'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.
Harbour Shark
Wailing Souls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah man
When you hear this ya one ya Wailing Soul you no the joke
When you hear this ya one ya Wailing Soul you no the joke
Better stop this cultural diffusion
Spreading fear and confusion
Playing cloak and dagger wars
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
What more do they want?
They have got all they need
Yet they turn their backs
On the hands that feeds them
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Wo wo wo wo yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
Yes it's a new world order, oh yeah
Another new world order, oh yeah
A wicked world order, oh yeah
A new world order, oh yeah
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Better stop this cultural diffusion
Spreading fear and confusion
Playing cloak and dagger wars
Losing what you fighting for
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Wo wo wo wo yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
Yes it's a new world order, oh yeah
Another new world order, oh yeah
A crucial world order, oh yeah
A wicked world order, oh yeah
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Back back, coming with a double attack
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Wo wo wo wo yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah yeah
Wo wo wo wo yeah yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
Yes it's a new world order, oh yeah
Another new world order, oh yeah
A crucial world order, oh yeah
A wicked world order, oh yeah
The lyrics of the song Harbor Shark by Wailing Souls are a call to action against cultural diffusion and the negative consequences that it can have. The song speaks to the fear and confusion that can come as a result of this cultural diffusion and warns against the loss of what is being fought for. The shark is used as a metaphor to represent the destructive forces that threaten to disrupt and harm society.
The lyrics paint a picture of a society that has everything it needs but chooses to turn its back on those who provide for it. The call to step back and beware of the coming "double attack" is a warning to protect oneself against the harmful effects of cultural diffusion and to maintain the integrity of what is being fought for. The repeated refrain of "new world order" serves as a reminder that it is up to individuals to create a better and more just society by being aware and vigilant of the various forces that threaten it.
Overall, the song speaks to the importance of preserving culture and tradition in the face of a changing world. The use of the shark metaphor is effective in conveying the danger that can come from outside forces and the need for vigilance and caution to preserve what is valuable.
Line by Line Meaning
When you hear this ya one Wailing Soul you know the true
The listener recognizes Wailing Souls as an authentic and truthful artist.
When you hear this ya one ya Wailing Soul you no the joke
Wailing Souls presents their music with humor and irony.
Better stop this cultural diffusion
The spread of western culture has negative effects on traditional culture.
Spreading fear and confusion
The spread of western culture causes fear and disorientation.
Playing cloak and dagger wars
Countries use covert methods to maintain their interests.
Losing what you fighting for
Countries can lose sight of their original goals and fail them.
Back back, coming with a double attack
Countries face two threats: cultural and political.
Step back, here comes the shark attack
Countries must take steps to protect themselves from these threats.
What more do they want?
Western countries have already taken what they need from developing countries.
They have got all they need
Western countries have taken what they need from developing countries.
Yet they turn their backs
Western countries neglect the needs of the developing world.
On the hands that feeds them
Developing countries provide resources for the Western world to prosper.
Yes it's a new world order, oh yeah
The current global power structure is a "New World Order."
Another new world order, oh yeah
The global power structure is constantly evolving.
A wicked world order, oh yeah
The current power structure is not beneficial for everyone.
A new world order, oh yeah
The current global power structure is a "New World Order."
A crucial world order, oh yeah
The current global power structure is of extreme importance and influence.
Wo wo wo wo yeah
Expressing vocalizations of joy or emphasis.
Wo wo wo wo yeah yeah
Expressing vocalizations of joy or emphasis.
Yeah yeah yeah
Expressing vocalizations of agreement or celebration.
Writer(s): K. Cole
Contributed by Alyssa B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@halbrown941
Brilliant,
@sweetmojitos7576
Beautiful tune!
@AbengNewsMag
This recording was produced by the Wailers and the Wailing Souls at the same session as Trench Town Rock at Federal Recording Studios and was originally released on the young Tuff Gong label. The Upsetters artists Family Man, Carl Barrett and Reggie Lewis were in the aggregation.
@vincentbrown1033
Gem tune,one of their best.