- … Read Full Bio ↴There are or have been - at least - two bands named The Wailers:
- The legendary Jamaican reggae band (founded as a ska group 1963, and became a Rastafarian reggae band in 1968), renamed Bob Marley & The Wailers in 1974, which are still active led by bassist Aston Barrett after Marley's death in 1981.
- The Fabulous Wailers, a rock and roll and garage band from the USA, active 1958-1969, first led by John Greek, replaced in 1960 by Rockin' Robin Roberts.
1) Bob Marley & The Wailers have together sold in excess of 255 million albums worldwide. Since they are extraordinary popular also in poor countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America with big markets for pirate copies the total amounts of albums sold has been estimated to over 1 billion. In England alone, they've notched up over 20 chart hits, including seven Top 10 entries. In USA on the other hand, Bob Marley & The Wailers reached superstar status only after Marley's death, with the album Legend , focusing on the person Bob Marley but not on the band. Outside of their groundbreaking work with Marley, the Wailers have also played or performed with international acts like Sting, the Fugees, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, and Alpha Blondy, as well as reggae legends such as Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and Burning Spear. As the greatest living exponents of Jamaica's reggae tradition, the Wailers have completed innumerable other tours, playing to an estimated 24 million people across the globe. They have also been the first reggae band to tour new territories on many occasions, including Africa and the Far East.
Their nucleus formed in 1969, when the vocalist group "The Wailers" (formed 1963 by Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh) requited the talented Barrett brothers: bassist Aston "Family Man" and drummer Carlton (writer of well-known Marley songs like "War" and "Talking Blues", 'sound-maker' of more Marley songs, developer of the one drop style in reggae music) played on hits such as Lively Up Yourself, Trenchtown Rock, Duppy Conqueror, and many more besides. Inspired by Rastafari and their ambitions of reaching an international audience, this is the line-up that pioneered roots rock reggae, and signed to Island Records in 1971. Bunny and Peter left two years later. It was at this point that the in-demand Barrett brothers - whose rhythms also underpinned innumerable seventies' reggae hits by other acts - assumed the title of Wailers, and backed Marley on the group's international breakthrough album, Natty Dread. Under Family Man's musical leadership, they then partnered Bob Marley on the succession of hit singles and albums that made him a global icon, winner of several Lifetime Achievement awards, and Jamaica's best-loved musical superstar.
Drummer Carlton "Carlie" Barrett was murdered 1987, leaving his brother as the main beneficiary of the Wailers' mantle. Subsequent line-ups have revolved around Family Man, who is widely regarded as one of the world's greatest bass players. Modest and unassuming, he was present on all of those unforgettable performances by Bob Marley & The Wailers from the seventies. Family Man continues to be the main axis of the current Wailers - a group that's one of the last, great reggae institutions, yet which refuses to live off past glories. That's because Family Man represents tried and trusted roots authenticity and, along with the Wailers, injects fresh excitement into a show that continues to attract enthusiastic audiences from around the world.
2) The Fabulous Wailers were an American rock band from Tacoma, Washington. Formed around 1958, they are often considered the first garage rock group. They performed a hybrid of saxophone-driven rhythm and blues and Chuck Berry rock and roll.
Five 45s (four released in 1959, including Tall Cool One, and one in 1960) and an LP release, The Fabulous Wailers (released December 1959 on Golden Crest Records), put the Wailers on the national scene. Their 1961 cover of Louie Louie, which they recorded as a backing band for singer Rockin' Roberts, was the first to use the trademark 1-2-3, 1-2, 1-2-3 riff. Their version inspired other groups from the Seattle area, most notably the The Kingsmen of Portland, Oregon, to record the same song. The Fabulous Wailers' influence established the Pacific Northwest area as a center for musical innovation and the home of a long string of regional favorites playing a kind of raunchy, amateur, yet passionate, form of rock and roll, such as The Sonics, with whom they exchanged various band members and who recorded on The Wailers own Etiquette Records label.
They became popular around the United States Pacific Northwest around the late 1950s and the start of the 1960s, performing saxophone-driven R&B and Chuck Berry rock and roll. Their biggest hit was "Tall Cool One", first released in 1959, and they have been credited as being "one of the very first, if not the first, of the American garage bands."
The group was formed – originally as The Nitecaps – in 1958, by five high school friends:
John Greek (27 October 1940 – 6 October 2006) – rhythm guitar, trumpet
Richard Dangel (1 December 1942 – 2 December 2002) – lead guitar
Kent Morrill (2 April 1941 – 15 April 2011) – keyboards, vocals
Mark Marush (15 August 1940 – 9 August 2007) – tenor sax
Mike Burk (b. 1942) – drums
In late 1958, the group recorded a demo of an instrumental written by Dangel, Morrill and Greek, which found its way to Clark Galehouse of New York based Golden Crest Records. He liked the track and had it re-recorded by the band in Lakewood in February 1959; its title "Tall Cool One" was apparently suggested by Morrill's mother. Released as a single, it reached # 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and # 24 on the R&B chart. The band made the cross-country trip to New York to record an LP, The Fabulous Wailers, which was released in December 1959 and featured two vocals by Morrill as well as instrumentals. They also appeared on Dick Clark's nationally televised American Bandstand, and toured the east coast. A second instrumental from their first recording session, "Mau-Mau", made # 68 on the Billboard pop chart, but their third single, "Wailin'", failed to make the chart.
The band decided to return to the Northwest, rather than staying in New York as their record label wished, and they were dropped from their contract. Around the same time, they added lead vocalist "Rockin' Robin" Roberts (Lawrence Fewell Roberts II), a charismatic frontman who had previously been the singer with rival Tacoma band the Bluenotes. John Greek left the group in acrimonious circumstances, and was replaced by bassist John "Buck" Ormsby (Seattle, October 29, 1941 - October 29, 2016). Ormsby, Morrill and Roberts then formed Etiquette Records and, in 1961, the label released its first single, a cover version of Richard Berry's "Louie Louie". For contractual reasons the single was credited to Roberts, but was performed by the whole band. Their recording became a local hit and was distributed nationally by Imperial Records, but did not make the national chart. However, its style, with its trademark 1-2-3, 1-2, 1-2-3 riff, inspired other groups from the Seattle area, most notably the Kingsmen of Portland, Oregon, to record the same song.
The Wailers continued to perform locally and, according to Morrill, one of their biggest fans was the young Jimi Hendrix, then starting to perform guitar. The band performed both with and without Roberts, who studied at the University of Washington, the University of Puget Sound, and Oregon State University, eventually achieving a masters degree in biochemistry. They also occasionally featured teenage girl singer Gail Harris, notably on the live album The Fabulous Wailers at the Castle, recorded in 1961, which has been described as "undoubtedly one of the most influential albums in Seattle rock & roll history." In all, the band recorded and released four albums on their own Etiquette label between 1962 and 1966, as well as a succession of singles. They also helped instigate the recording career of The Sonics, whose first two albums were issued by the label, and helped begin Jini Dellaccio's career as a rock'n'roll photographer when they hired her to shoot cover photos for their album Wailers, Wailers, Everywhere.
Mark Marush left The Wailers in 1962 and was replaced by Ron Gardner, who also handled lead vocals; Dangel and Burk left in 1964 and were replaced by guitarist Neil Andersson and drummer Dave Roland respectively. Continuing to perform live as well as recording, the band added a trio of girl backing singers, known as the Marshans. Also in 1964, "Tall Cool One" was re-promoted by the Golden Crest label, and again made the Billboard pop chart, this time peaking at # 38. In 1965 Roberts made his final recordings with the group, and, in 1967, guitarist Neil Andersson was replaced by Denny Weaver. Roberts was killed, aged 27, in a car crash in late 1967.
