In Kingston, he met Henry "Raleigh" Gordon and Nathaniel "Jerry" McCarthy, forming a group whose early recordings were attributed to "The Flames" and, possibly, "The Vikings". Having renamed the group the Maytals, the vocal trio recorded their first album, "Never Grow Old - presenting the Maytals", for producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One in 1962-63. With musical backing from Dodd's house band, the legendary Skatalites, the Maytals' close-harmony gospel singing ensured instant success for the 1964 release, overshadowing Dodd's other up-and-coming gospel trio, The Wailers. The original album augmented by studio out-takes from the Studio One sessions was re-released by Heartbeat/Rounder Records in 1997, and is essential listening for Maytals and Skatalites fans.
After staying at Studio One for about two years, the group moved on to do sessions for Prince Buster (released in 1974) before recording their second album produced by Byron Lee in 1965. However, the band's musical career was rudely interrupted in late 1966 when Hibbert was arrested and imprisoned on drugs possession charges.
Following Hibbert's release from jail towards the end of 1967, the band officially changed their name to Toots and the Maytals and began working with Chinese-Jamaican producer Leslie Kong, a collaboration which produced three classic albums and a string of hits throughout the late sixties and early seventies - "Do the Reggay", a 1968 single widely credited with coining the word reggae, "Pressure Drop", "54-46 was my number" and "Monkey Man", the group's first international hit in 1970. The group was featured in one of reggae's greatest breakthrough events - The Harder They Come, the 1972 film and soundtrack starring Jimmy Cliff.
Following Kong's death in 1971, the group continued to record with Kong's former sound engineer, Warwick Lyn; produced by Lyn and Chris Blackwell of Island Records, the group released three best-selling albums, and enjoyed international hits with "Funky Kingston" in 1973 and "Reggae Got Soul" in 1976.
The compositions of Toots & the Maytals (also known as Toots and the Maytals) would be given a second airing in 1978-80 during the reggae-punk and ska revival period in the UK, when the Specials included "Monkey Man" on their 1979 debut album and the Clash produced their version of "Pressure Drop", with other Maytals' covers being recorded by Sublime. Having toured throughout the world for many years, Toots and the Maytals disbanded in the early 1980s, but reformed in the early 90s to continue touring and recording successfully.
The band recently won the 2005 Grammy award for reggae for the album True Love, an album consisting of re-recorded versions of their classics alongside popular and legendary musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards, as well as popular artists today such as No Doubt, Ben Harper, The Roots, and Shaggy.
They also contributed to the album 'Radiodread' (a tribute to Radiohead's OK Computer).
B For Butter
Toots & The Maytals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fret not for tomorrow
'Cuz I know there will be no sorrow
Don't matter what the crisis
I will be your rescue
No, I'm not going to take no for that
B for butter and T for tat
When it comes to loving someone, girl, you know
I'm in love with you
When it comes to holding and kissing
Girl, you know I'd do anything for you
The song "B For Butter" by Toots & The Maytals is a reggae tune with lyrics that emphasize the importance of being present in the moment and not worrying about tomorrow. The repeated "do, do, do" in the beginning of the song could be interpreted as an encouraging mantra to stay focused on the present. The lyrics encourage the listener to not fret about what's to come, because there will be no sorrow. The singer assures the listener that no matter what crisis may arise, they will be there to rescue them. The song contains a hopeful message of love and support in the midst of uncertainty.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's determination to stand by the person he loves. He will not take no for an answer and is willing to do whatever it takes to show his affection. The phrase "B for butter and T for tat" could be interpreted as a playful reference to the idea of "tit for tat" - doing something in return for something else. The B for butter element could symbolize the sweetness and richness that love can provide in a relationship.
Overall, the song encourages the listener to focus on the present moment and to not worry about what the future may hold. It emphasizes the importance of being there for the people we love and standing by them through thick and thin.
Line by Line Meaning
Do, do, do, do, do, oh, oh, oh
The repetition of 'do' and 'oh' serves as an intro to the song and adds emphasis to the following lyrics.
Fret not for tomorrow
Don't worry about the future or what's to come.
'Cuz I know there will be no sorrow
Because I'm confident that everything will be fine and there won't be any trouble or sadness.
Don't matter what the crisis
Regardless of the problems or difficulties we might face.
I will be your rescue
I will always be there to help or support you.
No, I'm not going to take no for that
I won't accept a negative answer or refusal.
'Cuz I know just where it's at
Because I'm aware of where the solution or answer is.
B for butter and T for tat
The phrase 'B for butter and T for tat' is often used to imply a fair and equal exchange or compromise between two parties.
When it comes to loving someone, girl, you know
Regarding the topic of love and relationships.
I'm in love with you
I'm deeply in love and romantically interested in you.
When it comes to holding and kissing
In terms of physical intimacy and affection.
Girl, you know I'd do anything for you
I'm willing to go to great lengths or do anything to make you happy or show my love for you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FREDERICK HIBBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind