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.
Roots With Quality
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Roots it up with quality...
yeah yeah yeah yeah Steppin' it with Quality ...woah woah woah woah
That girl shes trying to act sophisticated,
she loves to travel high class She didn't check
that natty dread was educated, and all the exams I pass
Every morning she look up in the
She cover Dem with eyeshadow and mascara, and hide her true qualties
All the jump she a jump and prance and all the wail you de wail
she got to come to the rootsman dance,
rootsma man music dey (gotta) play No
Botha Gwaan, bodda gwan like a diplomat
No Botha Gwaan have like a topanaris
No Mas a gwaan...
A check it out shes a dry land tourist
and what she know she got to know it
All the jump she a jump and prance and all the wail you de wail
she got to come to a the rootsman dance,
rootsma man music dont, rootsman music a
Jah Jah music never fail i yet No, Jah Jah music never fail... no
A Jah Jah music Never fail I yet no. Jah Jah music never fail...
The lyrics of Third World's song Roots With Quality express pride in one's roots and culture, and a critique of those who are overly concerned with societal status and superficial beauty. The continuous repetition of "I roots" emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to one's origins and heritage. The phrase "roots it up with quality" encourages individuals to not only embrace their culture but to do so with excellence and a sense of integrity.
The second verse is directed towards a woman who is trying to appear sophisticated by traveling in high class circles. However, her attempt at sophistication fails as she ignores a "natty dread" who is educated and has passed more exams than her. The song suggests that true knowledge and understanding comes from embracing one's roots and culture, rather than trying to assimilate into societal norms.
The chorus invites the woman to join the "rootsman dance" and listen to "Jah Jah music," which will never fail. The use of Jamaican patois and Rastafarian beliefs within the lyrics highlight the importance of Caribbean culture and spirituality.
Line by Line Meaning
I roots, I roots, I roots, I roots... I roots
I am proud of my roots and I embrace them fully.
Roots it up with quality... yeah yeah yeah yeah Steppin' it with Quality ...woah woah woah woah
I am committed to representing my roots with dignity and class.
That girl shes trying to act sophisticated, she loves to travel high class She didn't check that natty dread was educated, and all the exams I pass
The girl is trying to pretend she is sophisticated and upper-class, but she failed to realize that I, as a Rastafarian, am educated and knowledgeable.
Every morning she look up in the mirror boy, she dont like what she sees She cover Dem with eyeshadow and mascara, and hide her true qualties
The girl is unhappy with her true self and covers it up with makeup, masking her natural qualities.
All the jump she a jump and prance and all the wail you de wail she got to come to the rootsman dance, rootsma man music dey (gotta) play No Botha Gwaan, bodda gwan like a diplomat No Botha Gwaan have like a topanaris
She needs to come to the Rastafarian gathering and experience the music and culture firsthand, without trying to act like someone she's not.
No Mas a gwaan... A check it out shes a dry land tourist and what she know she got to know it
She's just a tourist trying to fit in, but she needs to come to terms with the fact that she will never be a true Rastafarian and needs to respect our culture.
All the jump she a jump and prance and all the wail you de wail she got to come to a the rootsman dance, rootsma man music dont, rootsman music a Jah Jah music never fail i yet No, Jah Jah music never fail...
The girl needs to come to our gathering and listen to our music, which always represents Jah and the true Rastafarian message.
Writer(s): Winston Holness, K. Michael Cooper
Contributed by Wyatt Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@shoanscollections9106
I played at a session tonight and I started with this tune. Niceniss!!!
@barryquinnell3108
Originall released in Jamaica on the Observers label, a real gem.
@TOKO_O.C714
BUNNY RUGS BLESSED VOICE RESPECT THIRD WORLD🔥HALL OF FAMERS🔥🔥🔥👑🇹🇴🤙🏽
@sinceunati
Been lovin' this tune for years !!!
@rastafari8990
Yooo this track bangs love the intro👊🏿🦁
@kwakiwilson705
Pastor hate it I love it haha bless
@sinceunati
@@kwakiwilson705 Gonna have to go to a different church.
@joslynazure
Jah Jah music never fails💯
@vincentguerrero9922
Hi nice song ha..
@iamacaveman7653
joslyn_xoxo girl my love never fails lookin like that😘😁