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.
Brand New Beggar
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
i’ve changed
[yes i have]
i’m a brand new beggar
i’ve changed
i’m a brand new beggar
movin’, movin’ around
sellin’ and even put down
my best friend [heh] by the pound
i thought that happiness was mine
dressed in silks and drinking wine
but now i’m face to face with me
i look around and suddenly
oh oo oh oo oh
i’ve changed
[yes i have]
i’m a brand new beggar
[i took a look and...]
i’ve changed
i’m a brand new beggar
[yeah]
loneliness can be quite dread
‘cause no sees inside your head
i can’t judge a man by scrutiny
[oh i say...]
one day coffee, next day tea
and i thought that happiness was mine
dressed in silk and drinking wine
but now i’m face to face with me
i look around and suddenly...
i’ve changed
i’m a brand new beggar
[yeah]
i’ve changed
[yes i have]
i’m a brand new beggar
[but it’s the same old thing]
i said i’ve changed
i’m a brand new beggar
i’ve changed
[yes i really changed]
i’m a brand new beggar...
The song Brand New Beggar by Jamaican reggae band Third World speaks of a personal transformation that brings about a newfound humility and conscious awareness. The lyrics of the song talk about how the singer has changed from a life of materialism and indulgence to one of simplicity and spiritual growth. The first verse talks about how the singer used to travel from town to town selling things, even betraying his best friend. He thought that happiness could be bought with material possessions and a lavish lifestyle. However, he has now come to realize that true happiness and fulfillment are found within.
In the chorus, the singer declares that he has changed and has become a brand new beggar. The term "beggar" does not refer to a lack of money or resources, but rather a conscious choice to live a simpler and more meaningful life. The second verse goes deeper into the internal struggles that the singer faced. He talks about loneliness and how it can be a terrible thing when no one understands what you are going through. However, he has come to realize that passing judgments on others is not the solution, as he himself has changed his mind on many things over time.
Line by Line Meaning
i’ve changed
I have transformed myself into a new person
[yes i have]
Acknowledging that I have indeed changed
i’m a brand new beggar
Despite my past life, I am now starting afresh as a beggar
movin’, movin’ around
I am constantly travelling from place to place
i been travellin’ from town to town
I have been moving from one place to another
sellin’ and even put down
I have resorted to selling things and betraying even my friends for self-benefit
my best friend [heh] by the pound
I even sold my closest companion for a price
i thought that happiness was mine
I believed that wealth and luxury could bring me joy
dressed in silks and drinking wine
I indulged in expensive, luxurious things to attain happiness
but now i’m face to face with me
I have come to a realization about myself
i look around and suddenly
I observe my surroundings and feel the change within me
oh oo oh oo oh
Background tune
loneliness can be quite dread
Solitude can cause anxiety and fear
‘cause no sees inside your head
Because there is no one who can understand what is going on in your mind
i can’t judge a man by scrutiny
I have learned not to judge people based on appearances or superficial things
[oh i say...]
Exclamation of affirmation
one day coffee, next day tea
Things can change suddenly and unexpectedly
and i thought that happiness was mine
I once believed that material things could bring me happiness
dressed in silk and drinking wine
I indulged in luxury and wealth to find happiness
but now i’m face to face with me
I have realized my own true self and my priorities have shifted
i look around and suddenly...
I have a newfound perspective on life and my surroundings
i’m a brand new beggar
In spite of my past, I am now reborn as a fresh and new beggar
[yeah]
Exclamation of affirmation
[but it’s the same old thing]
Despite my transformation, some aspects of life remain the same
i said i’ve changed
I affirm that I have undergone a change
i’m a brand new beggar
I am now leading a new life as a beggar
i’ve changed
I have undergone a transformation
[yes i have]
I confirm that I have indeed changed
i’m a brand new beggar
I am now living as a new person in a completely new way
i’ve changed
I have transformed myself into someone new
[yes i really changed]
I have genuinely experienced a change
i’m a brand new beggar...
I am now leading a life of simplicity and newness
Writer(s): Cornel Marshal, K. Michael Cooper, Stephen Coore
Contributed by Lily T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Flament Philippe
I can't resist to this track!When I listen to that song,I feel a great serenity!
krazyFlipy
This song came to mark a milestone in my personal existence. It sort of...saved my life once, when I had forgotten the face of my father, as Mr King would put it. ;) My deepest respect and gratitude, Third World. You helped me change, for sure.
element128
beautiful.
FALL Yakhouba Abdallah
Beau classique Third World Band dans toute sa plénitude
I Yazz
Great band!!!
Wayne Grogan
First heard third world 40 yrs ago.still my favourite band.
Blinkybills
..another cool third world classic. ultimate chillin music..
TheRealTommyRock
I had this album when it came out in 1976, I didn't really know what reggae was, just that it was good!
Dr Looney Tune
I can dig it family members!
Johanne Belmon
One day... And the next... All the time happiness was mine 🎶💕