The Wailers broke up in 1974, with each of the three main members going on to pursue solo careers. Bob Marley went on to international fame with Bob Marley & The Wailers (with the I Threes as the backing vocalists). Peter Tosh had a moderately successful career while Bunny Wailer remained relatively unknown outside of Jamaica.
Often, usually for marketing purposes, Bob Marley, The Wailers, and Bob Marley & the Wailers are used indiscriminately to refer to recordings actually made by separate entities.
Simmer Down
The Wailing Wailers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Simmer down, soon you'll get dropped, so
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, that why won't you, why won't you, why won't you simmer down
Simmer down
Long time people dem used to say
What sweet nanny goat a go run him belly, so
Simmer down, oh control your temper
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, oh that I'm a leaving you today
Simmer down
Simmer down, oh you hear what I say
Simmer down, a that I'm leaving you today
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down
Chicken Mary, hawk de near and when him de near
You must beware, so
Simmer down, oh control your temper
Simmer down, for the battle will be hotter
Simmer down, and you won't get no supper
Simmer down, and you know you bound to suffer
Simmer down, simmer, simmer, simmer right down
Simmer down, like you never did before
Simmer down, oh, oh, oh
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, you lickin' too hot so
Simmer down, and you know soon you'll get dropped, so
Simmer down, why won't you simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, simmer down, simmer down
Simmer down, simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, oh simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, like you never did before
"Simmer Down" by The Wailing Wailers is a cautionary tale about controlling one's temper. The song presents the metaphor of cooking too hot, which represents losing control of one's emotions. The lyrics encourage the listener to calm down and control their anger before they do something they regret. The first verse suggests that someone who is "lickin' too hot" will "get dropped," which means they will face the consequences of their actions. The second verse introduces the proverb "what sweet nanny goat a go run him belly," which suggests that excess pleasure will lead to negative consequences. The song's chorus repeats the phrase "simmer down" while warning the listener about getting into a "hotter battle" and suffering as a result.
The message of "Simmer Down" is universal and timeless. It reminds us all to control our emotions and think before we act. The song also reflects the political and social climate of Jamaica in the early 1960s. At the time, there was a lot of political turmoil, and many people were turning to gangs and violence to express themselves. The Wailing Wailers used their music to inspire change and promote peace instead.
Line by Line Meaning
Simmer down, you lickin' too hot, so
Calm down, you're getting too passionate and intense
Simmer down, soon you'll get dropped, so
If you don't calm down, you'll face the consequences
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Listen to me and pay attention
Simmer down, that why won't you, why won't you, why won't you simmer down
Why can't you just calm down?
Simmer down
Calm down
Long time people dem used to say
People have said for a long time
What sweet nanny goat a go run him belly, so
That what is tempting can be harmful
Simmer down, oh control your temper
Calm down and manage your anger
Simmer down, for the battle will be hotter
Calm down because things will get worse if you don't
Simmer down, that why won't you, why won't you, why won't you simmer down
Can't you see that calming down is the best option?
Simmer down, oh that I'm a leaving you today
You need to calm down or I'll leave you
Simmer down, oh you hear what I say
Understand what I'm telling you
Chicken Mary, hawk de near and when him de near
Be cautious of danger and threats
You must beware, so
Be cautious and careful
Simmer down, and you won't get no supper
Calm down or you won't get any food
Simmer down, and you know you bound to suffer
If you don't calm down, you'll face consequences and pain
Simmer down, simmer, simmer, simmer right down
Calm down, bring your intensity level way down
Simmer down, like you never did before
Calm down like you've never done before
Simmer down, oh, oh, oh
Calm down
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Pay attention and listen to me
Simmer down, you lickin' too hot so
You're too intense and passionate, you need to calm down
Simmer down, and you know soon you'll get dropped, so
If you don't calm down, you'll suffer the consequences
Simmer down, why won't you simmer, simmer down
Why can't you just calm down?
Simmer down, simmer down, simmer down
Calm down, calm down, calm down
Simmer down, simmer, simmer down
Calm down, bring your intensity level down
Simmer down, oh simmer, simmer down
Calm down, relax
Simmer down, like you never did before
Calm down like you've never done before
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.,
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@pas7aragg69
Simmer down, you lickin' too hot, so
Simmer down, soon you'll get dropped, so
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, that why won't you, why won't you, why won't you simmer down
Simmer down
Long time people dem used to say
What sweet nanny goat a go run him belly, so
Simmer down, oh control your temper
Simmer down, for the battle will be hotter
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, oh that I'm a leaving you today
Simmer down
Simmer down, oh you hear what I say
Simmer down, a that I'm leaving you today
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down
Chicken Mary, hawk de near and when him de near
You must beware, so
Simmer down, oh control your temper
Simmer down, for the battle will be hotter
Simmer down, and you won't get no supper
Simmer down, and you know you bound to suffer
Simmer down, simmer, simmer, simmer right down
Simmer down, like you never did before
Simmer down, oh, oh, oh
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, you lickin' too hot so
Simmer down, and you know soon you'll get dropped, so
Simmer down, why won't you simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, simmer down, simmer down
Simmer down, simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, oh simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, like you never did before
@Jamaipanese
RIP Bunny. Now all the Wailers are gone but their music lives on 🇯🇲
@MarkT80014
Beverley Kelso (original member) is still living. She has lived in the US since the late 1970s. But yes, the three core members are all gone, as are other early members Cherry Smith and Junior Braithwaite.
@siggimaier6357
... Carlton Barrett and Earl Lindo from the Wailers are also gone.
@MarkT80014
@Siggi Maier Very true :(
@kermitrooseveltferkelroose9537
edward lewis isnt dead aka bob ...research it .....sad but true......
@adonaiyah2196
@Mark T ok but i think they meant original wailers
@IshOmar
Rest In Peace And Power Bunny Wailer And The Wailers Legends 🙏🏿❤️
@LexBundy
the music that three men have created together and on their own is legendary.. deep and thoughtful lyrics.. they forever live through their musically legacy and I am forever grateful to have experienced it
@park7854
man his voice gives me chills so wonderful
@nicksothep8472
This era Wailers is the definition of timeless.