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 Degrees
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Real hot in the shade
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
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
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
The song "96 Degrees in the Shade" by Third World is a powerful commentary on the struggles and injustices faced by the Jamaican people. The opening lyrics declare that it is "real hot in the shade" and that the temperature has reached 96 degrees. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the heat serves as a metaphor for the pressure and tension faced by the people of Jamaica.
The song then shifts to a description of a parade, with ten thousand soldiers on display. The singer is taken to meet a "big fat boy" who has been sent from overseas by the queen. This boy represents the forces of colonialism and imperialism that have oppressed the Jamaican people for centuries. The singer approaches the boy with his "representation," or grievances, and asserts his right to speak truth to power.
The middle section of the song is particularly powerful, as the singer speaks of being caught on the loose and fighting for freedom. He is then shown a noose on the cotton tree, which serves as a reminder of the violence and brutality that has been inflicted on the Jamaican people. The final lines of the song offer a message of hope, as the singer declares that his people will one day learn and that he will never truly die.
Overall, "96 Degrees in the Shade" is a song of resistance and resilience. It speaks to the struggles faced by people all over the world who are fighting for their freedom and their right to a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
96 degrees in the shade
It is very hot, almost unbearably so.
Said it was 96 degrees in the shade
Someone else reported the high temperature, but it is still hot.
Ten thousand soldiers on parade
A large number of soldiers are marching in formation.
Taking i and i to meet a big fat boy
The artist is being brought to meet an important person.
Sent from overseas
The big fat boy is from another country.
The queen employ
The big fat boy is employed by the queen.
Excellency before you i come
The singer is addressing someone of high rank.
With my representation
The artist has something to present to this important person.
You know where i'm coming from
The recipient of the representation is familiar with the artist's perspective.
You caught me on the loose
The person being addressed has captured the artist who was previously free.
Fighting to be free
The singer was resisting captivity in order to be released.
Now you show me a noose
The person who captured the artist is threatening to hang them.
On the cotton tree
The person threatening the singer is using a common method of execution.
Entertainment for you
The person threatening the singer finds their suffering amusing.
Martyrdom for me
The singer will die a martyr for their cause.
Some may suffer and some may burn
Some people will be hurt or killed in the artist's struggle.
But i know that one day my people will learn
Despite the current struggles, the artist believes their cause will prevail eventually.
As sure as the sun shines, way up in the sky
The singer is very confident in their beliefs.
Today i stand here a victim the truth is i'll never die
The singer may die, but their beliefs will live on forever.
Contributed by Isabella L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@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.