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.
Forbidden Love
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How can it be, how can it be
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how can it be, how
When I look into the mirror I see someone
Who's life will never be the same again
'Cause they say that what we found forbidden love, love
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how can it be
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how can it be
I've got to make that girl mine
I've been waiting all my life for someone just like you
We both know the feeling's fine
Oh, but society says that it should never, never be
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how can it be
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how can it be
Is reason ruling passion
When the power of attraction
Tempt us with satisfaction
Oh, it's just a natural reaction
This ain't no game we're playing
Regardless of what they're saying
Something inside is calling
So let them keep on talking
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how can it be
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how can it be
If it's love, girl, how could it be forbidden
The way I feel just can't remain hidden
Folks may talk but I don't care
'Cause wherever you are, girl, I wanna be there
Nothing comes close to the way you smile
And girl, your touch just drives me wild
You're everything I dream of
How could it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how
Passion, pain, it's all the same
'Cause when it comes to you
This love is not a game for fame
'Cause my claim is loving you
And I'll break my back just to be true
We were put here for a special reason
And you're the pot that's cooking and I'm the seasoning
You're everything I dream of
How could it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be, how
Loving you, girl, is marvelous
And when you're around my knees get nervous
For you, I need a word that describes
And the word I use is bonafide
From the first time ever I saw your face
In my heart, I created a special space
You're everything I dream of
How could it be forbidden if it's love
How can it be forbidden if it's love
How, how
If it's love, girl, how could it be forbidden
The way I feel just can't remain hidden
Folks may talk but I don't care
'Cause wherever you are, girl, I wanna be there
Nothing comes close to the way you smile
And girl, your touch just drives me wild
You're everything I dream of
How could it be forbidden if it's love
The lyrics of Third World’s song “Forbidden Love” portray a scenario in which the singer is experiencing a forbidden love affair. He asks how it can be forbidden if it’s love, implying that love should not be restricted or dictated by society’s norms or laws. In contrast, society has banned the relationship, and the singer must defy these laws to be with his lover. He feels validated in his love for his partner, and despite societal pressure, he is willing to do anything to make the relationship work. The lyrics suggest that conventional notions of right and wrong should not undermine true love’s potential to flourish.
The song’s lyrics capture the compelling desire to resist laws and norms that prevent people from pursuing an intimate relationship with the person they love. The track also explores themes of human freedom, morality, and self-identity.
“Forbidden Love” was featured on Third World’s ninth studio album, titled “Serious Business.” The song has a steady beat and soothing melodic lines melded with reggae rhythms, making it a modern reggae classic. The band released “Forbidden Love” in 1989, and since then, it has become a fan favorite in Jamaica and internationally.
Line by Line Meaning
How can it be forbidden if it's love
Questioning why society would deem love forbidden, suggesting that it should be allowed and accepted regardless of outside opinions.
When I look into the mirror I see someone
Who's life will never be the same again
'Cause they say that what we found forbidden love, love
And the question we are up against
The singer is questioning their own identity and future while society forbids their love, wondering why it has to be that way and hoping for a resolution.
I've got to make that girl mine
I've been waiting all my life for someone just like you
We both know the feeling's fine
Oh, but society says that it should never, never be
Desire for the forbidden love and frustration with society's insistence on keeping them apart, despite the singer's feelings and beliefs.
Is reason ruling passion
When the power of attraction
Tempt us with satisfaction
Oh, it's just a natural reaction
Exploring the idea that love is not something to be controlled, but rather something that is a natural response to attraction.
This ain't no game we're playing
Regardless of what they're saying
Something inside is calling
So let them keep on talking
Asserting that this love is serious and not a casual fling, and that they will not let societal pressure stop them from pursuing it.
If it's love, girl, how could it be forbidden
The way I feel just can't remain hidden
Folks may talk but I don't care
'Cause wherever you are, girl, I wanna be there
Continuing to question why love must be forbidden and expressing the desire to be with their love interest regardless of outside opinions.
Loving you, girl, is marvelous
And when you're around my knees get nervous
For you, I need a word that describes
And the word I use is bonafide
Describing the intense feelings the singer has for their love interest and emphasizing the authenticity of those feelings.
From the first time ever I saw your face
In my heart, I created a special space
You're everything I dream of
How could it be forbidden if it's love
Describing the strong attraction and connection between the artist and their love interest, and questioning why that love should be forbidden.
Passion, pain, it's all the same
'Cause when it comes to you
This love is not a game for fame
'Cause my claim is loving you
And I'll break my back just to be true
Exploring the idea that love is all-consuming, and that loving the other person is more important than anything else, even if it requires great effort and sacrifice.
We were put here for a special reason
And you're the pot that's cooking and I'm the seasoning
You're everything I dream of
How could it be forbidden if it's love
Suggesting that love is a special and important part of life, and that the artist's love interest is an essential part of their own life and happiness.
Nothing comes close to the way you smile
And girl, your touch just drives me wild
You're everything I dream of
How could it be forbidden if it's love
Describing the intensity and power of the singer's feelings for their love interest, and questioning why it should be considered forbidden.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GLENN K. BOLTON, K. MICHAEL M. COOPER, RICHARD DALEY, RUPERT VALENTINE BENT, STEPHEN HALDANE COORE, WILLIAM ALEXANDER CLARK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Charmaine Iris Pirere
on Committed
I still enjoy this song.