'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.
Ishen Tree
Wailing Souls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So I nourish it and I cherish it
Until it come to perfection
Oh, I just couldn't resist it
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So we have a little ishen tree
Yes, we have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it was a stalk of sensemilla
It was founded upon the grave of Solomon
Nations after nation
They want to know how it come
But we know it for the healing of the nation
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it was a stalk of sensemilla
So I have a little ishen tree
I have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
Yeah
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So I nourish it and I cherish it
Until it come to perfection
I build a spliff, I take a lift
Oh, I just couldn't resist it
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it just a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla, yes
A stalk of sensemilla
Have a little ishen tree
Have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
Have a little ishen tree
Have a little ishen tree
The Wailing Souls’ song Ishen Tree is an ode to the marijuana plant, which is often referred to as “sensemilla” in Jamaican culture. The lyrics describe the experience of cultivating a small ishen tree until it reaches its full potential, producing nothing but a potent stalk of sensemilla. The singer speaks of nurturing the plant with care and attention until it becomes the perfect source of enjoyment - smoking its flowers in a spliff and experiencing its effects. The song references the belief that the origin of marijuana can be traced back to the grave of King Solomon, and that it has the power to heal nations.
The song is essentially a celebration of the spiritual and medicinal properties of marijuana, which has long been a symbol of Rastafarian culture in Jamaica. The ishen tree is a symbol of natural healing and connection with the earth, and its cultivation is seen as a form of spiritual practice. The lyrics emphasize the importance of caring for and cherishing the plant, as well as the pleasure that can be derived from its use.
Line by Line Meaning
I have a little ishen tree
I possess a small tree that produces cannabis.
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Indeed, I possess a small tree that produces cannabis.
Nothing would it bear for me
It doesn't produce anything for my benefit.
But a stalk of sensemilla
Except a stem of unseeded cannabis, known as sensimilla.
So I nourish it and I cherish it
Therefore, I care and protect it.
Until it come to perfection
Until it reaches its climax of quality.
I build a spliff and take a lift
I make and smoke a joint.
Oh, I just couldn't resist it
I can't help but give in to my desire.
It was a stalk of sensemilla
It was just a stem of seedless cannabis.
So we have a little ishen tree
We all have a small tree that produces cannabis.
Nothing would it bear for me
It doesn't produce anything for my benefit.
But a stalk of sensemilla
Except a stem of unseeded cannabis, known as sensimilla.
Yes, it was a stalk of sensemilla
Indeed, it was a stem of unseeded cannabis.
It was founded upon the grave of Solomon
It was believed to have originated from the tomb of Solomon.
Nations after nation
People from different countries.
They want to know how it come
They want to know how it originated.
But we know it for the healing of the nation
But we know it for its medicinal purposes that can benefit everyone.
Yes, it was a stalk of sensemilla
Indeed, it was a stem of unseeded cannabis.
So I have a little ishen tree
I possess a small tree that produces cannabis.
And nothing would it bear for me
It doesn't produce anything for my benefit.
But a stalk of sensemilla
Except a stem of unseeded cannabis, known as sensimilla.
Yeah
Expressing agreement or satisfaction.
Have a little ishen tree
Possess a small tree that produces cannabis.
Writer(s): Matthews Winston
Contributed by Julian Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@paulnjuguna6282
I have a little ishen tree
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So I nourish it and I cherish it
Until it come to perfection
I build a spliff and take a lift
Oh, I just couldn't resist it
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So we have have a little ishen tree
Yes, we have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it was a stalk of sensemilla
It was founded upon the grave of Solomon
Nations after nation
They want to know how it come
But we know it for the healing of the nation
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it was a stalk of sensemilla
So I have a little ishen tree
I have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
Yeah
(..)
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So I nourish it and I cherish it
Until it come to perfection
I build a spliff, I take a lift
Oh, I just couldn't resist it
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it just a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla, yes
A stalk of sensemilla
Have a little ishen tree...
Have a little ishen tree...
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
Have a little ishen tree...
Have a little ishen tree...
@thernfoster4360
Nice tune! If you like this type of Reggae song, then check out these OTHER KILLER TUNES!
