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.
Tide Is High
U-Roy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna be your number one
I'm not the kinda man who gives up just like that, no oh oh oh
It's not the things you do, that really hurts me bad
But it's the way you do the things, you do to me
I'm not the kinda man who gives up just like that no oh oh oh
I'm gonna be your number one
Number one, number one
Every man wants you to be his girl
But I'll wait my dear 'till it's my turn
I'm not the kinda man who gives up just like that, no oh oh oh
Every man wants you to be his girl
But I'll wait my dear 'till it's my turn
I'm not the kinda man who gives up just like that, no oh oh oh
The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The tide is high but I'm holding on
I'm gonna be your number one
The song "Tide is High" by U-Roy is a confession of a man who feels badly hurt by a woman he loves but remains hopeful that they will ultimately be able to overcome their difficulties. The first verse establishes the singer's persistence and determination- he holds on despite the challenges he and his partner face. Additionally, he affirms his commitment to his partner, stating he will be her number one, despite other men wanting her.
In the second verse, the man admits that he is hurt by his partner's actions but emphasizes that it's the way she does things that cause him pain, not necessarily what she does. This suggests that the relationship issues may be linked to communication or approach. Despite this, he repeats that he will not give up and appears confident that they will overcome their issues. The final repetition of the chorus reinforces this notion, declaring that the singer will be his partner's number one despite the tide being high and challenging times ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
The tide is high but I'm holding on
Although life's challenges are tough, I am persevering with determination
I'm gonna be your number one
Because I love you and want to be the most important person in your life
I'm not the kinda man who gives up just like that, no oh oh oh
I am persistent and refuse to give up easily, no matter the odds or obstacles
It's not the things you do, that really hurts me bad
Your actions are not what causes me pain and hurt
But it's the way you do the things, you do to me
It's the way you execute your actions that hurts me the most
Every man wants you to be his girl
You are beautiful and desirable to many
But I'll wait my dear 'till it's my turn
I will patiently wait for my chance to win your heart
The tide is high but I'm holding on
I am not letting the high tides of life drag me down
I'm gonna be your number one
I am committed to being the most important person in your life
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Steve Gad
There is only one U-Roy. He was completely original and remained the King right up til the Lord took him home.
Thank you for a lifetime of amazing music Ewart. Rest in peace eternally
rollingdominoesman
love love Love it !
zilst mennekeb
great song, from the album: rasta ambassador, by U roy
Steve Gad
Amazing album.
Roy Theeman
You have got to listen to the superior 12" mix with the late great Gregory Isaacs it is awesome. As usual Gregory is smooth as cream and let you listen to this cut like hearing it for the first time, and no one can flash it and dash it like the icon U. Roy it is a rare cut no one can touch it. Peace..........................
ishabaka
U-Roy tell dem.
NorthyRamone1973
Rockers.
lu divine
LOVE LOOOOOOOOOOVE JE VEUX UNE BAGUETTE MAGIQUE POUR REVENIIIIIIIIIRRRR LA OU G TOUT LAISSER HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
bakkendorfff
well i heard this was the original not for me though :)
Steve Gad
Paragons, it was. Or so I believe.