The band split up in 1969, by which time Kent Morrill was the only remaining original member. Morrill, Dangel and Ormsby, with other musicians, reunited as The Wailers for occasional concerts from the 1970s onwards. In 1979, they joined with Burk, Gardner, and Gail Harris to play a reunion show.
Later activities
Ormsby re-established the Etiquette label in the mid-1980s, and issued a Wailers compilation, The Boys from Tacoma, in 1993. The Wailers' song, "Out of Our Tree", was featured in the 1998 CD version of the Nuggets: Original Artyfacts From the First Psychedelic Era collection. Several of the Wailers' tunes were also covered by The Ventures, and the two bands released an album together, Two Car Garage, in 2009 to celebrate their 50 years in existence.
Ron Gardner died in 1992. Richard Dangel died of an aneurysm in 2002. John Greek died in 2006, Mark Marush in 2007, and Kent Morrill died of cancer on 15 April 2011. Buck Ormsby died in 2016.
who feels it knows it
The Wailers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it common they know because they feel
And who feels it know it
Who feels it knows it
No don't sit by your window
Gazing at the streets
Sorrying for your self cause you've got nothing to cat
Git up and move and start trying trying trying.
Just git up and move
Get right in the groove
Get right in the groove
For linger you linger, cry you must cry
Now don't point your fingers and you'll get bye
Don't be no moonshine-darling and sit down and cry.
Please don't you give up now before you give it a try
Before you give it a try
Before you give it a try, try, try
And don't you give up now don't give
Up now don't give up now. don't you
Give up now before you give it a try
Before you give it a try, try, try.
Papa no want, no want no want,
No want, no more bondage
For its a long time he's been in slavery.
Mama no want, no want no want,
No more pain, pain and worry
For its a long time now she's been unhappy
And Who feels it knows it
Who feels it knows it
Every night and every day
Who feels it knows it
By their blood and sweat they pay
Who feels it knows it yea
But linger you linger cry you must cry
No don't point you fingers and you'll get bye
Don't be no moon-shine darling and sit down and cry
And please don't you give up now before you give it a try
Before you give it a try come on
Give it a try, try, try.
Before you give it a try come on
Give it a try, try, try,
And don't you give up now don't you
Give up now don't give up now
Before you give it a try, before you
Give it a try, try, try
Give it a try, try, try
In "Who Feels It Knows It," The Wailers highlight the experience of carrying burdens and facing challenges. The opening lines convey the notion that every person believes their own burdens to be the heaviest, but they can only truly understand and empathize with others who have also experienced hardship. The repetition of the phrase "Who feels it knows it" emphasizes the idea that only those who have experienced certain struggles can truly understand the depth of them.
The lyrics encourage individuals not to wallow in self-pity but to tap into their inner strength. The line "There's a light within you, so let it shine" suggests that everyone possesses their own unique strengths and talents that can be utilized to overcome obstacles. Rather than sitting idle and dwelling on their troubles, the song urges people to take action, move forward, and keep trying.
The verses directed towards parents further emphasize the theme of liberation from bondage and suffering. The mention of the father longing for freedom from slavery and the mother seeking an end to pain and worry indicate the desire for a better life for future generations. The repetition of "Who feels it knows it" in the chorus reinforces the idea that understanding and empathy are important in overcoming hardships and achieving liberation.
Overall, "Who Feels It Knows It" serves as a call to action, inspiring individuals to embrace their inner strength, support one another, and persevere through difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
Every man thinks his burdens the heaviest
Every person believes that their problems are the most difficult to bear.
But it common they know because they feel
However, it is a shared experience and they understand it because they have felt it themselves.
And who feels it know it
Those who have experienced these burdens truly understand them.
Who feels it knows it
Those who have felt it firsthand truly comprehend its impact.
No don't sit by your window
Do not stay idle and passive, just observing from a distance.
Gazing at the streets
Looking at the world outside, contemplating what's happening.
