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.
You're Playing Us Too Close
Third World Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Over the land
More oppression to the have nots is how you
Play your hand
More world fighting is the writing from those
Say they know
And if that's true we know just who
You'll be picking to go
But the beat you are playing to what Jah is
Saying is wrong
And we do recommend that you stop before
It's too far gone
And I just got to say
You're playing us too close
We in the ghettos
You're playing us too close
The jobless and the hungry
You're playing us too close
Filling up more and more with Frustration
You're playing us too close
We're losing our patience
So take heed and do let it be known that
I've told you today
You're playing us much too close yea
All the teaching of JAH bible you don't
Want to obey
But you're writing your own ticket to the price
You will pay
Us you hold hock but the drawback is notTo us alone
Time will make you too a victim before you
See the wrong
And the melody that you are playing is
In the wrong key
For Jah's choirs that sings out to all live
In world harmony
And I just got to say
You're playing us too close
We in the ghettos
You're playing us too close
Red black white brown and yellow poor people
You're playing us too close
The babies are crying
You're playing us too close
Good people are dying
So take heed and do let it be known that
I've told you today
Jah say you're playing us much too close
Now when I was just a little boy my grandfather
Use to say to me,
The lyrics of Third World's song "You're Playing Us Too Close" address the theme of social and economic injustice affecting marginalized communities, particularly in the ghetto. The song highlights the plight of jobless people, starving babies, and the oppressed have-nots, whose suffering is exacerbated by the actions of those in power. The lyrics question the policies and actions of governments and people with power and call for a change in approach. The song suggests that the beat that the powerful are playing is not in line with the message of Jah (God) and that it is wrong. The song warns that if the actions of the powerful continue, they will eventually suffer the same fate they have brought on the oppressed people.
The song's chorus, which repeats the phrase "you're playing us too close," emphasizes the frustration and anger felt by Third World for the continued exploitation of vulnerable communities. The song speaks to the need for people in power to listen and create solutions that address the societal challenges faced by everyone, regardless of race or class. The song's lyrics suggest that time is running out for those who continue to oppress others and that their actions could lead to catastrophic consequences.
In conclusion, the song "You're Playing Us Too Close" by Third World is a powerful and thought-provoking critique of social and economic inequality. It highlights the need for people in power to change their approach and work towards a more harmonious society where everyone is treated equally.
Line by Line Meaning
Jobless people starving babies spreading
There are people without jobs and babies who are starving everywhere.
Over the land
This is a pervasive problem.
More oppression to the have nots is how you
Play your hand
You are oppressing people who are already disadvantaged.
More world fighting is the writing from those
Say they know
People who claim to know are predicting more conflict.
And if that's true we know just who
You'll be picking to go
If conflict does arise, we know that you will choose to get rid of the poor.
But the beat you are playing to what Jah is
Saying is wrong
Your actions are contrary to what Jah (God) wants.
And we do recommend that you stop before
It's too far gone
We advise you to stop before things get out of hand.
And I just got to say
You're playing us too close
You are being too aggressive towards us.
We in the ghettos
You're playing us too close
Those of us in poverty are particularly affected by your actions.
The jobless and the hungry
You're playing us too close
Your actions are oppressive towards those who are unemployed and hungry.
Filling up more and more with Frustration
You're playing us too close
Your actions are causing more and more frustration.
We're losing our patience
We are getting fed up.
So take heed and do let it be known that
I've told you today
You're playing us much too close yea
Please listen to what I am saying - you are being too aggressive towards us.
All the teaching of JAH bible you don't
Want to obey
You are not following the teachings of Jah's Bible.
But you're writing your own ticket to the price
You will pay
You will suffer the consequences of your actions.
Us you hold hock but the drawback is not
To us alone
Your actions will have negative consequences for everyone, not just us.
Time will make you too a victim before you
See the wrong
You will become a victim of your own actions before you realize what you are doing is wrong.
And the melody that you are playing is
In the wrong key
Your actions are not in harmony with what Jah wants.
For Jah's choirs that sings out to all live
In world harmony
Jah's music is meant to bring people of all backgrounds together in harmony.
Red black white brown and yellow poor people
You're playing us too close
People of all races and backgrounds who are poor are affected by your actions.
The babies are crying
You're playing us too close
Children are suffering because of your actions.
Good people are dying
Your actions are causing good people to die.
Jah say you're playing us much too close
Jah says that you are being too aggressive towards us.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEVIE WONDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@marisolcorrea7418
In Loving Memories Of William Alexander Anthony Clarke
February 6, 1948 ~ "Bunny Rugs" ~ February 2, 2014
~Rest In Internal Peace~
"...Another Star Has Been Plucked From The World
A Star Has Been Taken Home To Heaven
The World Is So Sad And Sorrowful
It Happened On February 2nd 2014
A Day We Will Always Remember!
Never Again To See Him Sing On Stage As His Fans Dances
Never Again To See Bunny Rugs Smile Light Up The Stage
To The Roaring Sound Of His Fans Screaming
"We Love You Bunny Rugs!"
A Brother Has Been Taken Home
But In Our Hearts His Music Will Always Stay
Bunny Rugs Will Now Sing Among The Clouds
And In The Heavens And In Your Memories You
Will Still Hear Him Singing Loud And Proud!..."
@michelletucker6556
Third World in a class by themselves a group of talented musicians... Rest in Power Bunny Rugs,Ibo Cooper... Timeless Reggae Music 🎶💕🎶😊 2024
@donaldthedon526
This album shaped my life. Unforgettable memories.
@elongreen8566
So much respect for this band.
@JeffGrimes-bo4cc
The drums and keyboards and great singing 1 great tune wow
@pablobass9038
Every time I hear this tune I feel empowered... Missing you Brothers
@michael_caz_nyc
Phenomenal band. I've seen them perform live many times. They are all incredible musicians. (Nice guys's too). They are the True Reggae Ambassadors. oNe LovE from NYC
@TheCalebson
Thankyou so much for this song! Third World is one of the best reggae groups by far!
@hardwiredtoselfdestruction3401
Third World & Black Uhuru are my top 2 favorite Reggae groups
@lawrencenjawe9875
Mine are Bob Marley and the Wailers Third World, Black Uhuru and Steel Pulse.......Culture, Israel Vibration and Mighty Diamonds are Fantastic vocal harmony groups.
@ForkFace2112
You got that right, they're true Jamaicans!!