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).
Just Tell Me
Toots & The Maytals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then I will know just what to do
Just tell me that you're in love with me
And I will know that you want me dilligently
There is nothing in this world that I wouldn't do for you
There is nothing for you to pray to force me to do
Won't you tell me that you love me true
And I will know just what to do
Sing it again
La la la la la la la la la la
The lyrics of Toots & The Maytals's song Just Tell Me express a deep desire for love and assurance. The singer is pleading with their lover to tell them they love them, explaining that once they know they are loved, they will know what to do. The lyrics depict a person who is devoted and willing to do anything for their lover, but they need the affirmation of love to help guide their actions.
The lyrics suggest a lack of clarity in the relationship. The singer seems confused and unsure of where they stand with their lover and what their lover wants from them. However, if they were to be told that they are loved, they would know exactly how to proceed and would do anything to make their lover happy.
The repetition of "I love you" emphasizes the intense emotions felt by the singer. The song's melody and rhythm are upbeat and lively, creating a contrast with the lyrics' content, conveying the depth of desperation and anxiety felt by the singer.
In conclusion, Just Tell Me is a passionate plea for clarity, assurance, and love. The lyrics expose the vulnerabilities of the singer and reveal their almost complete dependence on their lover's affection.
Line by Line Meaning
Just tell me that you really love me true
If you tell me that you love me genuinely, without any lies or deceit, then I will believe it and know how to act accordingly.
Then I will know just what to do
Knowing that you love me truly will give me a clear direction on how to act and what to do to show my love in return.
Just tell me that you're in love with me
If you express your feelings to me and state clearly that you are in love with me, then I will know that your intentions are sincere.
And I will know that you want me dilligently
By telling me that you love me, I will be sure that you want me with a steadfast and enthusiastic passion.
There is nothing in this world that I wouldn't do for you
My love for you knows no bounds, and I would do anything to make you happy and show my love for you.
There is nothing for you to pray to force me to do
You don't have to resort to praying or hoping for me to do something for you because I'm already willing to do it out of love and devotion.
Won't you tell me that you love me true
I'm asking you to share your genuine feelings with me and express your love for me honestly.
And I will know just what to do
By knowing that you love me truly, I will have a better understanding of what actions to take to show my love and commitment.
Because I, I, I, I, I love you
My love for you is intense and unconditional, and I want you to know that.
Sing it again
Repeat the chorus and affirm your love for me once more to cement the message in our hearts.
La la la la la la la la la la
The chorus ends with a lighthearted and joyous melody, expressing the happiness and exuberance that comes from loving and being loved in return.
Contributed by Jasmine G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TheMalmut
Goddamn, this music never ceases to wash away all my troubles, bring a smile to my face, and get get me groovin, however temporary it may be.
@michaelgifford8602
This song in particular. Wow. Toots was incredible.
@empresstashaii
I love this so much,..
thanks Toots.....live for ever tunes....
@mefirstnommelastnom8109
Love this song. I could listen to it in an endless loop... Well, I actually do 😊
The vocals at 2:18 are just brilliant ❤ 🇯🇲🇪🇹
@andrelacoste4974
Brilliant, hapiness in a can! Summer, good people and smiles!!
@terrorbhaudet2509
What a master sound❤
This is probably the best music ever made🙏🏽 jah bless
@giuseppelogiurato5718
Happiest song... Strength!
@Kaiqueoalves
Beeeeeest!!! 🇯🇲🔥🔥🔥
@pepeolivasanchez9945
They just bright like sun, their smiles are stars and moon
@kevuelitamoi884
He was loved by people in my country..all the way from Fiji islands...