Sorrying for your self cause you've got nothing to cat
Feeling sorry for yourself because you believe you have nothing to offer or enjoy.
There's a light within you, so let it shine
You possess an inner brilliance or potential, so allow it to radiate and brighten your surroundings.
Git up and move and start trying trying trying
Get up, take action, and begin making efforts repeatedly.
Just git up and move
Simply rise and start moving forward.
Get right in the groove
Find your rhythm and get into the flow of life.
For linger you linger, cry you must cry
If you remain passive and hesitant, eventually you will need to express your emotions and shed tears.
Now don't point your fingers and you'll get bye
Avoid blaming others or finding fault, and you will manage to get through life's challenges.
Don't be no moonshine-darling and sit down and cry
Do not become a melancholic and idle person who just sits and cries.
Please don't you give up now before you give it a try
Do not give up on your dreams or goals without even attempting them.
Before you give it a try
Before you attempt something new or take a risk.
Before you give it a try, try, try
Before you make multiple attempts at it.
And don't you give up now don't give
Do not surrender or lose hope.
Up now don't give up now. don't you
Continue to persevere and persist.
Give up now before you give it a try
Abandoning your efforts prematurely, without taking a chance.
Before you give it a try, try, try
Before you attempt it multiple times.
Papa no want, no want no want
Father does not desire, does not desire, does not desire.
No want, no more bondage
He no longer wishes to be trapped or oppressed.
For its a long time he's been in slavery
As he has been enslaved for a considerable duration.
Mama no want, no want no want
Mother does not desire, does not desire, does not desire.
No more pain, pain and worry
She no longer wants to experience pain and constant worry.
For its a long time now she's been unhappy
As she has been discontented and miserable for a significant period.
And Who feels it knows it
And those who have experienced it truly understand it.
Who feels it knows it
Those who have felt it firsthand truly comprehend its impact.
Every night and every day
Each night and every day.
Who feels it knows it
Those who have felt it firsthand truly comprehend its impact.
By their blood and sweat they pay
They pay the price through their hard work and sacrifices.
Who feels it knows it yea
Those who have experienced it genuinely understand it, indeed.
But linger you linger cry you must cry
However long you delay, eventually you will need to shed tears.
No don't point you fingers and you'll get bye
Do not accuse or blame others, and you will manage to overcome difficulties.
Don't be no moon-shine darling and sit down and cry
Do not become a melancholic person who just sits and cries.
And please don't you give up now before you give it a try
And please do not give up on your dreams or goals without even attempting them.
Before you give it a try come on
Before you attempt it, come on and take action.
Give it a try, try, try
Make several attempts at it.
Before you give it a try come on
Before you attempt it, come on and take action.
Give it a try, try, try
Make several attempts at it.
And don't you give up now don't you
And do not surrender or lose hope.
Give up now don't give up now
Abandoning your efforts prematurely, do not give up now.
Before you give it a try, before you
Prior to attempting it, before you take action.
Give it a try, try, try
Make several attempts at it.
Give it a try, try, try
Make several attempts at it.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: NEVILLE ORIL LIVINGSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Louie Lozano
I literally wake up to all his old school songs. Helps me mellow out a lot and control my temper
nrs8
gotta love this song! people dont credit peter enough, or the wailers early ska in general-no ska,no reggae
Blue Zodiac
Rest Easy Now Bunny Livingstone Wailer in Everlasting Power and Eternal Peace. 🙏🏽
Doctor Doom
Rest in power bunny wailer, bob and peter are with you now with JAH.
PhlyersPhan34 Comby
Love this song.
papakilatube
All-time Most Bizarre Opening in a Wailers Song. And what a great song it is!
OnePunkMan
"Who feels it, knows the lord"
GnopKing
Bunny, Bob and Peter were on the same planet.
Three Prophets!!
Onebrightday
A Holy Trinity!
Joseph Gurure
True my brethrens, who feels no it. Wailers for life.