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.
Rhythm of Life
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pa yaa yap
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Now listen to me people in this age of riddim
Every man got to know what he's got within
Like baby Angela living next door
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Time of illusion has got you confused
I can see in your eyes, that you're battered and bruised
Like your grandfather cutting sugar cane
I wonder why he survive the pain?
When them lick him with the whip
Grampa kill him with the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa gi'him the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa kill him with the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa kill him with the rhythm, yea, yea!
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Let it flow, let it flow
Y mas gan, ulaghize!
Y mas gan!
Bass man play
Bass man what you say
Country boy, city slicker
The lyrics of Third World's song Rhythm Of Life are a call to action, urging listeners to embrace the flow of life and find strength within themselves. The repetitive phrase "nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life" emphasizes the importance of self-affirmation and positivity, echoing the message of many reggae songs. The lyrics also touch on themes of resilience and perseverance, referencing the struggles of past generations and the need to carry on their legacy.
The second verse mentions "the age of riddim," which can be interpreted as the broader cultural context in which the song was written. In the late 1970s, when the song was released, Jamaica was experiencing a moment of political and social upheaval, as well as the emergence of new musical styles like dub and dancehall. Third World's music reflects this context, blending reggae with elements of funk, soul, and other genres. The verse also references the example of a young girl dubbed "baby Angela," who has been "dubbing it up" since she was four years old. This can be interpreted as a nod to the importance of music and cultural expression in the face of adversity.
The final verse brings things full circle by returning to the idea of rhythm as a source of strength and defiance. The lyrics reference the violence and oppression that many Jamaicans have experienced, particularly in the context of the slave trade and colonialism, but suggest that music and rhythm can be a form of resistance. The repetition of the phrase "Grampa kill him with the rhythm" reinforces this idea, while the song's overall message of positivity and self-affirmation encourages listeners to find their own rhythm and hold fast to it.
Line by Line Meaning
Nice up yo'self inna de riddim of life!
Pa yaa yap
Get ready to become part of the rhythmic life and enjoy it!
Now listen to me people in this age of riddim
Every man got to know what he's got within
Like baby Angela living next door
She dubbing it up from the age of four
In this age of rhythmic life, it's essential to understand yourself and your abilities. Just like baby Angela, who, at the age of four, understands and enjoys the rhythm.
Time of illusion has got you confused
I can see in your eyes, that you're battered and bruised
Like your grandfather cutting sugar cane
I wonder why he survive the pain?
You are confused and lost in the world of illusion, and I can see it on your face. Your ancestors faced similar pain and torture in their lives, and you wonder how they survived.
When them lick him with the whip
Grampa kill him with the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa gi'him the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa kill him with the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa kill him with the rhythm, yea, yea!
Despite the torture and pain of getting beaten by whips, the grandfather survived by finding solace in music and the rhythm that it offered. He fought back with the rhythm and killed them with it.
Let it flow, let it flow
Y mas gan, ulaghize!
Y mas gan!
Bass man play
Bass man what you say
Country boy, city slicker
Let the rhythm flow through your body, and enjoy it to the fullest. Bass man, play your music and share your message. It doesn't matter where you come from; whether you're a country boy or a city slicker, enjoy and embrace the rhythm of life!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Cooper
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michaeltorres1654
Chorus:
Nice up yourself inna the rhythm of life
Fire...
Now listen to me people in this age of rhythm
Every man got to know what he's got within
Like baby Angela living next door
She dubbing it up from the age of four
Chorus
Time of illusion has got you confused
I can see in your eyes, that you're battered and bruised
Like your grandfather cutting sugar cane
I wonder why he survived the pain?
When them lick him with the whip
Grampa hit them with the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa heave the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa hit them with the rhythm
Them lick him with the whip
Grampa kill them with the rhythm yeah yeah
Chorus
Let it flow, let it flow
Y mas gan, ulaghize
Y mas gan
Get down!
Bass man play
Bass man, what you say?
Bass man play
I say bass man, what you say?
Country boy, city slicker
@tonyv47
one of the best reggae groups on this earth, seen them millions of times & always left on clouds of joy, they actually opened for bob marley a few times, saw bob at the academy of music (which is now a NYU dorm) blessed is what i am.
@davidthorpe996
The degrees collected by these guys makes Einstein look like a novice lol.
@scatmando
My late father painted this album sleeve on my bedroom wall, all my mate's were so jealous. Great band and a great Dad !!!!
@Blinkybills
I love Reggae, and I love Third World. First heard em more than 35 years ago. As good today as ever. Put em on and chill out..
@lauranicholls9421
Thanks for sharing a really great tune Great. Band..💚💛❤️
@schmatever
Discovered Third World at age 15. Am now 43 and constantly listen to the same tunes (with my new 2 month old daughter), love them and find even more meaning in them. Really dig the dubbed out bit at the end of this track, crucial!!
@cristalmorales1526
schmatever like wise it was a long time ago Wen I heard this album I'm 40 now and still love them
@lawrencenjawe1935
Schmatever+ Naturally Third World has always been at the forefront of instrumentally talented bands
@cristaingomez8632
Im 18 now hearing third world for the first time. I wonder where I’ll be in a couple years
@feblish
one of my favourite albums ever still playin it today even mp3'd for phone ^_^