U-Roy (born Ewart Beckford September 21, 1942 - died February 17, 2021) was… Read Full Bio ↴U-Roy (born Ewart Beckford September 21, 1942 - died February 17, 2021) was a Jamaican musician also known as The Originator and Hugh Roy. He was born in Jones Town, Jamaica.

U-Roy's musical career began in 1961 when he began DJing at various sound systems, eventually working with King Tubby. Tubby was then experimenting with his equipment, in the process of inventing dub music. With U-Roy as his most prominent DJ, King Tubby's new sound became extraordinarily popular and U-Roy became a Jamaican celebrity. He recorded Dynamic Fashion Way, his first recording, in 1969 for Keith Hudson and then worked with almost every producer of the island: Lee Perry, Peter Tosh, Bunny Lee, Phil Pratt, Sonia Pottinger, Rupie Edwards, Alvin Ranglin and Lloyd Daley.

In 1970, Jamaican singer John Holt became enamoured of U-Roy's technique. Working with Duke Reid, U-Roy's fame grew through a series of singles, including Wake the Town and "Wear You to the Ball".

U-Roy's success continued throughout the 1970s, most famously with the album Dread in a Babylon with its iconic picture of him disappearing in a cloud of cannabis smoke while holding an enormous pipe, and a song called Chalice in the Palace, fantasising about smoking with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace. He had become one of the island's biggest stars by the early 1980s, also garnering significant acclaim in the United Kingdom. His latest album is 2000's Serious Matter.

Number 1
U-Roy Lyrics

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Lonesome Number One,just call me Lonesome Number One
Although no titles have I won,I surely must be Lonesome Number One

Every love I've had has faded like the dew
Every one I've wanted, has wanted someone new
Heartaches hang around and always come
I surely must be Lonesome Number One

Lonesome Number One, just call me Lonesome Number One
Although no titles have I won, I surely must be Lonesome Number One

It seems I'm always losing, love just can't come near
Just when love gets close it always disappears
Sorrow always keeps me on the run
I surely must be Lonesome Number One

Lonesome Number One, just call me Lonesome Number One

Although no titles have I won, I surely must be Lonesome Number One
Just call me Lonesome Number One, here I come I'm Lonesome Number One

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to U-Roy's song "Lonesome Number One" express a deep feeling of loneliness and heartache. The singer refers to himself as "Lonesome Number One," suggesting that he is the loneliest person there is. Despite not having achieved any significant titles or successes, he still believes that he must be the loneliest person.

The first verse emphasizes the singer's experience of love fading away like the morning dew. Every person he has loved has eventually wanted someone new, leaving him feeling abandoned and rejected. The repetition of the line "I surely must be Lonesome Number One" reinforces his belief in his own loneliness.

The second verse continues to depict a pattern of disappointment in love. The singer feels that love always eludes him, disappearing just when it seems within reach. Sorrow and heartbreak are constants in his life, constantly driving him to run away from his loneliness. Again, the chorus repeats the idea that he must be the loneliest person.

Overall, the song conveys a deep sense of isolation and emotional pain. The repetition of the phrase "Lonesome Number One" emphasizes the singer's belief that he is the loneliest person in the world, despite his lack of achievements or titles.

Line by Line Meaning

Lonesome Number One,just call me Lonesome Number One
I feel utterly alone and isolated, so much so that I am declaring myself as the loneliest person imaginable.

Although no titles have I won,I surely must be Lonesome Number One
Despite not having any official recognition or achievements in my life, I am convinced that my loneliness surpasses anyone else's.

Every love I've had has faded like the dew
All the love I have experienced in my life has vanished as quickly as the morning dew evaporates.

Every one I've wanted, has wanted someone new
Every person I have desired has eventually desired someone else, leaving me feeling rejected and unimportant.

Heartaches hang around and always come
Feelings of sadness and heartbreak persistently linger in my life and never fail to resurface.

I surely must be Lonesome Number One
Considering the constant disappointment and pain I experience, I am undoubtedly the most lonesome individual.

It seems I'm always losing, love just can't come near
I constantly find myself on the losing side when it comes to love; it feels impossible for love to be within my reach.

Just when love gets close it always disappears
Whenever love seems to be approaching me, it suddenly vanishes, leaving me even more desolate and abandoned.

Sorrow always keeps me on the run
My perpetual state of sorrow forces me to continually strive to escape its clutches, always feeling chased and haunted by sadness.

Just call me Lonesome Number One, here I come I'm Lonesome Number One
Emphasizing once again my profound loneliness, I announce my arrival as the ultimate embodiment of isolation and unhappiness.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DON GIBSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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