They were formed in 1973 and are still releasing records today. Their lineup has changed over the years, as has their musical style, although it has not strayed too far from the "roots reggae" style that they are generally categorized as.
With Dean Pond in the touring lineup (Dean Pond, founder of Dub Mystic and one time musical director and drummer for Culture, and V.I. producer of the year) this year (??) should prove to be even bigger for Third World.
96° In The Shade
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Real hot, hear me when I say
In the shade
Said it was ninety-six degrees in the shade
Ten thousand soldiers on parade
Taking I and I to meet a big fat boy
Sent from overseas
Now excellency before you I come
With my representation
You know where I'm coming from
They caught me on the loose
Trying to be free
And they show I a noose
On the cotton tree
Entertainment for you
Martyrdom for me
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
Some may suffer, some may burn
But I know that one day all of my children gonna learn
Sure as the sun shine, way up in the skies
Today I stand here a victim, yes
the truth is I'll never die
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, ooh yes, in the shade
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, jah jah know, in the shade
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
The song "1865" by Third World is a politically charged reggae anthem that explores issues of colonialism and resistance. The title is a reference to the year slavery was abolished in the United States, but the song is set in Jamaica during a time when the island was still under British rule. The opening line, "Ninety-six degrees in the shade," sets the tone for the rest of the song. It's hot, and tensions are high.
The second verse describes a parade of ten thousand soldiers sent to Jamaica by the British queen. The soldiers are there to keep the peace, but their presence is seen as oppressive by the locals. The singer of the song has been caught trying to escape and is brought before a representative of the colonial government. The singer's defiance is clear: "You know where I'm coming from."
The final verse is a call to action. The singer acknowledges that some may suffer and others may burn but remains steadfast in their belief that justice will ultimately prevail. The line "Today I stand here a victim, yes the truth is I'll never die" suggests that the singer is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their cause.
Line by Line Meaning
Ninety-six degrees in the shade
The temperature is unbearably hot.
Real hot, hear me when I say
It is extremely hot, and a serious matter.
In the shade
Even in the shade, the heat is unbearable.
Said it was ninety-six degrees in the shade
Someone has informed us of how hot it is.
Ten thousand soldiers on parade
There are many soldiers marching.
Taking I and I to meet a big fat boy
They are taking I and I to see an important person.
Sent from overseas
The big fat boy comes from another country.
The queen employ
The queen has hired this important person.
Now excellency before you I come
I have come to meet with this important person.
With my representation
I have something to say on behalf of my group.
You know where I'm coming from
You understand my perspective and where I'm coming from.
They caught me on the loose
I was caught trying to escape.
Trying to be free
I was attempting to gain my freedom.
And they show I a noose
They threatened me with a noose as punishment.
On the cotton tree
The noose was hanging from a cotton tree.
Entertainment for you
My punishment and suffering is amusing for those in power.
Martyrdom for me
My suffering is a form of martyrdom for my cause.
Some may suffer, some may burn
Some people will experience pain and harm.
But I know that one day all of my children gonna learn
I have faith that future generations will learn from the struggles of the past.
Sure as the sun shine, way up in the skies
I have no doubt that this is true, as certain as the sun rising.
Today I stand here a victim, yes
I am currently a victim of injustice.
the truth is I'll never die
Even if I die, my legacy and impact will never truly be gone.
Real hot, jah jah know, in the shade
Even God knows how hot it is, even in the shade.
Real hot, hear me when I say in the shade
It is extremely hot, and a serious matter, even in the shade.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: William Alexander Clark, Michael Cooper, Stephen Haldane Coore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@skarena7411
[1st Verse]
Said it was 96 degrees in the shade
Ten thousand soldiers on parade
Taking I and I to meet a big fat boy
Sent from overseas
The queen employ
Excellency before you I come
With my representation
You know where I'm coming from
You caught me on the loose
Fighting to be free
Now you show me a noose
On the cotton tree
Entertainment for you
Martyrdom for me
[Chorus] (x2)
96 degrees in the shade
Real hot in the shade
Some may suffer and some may burn
But i know that one day my people will learn
As sure as the sun shines, way up in the sky
Today i stand here a victim, the truth is I'll never die
96 degrees in the shade
Real hot in the shade
@dozzamane3420
Always hear my grandpa bump this jam!!! Unfortunately he passed away today. I’m bumping this for you grandpa!!!
@rogerbenard6457
RIP and bless your grandpa! As am listning to this now I dedicate it to you grandpa. Sorry for your loss. Stay strong !
@ChrisSmith-en7wp
RIPRIG
@KokoBirdSings
Rest in peace and my condolence ❤
@MarkEdwardMarkCanioI
Condolences to you and your Family!1LUV...❤
@swapmeetsheriffdonknottexp3046
Rip
@skarena7411
[1st Verse]
Said it was 96 degrees in the shade
Ten thousand soldiers on parade
Taking I and I to meet a big fat boy
Sent from overseas
The queen employ
Excellency before you I come
With my representation
You know where I'm coming from
You caught me on the loose
Fighting to be free
Now you show me a noose
On the cotton tree
Entertainment for you
Martyrdom for me
[Chorus] (x2)
96 degrees in the shade
Real hot in the shade
Some may suffer and some may burn
But i know that one day my people will learn
As sure as the sun shines, way up in the sky
Today i stand here a victim, the truth is I'll never die
96 degrees in the shade
Real hot in the shade
@ludo9669
Thank You.. 🙏🏻🇯🇲
@mystikalxs3996
Yes, thank you, thank you. Now I can finally sing along from word to word. This is a true classic. 🙏🙌🎶🎙️👤
@skarena7411
@Ludo you welcome. Sad lyrics though.