'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.
Firehouse Rock
Wailing Souls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Some call it Firehouse - Waterhouse rock
Look at that, look at that
Some call it Waterhouse - Firehouse rock
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Some call it Firehouse - Waterhouse rock
Look at that
Their eyes are staring
They are comparing
The difference between I and you
Ears are listening
Mouth keep on chattering
Trying to find out what I and I know, oh yeah
Some call it Waterhouse - Firehouse rock
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Some call it Firehouse - Waterhouse rock
Look at that, look at that
Some call it Waterhouse - Firehouse rock
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Some call it Firehouse - Waterhouse rock
Then one day the fire, get hot (the house start to burn)
And the people were all in confusion
Natty revealed a gift in his yard
They never know his meanings was for survival (fi meet his rival)
Some call it Waterhouse - Firehouse rock
Some call it Firehouse - Waterhouse rock
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Some call it Waterhouse - Firehouse rock
Some call it Firehouse - Waterhouse rock
Take a little walk, down on the gully bank
Say we a go check brother Feeble
Him say Lord live upright
Come mek we share this small morsel
Let′s give Jah thanks and praise
For living another day
For Rastafari knoweth all things
And he shall lead the way, oh yeah
Some call it Waterhouse - Firehouse rock
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Some call it Firehouse - Waterhouse rock
Look at that, look at that
Some call it Waterhouse - Firehouse rock
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Some call it Firehouse - Waterhouse rock
The lyrics of Wailing Souls' "Firehouse Rock" reflect on the struggles of living in Waterhouse, a violent and impoverished area of Kingston, Jamaica. The song's title refers to a popular dancehall venue located in Waterhouse. The singers in the song use the contrasting phrases "Waterhouse - Firehouse rock" and "Firehouse - Waterhouse rock" to symbolize the way people in the area constantly switch their focus from having fun and partying to survival mode in the face of violence and poverty. The comparison between "I and you" highlights the struggles of the poor and the discrimination they face.
The lyrics also describe how the poor are constantly being evaluated by society while they struggle to survive. The constant barrage of people "chattering" and trying to figure out what "I and I know" becomes a source of frustration for the singer. However, the song also expresses a deep faith in Rastafari, with lines like "For Rastafari knoweth all things" and "he shall lead the way." This faith is what keeps them going through the hardships of life in Waterhouse.
Line by Line Meaning
Some call it Waterhouse - Firehouse rock
Some people refer to this neighborhood as Waterhouse and some as Firehouse, but they both have the same spirit and vibe.
Oh yeah, oh yeah
This is an enthusiastic acknowledgement of the energy and excitement present in the area.
Look at that, look at that
This line is expressing amazement at the sights and sounds of the area.
Their eyes are staring
People are intently looking and observing the surroundings.
They are comparing
People are making comparisons between the different aspects of the area.
The difference between I and you
People are noticing the differences between themselves and others in the area.
Ears are listening
People are paying close attention to what is being said and heard around them.
Mouth keep on chattering
People are talking and discussing what's happening around them.
Trying to find out what I and I know, oh yeah
People are trying to learn from one another and gain knowledge about the area.
Then one day the fire, get hot (the house start to burn)
A fire has broken out and the situation has escalated quickly.
And the people were all in confusion
People are disoriented and unsure of what to do in the face of the fire.
Natty revealed a gift in his yard
A person named Natty has come forward to offer assistance to those affected by the fire.
They never know his meanings was for survival (fi meet his rival)
People didn't realize that Natty's actions were meant to help people survive the fire and band together, putting aside differences.
Take a little walk, down on the gully bank
Let's go for a walk down by the river and relax a bit.
Say we a go check brother Feeble
Let's go see how our friend, Brother Feeble, is doing.
Him say Lord live upright
Brother Feeble advises to live honestly and in accordance with one's spiritual beliefs.
Come mek we share this small morsel
Let's share this small amount of food together.
Let′s give Jah thanks and praise
Let's express gratitude to God, or Jah, for our blessings and for the continued survival of the community.
For living another day
We are grateful for the opportunity to continue living and thriving in our community.
For Rastafari knoweth all things
Rastafarians believe that God or Jah is all-knowing and in control of everything.
And he shall lead the way, oh yeah
We trust that God will guide us and help us overcome any challenges that come our way.
Contributed by London V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Newton
on File For Your Machete
File your machete
Newton
on File For Your Machete
Kindly lyrics
Mnati
on Lawless society (version)
Lawless society its a big tune
thomas
on Cherry Ripe
i really like it coz it reminds me of my high school days