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.
World of Uncertainty
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
wonder people close their doors
There's so much worry on everybody's mind
'til they can't take anymore
There's heartbreak on every corner, so
people want to shut their eyes
I'm only someone in an ocean of someones, but I think we have got to try
(Chorus)
We're living in a world of uncertainty
And we've got to make the most of our time
(but) Where love is concerned there's one
guarantee
If you lose heart you can have this heart of mine
Sometimes I look out of my window and I see
the world as it is in my dreams
I feel the love that's in everybody's heart,
things aren't as bad as they seem
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
I know what it's like to be afraid to make a move
Because you've heard the odds are never on your side
I know how it feels to need somebody to be closer to
You need love to get through
(while you're... Chorus)
In Third World's song "World of Uncertainty," the lyricist observes that trouble and worry seem to be ever-present in the world, leading people to retreat into themselves and close their doors to others. It is a world of heartbreak, where people want to shut their eyes and avoid the pain and suffering that surrounds them. The singer acknowledges their own smallness in the face of this vast, troubled world, but argues that we still have to try to make a difference.
The chorus emphasizes the uncertainty of the world, but also calls on us to make the most of our time and not lose heart. Love is the one guarantee in this uncertain world, and the singer offers their own heart as a gift to someone who has lost theirs. In the bridge, the singer acknowledges the fears and doubts that can paralyze us, but affirms that love is what we need to keep going.
The song is a call to action in the face of adversity, offering hope that love can triumph over fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
There's trouble on every doorstep, no wonder people close their doors
People are so troubled that they shut themselves inside their homes, and it's not surprising considering that danger lurks everywhere.
There's so much worry on everybody's mind 'til they can't take anymore
Everyone's preoccupied with so much to worry about that it's getting overwhelming and suffocating.
There's heartbreak on every corner, so people want to shut their eyes
The world's a painful place to be in, that it's easier to close one's eyes and not see the heartbreak everywhere.
I'm only someone in an ocean of someones, but I think we have got to try
I may be insignificant, but I believe that each of us should do our part no matter how small it may seem.
We're living in a world of uncertainty, And we've got to make the most of our time
The world is completely unpredictable, and we should use our time wisely, not taking a single moment for granted.
Where love is concerned there's one guarantee, If you lose heart you can have this heart of mine
Love may be the only thing we can rely on, and if anyone is losing faith in it, the singer offers their own heart to them.
Sometimes I look out of my window and I see the world as it is in my dreams
At times, the world outside the singer's window is as beautiful as their own dreams, serving as a reminder that things aren't always bleak.
I feel the love that's in everybody's heart, things aren't as bad as they seem
Even amidst heartbreak and uncertainty, the artist can still feel the love within each individual's heart, giving them hope that things aren't completely grim.
I know what it's like to be afraid to make a move, Because you've heard the odds are never on your side
Taking risks comes with the fear of failure, and the artist is familiar with that feeling, especially since most of the time, it feels like the odds are against them.
I know how it feels to need somebody to be closer to, You need love to get through
The artist acknowledges how comforting it can be to have someone by your side during hard times, because, in the end, love is what helps us push through.
Contributed by Riley M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@hariroanepia7397
Awesome living with reggae music around me. Who else is livinging the world of uncertainty. Jah Rastafari...
Jah rules
@vladimiralvarez1162
This song is for today's crazy world!!! Who agrees with me?? Irie to all those that are going through some bad times jah bless!!!
@mauricehintonbey4796
You got that right, love this song. Peace and Love!
@steveowlhollamac8065
absolutely
@JTinJA
This songs ring true today more than ever
@tsunamiselassie4583
This powerful expression will always remain relevant and heartfelt.
@gary-waynettestaudinger1698
Growing up listening to this music took away all the trouble and worries
@kapena877
Growing up and being a teen in the 80's in Hawaii.. We had the best of everything! This song was a jam and still is! π€
@bluehibiscus502
So beautiful!π₯π₯π₯
@zni8048
growing up to third world blazing on our radio every afternoon thanks Dad