer Lee "Scratch" Perry.
2) The Upsetters was the name of Little Richard's backing band playing R&B and rock 'n' roll during the 1950s.
3) The Upsetters was a South African garage rock band active in the 1960s.
4) The Upsetters was a soul band.
1. "The Upsetters" was the name of the studio backing band of Jamaica Reggae producer Lee "Scratch" Perry, a.k.a. "The Upsetter". The members most associated with that name included guitarist Alva Lewis, organist Glen Adams and brothers Aston Barrett and Carlton Barrett on bass and drums respectively, a.k.a. The Hippy Boys. As Lee Perry's studio band, the Upsetters had three distinct line-ups, though, throughout the years 1968-1986.
1968-1969: Gladdy's All Stars with Gladston Anderson and Winston Wright (keyboards), Jackie Jackson (bass), Hugh Malcom and Lloyd Adams (drums). They recorded the UK hits Man from M.I.5, Return of Django and Live Injection. According to Perry, "in a spectacular case of bad timing, the original Upsetters couldn't make the trip" for a tour of Britain. He went with the Hippy Boys instead.
1969-1971: The Hippy Boys included Glen Adams (keyboards), Alva Lewis (guitar), Aston Barrett (bass) and Carlton Barrett (drums). They were collaborating with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer a.k.a The Wailers during that time. Even though Marley and Perry didn't get along very well, musically wise, they laid the foundation of reggae music for years to come with classics like Small Axe, Duppy Conqueror or 400 Years. In the rise to superstardom the bands began to go their separate ways early in 1972. The Barrett brothers, the most creative reggae rhythm section before Sly & Robbie, joined Marley to become known as the new Wailers which Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left later on for successful solo careers. As a consequence Perry's Upsetters virtually didn't exist until he built his own Black Ark Studio.
1974-1979: Black Ark Players of which Boris Gardiner (bass), Mikey Richards, Sly Dunbar and Benbow Creary (drums), Earl "Chinna" Smith (guitar), Winston Wright and Keith Stirling (keyboards) can be considered the core of the band. They developed the new psychedelic sound unique to the Black Ark which was impressively captured on albums like Heart Of The Congos or War Ina Babylon.
Perry himself purported that he deliberately burned down the Black Ark one morning in 1983, to eventually turn his back on Jamaican Reggae for good. The story of the Upsetters ends around 1986 and can be told in various different ways.
2. "The Upsetters" was the name of Little Richard's backing band playing R&B and Rock'n'Roll during the 1950s. One of their instrumental tracks is The Strip.
3. The Upsetters was a South African garage rock band active in the 1960s.
4. The Upsetters was a soul band.
Underground
The Upsetters Lyrics
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Ta da da da
Underground roots are collie roots
Underground roots are collie roots
Ta da da da
Ta da da da
Ta da da da
Underground roots are collie roots
Underground roots are collie roots
Ta da da da
Ta da da da
Ta da da da
Underground roots are collie roots
Underground roots are collie roots
Ta da da da
Ta da da da
The repeated chanting of "Ta da da da" in The Upsetters's song "Underground" creates a hypnotic and trance-like effect, setting the tone for a deeper exploration of the message within the lyrics. The phrase "Underground roots are collie roots" carries multiple layers of meaning. "Underground roots" can be interpreted as the unseen and hidden aspects of one's heritage, culture, or history. This could suggest a connection to a deeper, more authentic sense of self that is not always visible on the surface. Similarly, "collie roots" could be a reference to cannabis plants, commonly known as "collie" in Jamaican slang. This connection to cannabis ties into Rastafarian beliefs and practices, where the plant is seen as a sacred herb with spiritual significance.
The repetition of the phrase "Underground roots are collie roots" further emphasizes the importance and pride placed on these hidden and often marginalized elements of identity. By highlighting the roots that are beneath the surface, the song may be celebrating the resilience and strength found in reconnecting with one's cultural heritage, especially in the face of colonization and oppression. The use of "collie roots" also speaks to the cultural significance of cannabis within the Rastafarian movement, where it is not just a recreational substance but a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and rebellion against societal norms.
The rhythmic and almost meditative quality of the lyrics in "Underground" suggest a sense of unity and collective consciousness among those who embrace their underground roots and collie roots. The repetitive nature of the chant can be seen as a form of affirmation and resistance against mainstream narratives that seek to erase or marginalize certain aspects of cultural identity. By proudly proclaiming these roots, the song may be advocating for a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance for those who have been historically oppressed or misunderstood.
Overall, "Underground" by The Upsetters can be seen as a powerful anthem that celebrates the hidden depths and cultural richness found within marginalized communities. Through its hypnotic repetition and potent lyrics, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own connections to their heritage, history, and spirituality while also serving as a rallying cry for solidarity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Ta da da da
The joyous and rhythmic sounds of the underground music scene
Underground roots are collie roots
The deep connection and influence of reggae culture
Underground roots are collie roots
The origins of reggae music trace back to its roots in Jamaican culture
Ta da da da
The continued celebration of the underground music movement
Underground roots are collie roots
The significance of reggae music and its connection to the underground scene
Ta da da da
The pulsating beat and energy of the underground music community
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Lee Perry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind