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.
Shine on Me
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sometimes we turn to crime
But the sun will always shine, yeah
It's merciless the grime
Sometimes we turn to crime
But the sun will always shine, yeah
Oh father, father can you hear me?
To feed the ones you hold so dear
Somebody dying, and no survive, story of my life right, hey
Look at me, really look at me
Heart of a champion, eyes that have seen
Murder on my street, death on my block
Cops that be more criminal than cop
Daddy a cape in, mama a hustler
What would my goal be? Who is it up to?
Me and just me, doing it my way
′Til I see sunrays, hey
The sun will always shine, sun will always shine
Sun will always shine on me
So even if it's crime, I'm taking care of mine
The sun will always shine on me, shine on me
I see 1 shot, 2 shot, 3 shot, 4
Daddy I can′t take no more
I′m sick of watching windows 'fore I walk out the door
I know that′s not what I'm here for, it′s a brighter day
These bars sit with the Lord, he know my story
I'mma tell it all and live large before I′m 40
Frank Gathers, this your daughter, everybody know
I could light this spliff but everybody blow it
The impact, I did that
I'mma take this and sit back
And watch the chips that you digged at
We started from the bottom, you gotta know the sun is always shining
The sun will always shine, sun will always shine
Sun will always shine on me
So even if it's crime, I′m taking care of mine
The sun will always shine on me, shine on me
Sun will always shine on me, yeah, sun will always shine on me
It′s merciless the grind, sometimes you turn to crime
But you gotta keep your head up
Don't look down, don′t ever give up
Cause the sun gon' shine through any weather
It′s merciless the grind, sometimes you turn to crime
But baby keep your head up
Don't look down, don′t ever give up
Cause the sun gon' shine through any weather
So even if it's crime, I′m taking care of mine
So the sun will always shine on me, shine on me
The sun will always shine, sun will always shine
Sun will always shine on me
So even if it′s crime, I'm taking care of mine
The sun will always shine on me, shine on me
"Shine on Me" by Third World is a powerful song that addresses the struggles and hardships faced by the marginalized and underprivileged. The lyrics depict the harsh reality of life, where individuals may sometimes resort to criminal activities due to the difficult circumstances they find themselves in. However, despite these challenges, the song emphasizes that the sun will always shine, symbolizing hope, perseverance, and the potential for a brighter future.
The lyrics also touch upon the theme of parental influence and the impact it has on one's life. The singer addresses their father, appealing to him to listen and understand the suffering of his children. The mention of "somebody dying and no survive, story of my life" suggests a tragic narrative that is all too familiar to the singer. Amidst the violence and corruption present in their surroundings, the singer strives to maintain their own integrity and individuality. They want to find their own path and make a positive change in their life, seeking solace in the rays of the sun.
Overall, "Shine on Me" tells a story of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It highlights the importance of staying hopeful, even in the darkest of times, and reminds listeners that there is always the potential for a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, it′s merciless the grind
The daily struggle is harsh and unforgiving
Sometimes we turn to crime
In desperate situations, we resort to illegal activities
But the sun will always shine, yeah
Despite the hardships, there is hope and positivity in life
Oh father, father can you hear me?
Addressing a higher power, questioning if they are listening
Can you hear your children crying? Can you see their tears?
Expressing desperation for help and acknowledgement of pain
To feed the ones you hold so dear
To provide for loved ones in a dire situation
Somebody dying, and no survive, story of my life right, hey
Experiencing loss and struggling to survive is a recurring theme
Look at me, really look at me
A plea for attention and recognition of one's inner strength
Heart of a champion, eyes that have seen
Having the spirit and resilience of a winner, with a deep understanding of life
Murder on my street, death on my block
Living in a neighborhood plagued by violence and death
Cops that be more criminal than cop
Corrupt law enforcement officers exacerbating the problem
Daddy a cape in, mama a hustler
Father is absent or unable to protect, while mother does whatever it takes to survive
What would my goal be? Who is it up to?
Questioning the purpose and responsibility in life
Me and just me, doing it my way
Taking control and forging one's own path
′Til I see sunrays, hey
Continuing the journey until finding rays of sunshine and hope
The sun will always shine, sun will always shine
No matter the circumstances, there will always be light
So even if it's crime, I'm taking care of mine
Despite resorting to illegal means, the priority is protecting and providing for loved ones
I see 1 shot, 2 shot, 3 shot, 4
Witnessing and experiencing repeated instances of violence and danger
Daddy I can′t take no more
Feeling overwhelmed and unable to bear the hardships anymore
I'm sick of watching windows 'fore I walk out the door
Tired of observing violence and danger even before stepping outside
I know that′s not what I'm here for, it′s a brighter day
Believing in a better future and a day filled with positivity
These bars sit with the Lord, he know my story
Finding solace and hope in faith, knowing that God understands one's struggles
I'mma tell it all and live large before I′m 40
Sharing the experiences and hardships, aiming to achieve success and happiness before a certain age
Frank Gathers, this your daughter, everybody know
Addressing a father figure, ensuring they are aware of the situation and seeking recognition
I could light this spliff but everybody blow it
Having the ability to indulge in vices, but others disregard it
The impact, I did that
Acknowledging personal accomplishments and leaving a lasting impression
I'mma take this and sit back
Taking a moment to reflect and appreciate the progress made
And watch the chips that you digged at
Observing the obstacles left behind by others and overcoming them
We started from the bottom, you gotta know the sun is always shining
Beginning with little and facing adversity, but remembering that hope and positivity are ever-present
So the sun will always shine on me, shine on me
Affirming that the light of the sun symbolizes hope and success will always be present
Yeah, sun will always shine on me
Reiterating that personal determination and resilience will lead to brighter days
It′s merciless the grind, sometimes you turn to crime
The struggle to survive can push individuals into illegal activities
But you gotta keep your head up
Despite the challenges, maintaining a positive attitude and not losing hope
Don't look down, don′t ever give up
Avoiding feelings of despair and persevering through difficult times
Cause the sun gon' shine through any weather
Having faith that positivity and success will prevail regardless of the circumstances
Writer(s): Jesse Wilson, Asiahn Bryant, Tierce A Person, Reynell Hay, Calesha Murray, Shaffer (ne-yo) Smith
Contributed by Madison N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Charmaine Iris Pirere
on Committed
I still enjoy this song.