Dennis Brown - Oh Girl
Hortense Ellis - Willow Tree
Hortense Ellis - Which Way You Going Natty
Anthony Johnson - Gunshot
Ernest Wilson - Truths & Rights
Enos McLeod - Lonely Teardrops
Enos McLeod - Jericho
Derrick Lara - You Have Changed
Meditations - Babylon Trap Them
Barrington Levy - Praise His Name
Fulk Livingston Reid - Golden Dufferdil
Tony Tuff - Good Times
Ruddy Simbal - A So The System Work
Mighty Diamonds - Pass The Kutchie
Mighty Diamonds - I Need A Roof
Senya - Roots Man
Anthony Johnson - Spend Time Loving You
Johnny Clarke - Nice Time
African Star - Love In Your Heart
Horace Martin - Peeping Tom
Leroy Gibbons - She's My Baby
I Roy - Drifter
Dennis Alcapone - Guns Don't Argue
John Holt & U Brown - Equal Rights & Justice
Nightingales - What A Situation
Desmond Dekker - Mother Pepper
The Wailers - Simmer Down
Majestarians - Youthman
Wailing Souls - Bag A Trouble
Little Howie - Original Love Me
O'Neil Dyer - Night Shift
John Holt - Stranger In Love
Alton Ellis - What Does It Take
Alton Ellis - Willow Tree
Alton Ellis - Big Bad Boy
Frankie Paul - Be Mine Tonight
Sanchez - In Your Eyes
Garnett Silk - Green Line
Dolphin Morris - Su Su Pon Rasta
Leroy Brown - Gone Gone
Warrior King - Can't Get Me Down
I Roy - Fire Burn
U Roy - Jah Son Of Africa
Thriller U Ft. Johnny P - Stick By Me
Tanto Metro & Devonte Ft. Mega Banton - Jam Party
Peter Broggs - Bloodstain
Peter Broggs - Mr. Sheriff Man
Puddy Roots - Lovers Rock
Easton Clarke - Mass Charles
Delroy Wilson - Letter To Mommy & Daddy
Barbara Jones - You're Always On My Mind
Junior Byles - Fade Away
Alton Ellis - Let Him Try
Jamelody - Pressure
Cocoa Tea & Cutty Ranks - I'm Not A King
Cocoa Tea - First Date
Prilly Hamilton - Don't Take It Personal
Tony Curtis - My God Is Real
Maytones - Throw Down Your Arms
Maytones & I Roy - Money Worries
Pat Kelly & Ranking Trevor - It's A Good Day
Luciano - Good God
Carlton Bryan - Gridlock
Carl Meeks - A Wah Dem Fah
Chuck Turner - Run Around Girl
Colin Roach - Screechy Across The Border
Ernest Wilson - Let True Love Be
Ras Shiloh - Home To Zion
Everton Blender - Bring The Kutchie
Peter Tosh - Maga Dog
Tamlins - Testify
Kashief Lindo & Don Yute - I Need A Roof
Dennis Brown - If This World Were Mine
Derrick Harriot - Let Me Down Easy
Barry Briggs - Love Come Down
Barry Brown - Enter The Kingdom Of Zion
Horace Andy - Just Say Who
Richie Stephens & Mad Cobra - Legacy
Abyssinians - Keep On
Alpheus Taylor - Struggling
Corna Stone - In This Town
Paragons & U Roy - Tide Is High
Papa Natty - Dancehall Rock
Israel Vibraton - Licks & Kicks
Mighty Diamonds - Ready For The World
The Congos - Rock Of Gibraltar
The Gladiators - Dreadlocks The Time Is Now
Tamlins - Baltimore
Tamlins - Ting A Ling
Tamlins - Hard To Confess
Count Machuki - Movements
King Stitt - Skanking West
Gregory Isaacs - Border
Gregory Isaacs - I Can't Give You My Love Alone
Leroy Smart - I Love You
Leroy Smart - Jamaica We Nice
Mighty Maytones - Madness
Marijuanas - Tell Us When
Michael Prophet - Fisherman
Don Carlos - Chant Down Bablyon
Don Carlos - Hog & Goat
Lacksley Castell - Leaving
Lacksley Castell - Johnny Brown
Lacksley Castell - Government Man
King Kong - He Was A Friend
Nitty Gritty - Sweet Reggae Music
Tenor Saw - African Children
Super Black - Love Sick
Dennis Brown - Created By The Father
@_KeneYah
Listening while watering my 12 plants for flower! 💯🌲🌹🥬🥦
@limbanimagomero6588
I listened to this song over thirty years ago but still sounds fresh today. Great music!
@marsdenk.6162
Growing up,I used to think all the Reggae legends were Kenyan,the connection is spiritual 🙏🙏
@mambostephen4725
Finally I found this... Reggae heals the soul
@danielvroom5862
Waaaaaaay back in college!
Sounds we grew up on.
Talkin' bout 1992.
BLessedLove Ghana
@budranks
this is my favorite wailing souls. hear it for the first time on a stur gav dance tape with the colonel and chaplin . niceness 4 ever
@marsdenk.6162
I can't decide between this and lay it on the line
@paulnjuguna6282
I have a little ishen tree
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So I nourish it and I cherish it
Until it come to perfection
I build a spliff and take a lift
Oh, I just couldn't resist it
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So we have have a little ishen tree
Yes, we have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it was a stalk of sensemilla
It was founded upon the grave of Solomon
Nations after nation
They want to know how it come
But we know it for the healing of the nation
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it was a stalk of sensemilla
So I have a little ishen tree
I have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
Yeah
(..)
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
So I nourish it and I cherish it
Until it come to perfection
I build a spliff, I take a lift
Oh, I just couldn't resist it
It was a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, it just a stalk of sensemilla
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
Yes, I have a little ishen tree
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla, yes
A stalk of sensemilla
Have a little ishen tree...
Have a little ishen tree...
And nothing would it bear for me
But a stalk of sensemilla
Nothing but a stalk of sensemilla
Have a little ishen tree...
Have a little ishen tree...
@wheela95
Timeless music
@Mikael909
this song makes me so happy