In the early days of the Wailing Souls, the first name that the group came … Read Full Bio ↴In the early days of the Wailing Souls, the first name that the group came up with in the late 60's was the Renegades. This group consisted of Winston 'Pipe' Matthews on lead vocals, Lloyd 'Bread' McDonald, and George 'Buddy' Haye. This line-up recorded backing vocals for an Ernest Ranglin album before breaking up in 1968.

'Pipe' and 'Bread' teamed up with two other singers after that, Oswald Downes and Norman Davis, and recorded the single "Gold Digger" for producer, Lloyd "Matador" Daley. From there they went on to work with Coxsone Dodd's famous Studio One label recording label, considered the "Motown" of Jamaica.

They recorded a number of singles there, and were also billed as the Classics, in addition to their Wailing Souls name. In the early 70's, the Souls recorded for Bob Marley's Tuff Gong label, as Pipe and The Pipes. There at Tuff Gong they had hits with "Harbor Shark" and "Back Biter". The groups vocal power, and song writing ability has kept the group in the spotlight, and in 1974 the group changed again when Downes and David left and 'Buddy' Haye rejoined. The 'godfather of reggae', Joe Higgs, also worked with the group in the mid-70's, but left to work with Jimmy Cliff as his musical director on tour.

The group entered another era of their careers as they began work with famed producer "Jo Jo" Hookim and his Channel One label. With Hookim, they recorded more classics like "Things and Times," "Joy With Your Heart," and "Very Well." Shortly after in 1976, Rudolph 'Garth' Dennis one of founding members of Black Uhuru, joined the group.

The Souls then started their own label in 1977 called Massive, and hit with their first singles "Bredda Gravilicious" and "Feel The Spirit." In the early 80's the quartet worked with a number of hot producers including Sly and Robbie recording "Old Broom"on their Taxi Label, "Fire House Rock" for "Junjo" Lawes' Volcano Label, and for producer/singer Linval Thompson.

Their touring and recording continued throughout the 80's. After recording these classic tracks for genius producer King Jammy in 1988-89, the group broke up again, but Pipe and Bread have continued the Wailing Souls on their own throughout the 90's recording (two Grammy nominated albums included) and touring worldwide. 'Garth' Dennis rejoined Black Uhuru to work with them in the early/mid 90's and "Buddy" Haye has taken a leave from singing since.

Don't Burn Baby
Wailing Souls Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn

If the kitchen get too hot, get out
If the kitchen get too hot, get out
If the kitchen get too hot, get out

If the kitchen get too hot, get out

Ah, ah, ah...

Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn!
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn

If the fire get too warm, get out
If the fire get too warm, get out
If the fire get too warm, get out
If the fire get too warm, get out

Jump out a frying pan, end up in a fire
That will cause you to jump and holler

Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn!
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn

If the kitchen get too hot, get out
If the kitchen get too hot, get out
If the kitchen get too hot, get out
If the kitchen get too hot, get out

Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn!
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn

If the fire get too warm, get out
If the fire get too warm, get out
If the fire get too warm, get out
If the fire get too warm, get out

Ah, ah, ah...

Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn!
Don't burn, baby, don't burn

If the kitchen get too hot, get out
If the kitchen get too hot, get out
If the kitchen get too hot, get out
If the kitchen get too hot, get out

Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn
Don't burn, baby, don't burn

If the fire get too warm, get out
If the fire get too warm, get out

If the fire get too warm, get out
If the fire get too warm, get out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Wailing Souls' "Don't Burn Baby" are all about not getting burned, literally and metaphorically. The song is a warning about staying out of situations that are too hot and potentially dangerous. The repetition of the "don't burn" line serves to emphasize the importance of the message.

The first stanza sets the tone by repeating the title phrase, "Don't burn, baby, don't burn." The kitchen and the fire are both used as metaphors for life situations that can get too intense. The repeated advice to "get out" is a clear directive to avoid these situations altogether. The second verse adds another layer to the metaphor, warning that jumping out of a frying pan could land you in an even worse situation.

The song's message is universal and timeless. It could be interpreted as a cautionary tale about anything from relationships to politics to day-to-day life. The lyrics are simple but effective, and the repetition helps to make the message stick in the listener's mind.

Overall, "Don't Burn Baby" is a catchy and upbeat song with a serious message. It encourages listeners to stay safe and avoid getting burned, in all aspects of their lives.

Line by Line Meaning