'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.
Lay It on the Line
Wailing Souls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whoa yes, them a shake like leaf
Stop being so cunie-cunie
Stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Why are you shaking so?
Don't tell me that you don't know
Me say you lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Once and for all
Want me or not
It's now or never
Or love me forever
You are all I worth
Don't you teach me no good
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Stop being so cunie-cunie
Stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Why are you shaking so?
Don't tell me that you don't know
Lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
No please nah blow
So all come to shake so
No please nah blow
Yes you shaking like leaf
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Stop being so cunie-cunie
Stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Why are you shaking so?
Don't tell me that you don't know
Lay it on the line
Me better lay it on the line
She said fe lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Once and for all
Want me or not
It's now or never
Or love me forever
You are all I worth
Don't you teach me no good
You better lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Stop being so cunie-cunie
Stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Wha' mek yu a galang so?
Don't tell me that you don't know
Lay it on the line
Me say you lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Long time we have been together
Show me some kind of respect
Want me or not
Show me right now
Lay it on the line!
The song "Lay It on the Line" by Wailing Souls could be interpreted as a plea for honesty in a relationship. The opening lyrics suggest that the person they are addressing is nervous and shaky, perhaps indicating that they have something to hide or are not being truthful. The repeated refrain of "lay it on the line" emphasizes the need for clear and honest communication. The second verse also suggests that the other person has been sending mixed signals or playing games, making it difficult for the singer to know where they stand. The final verse brings in a sense of urgency, stating that the singer needs to know whether or not the other person truly wants to be with them now, and not later.
Overall, the lyrics of "Lay It on the Line" convey a sense of frustration and disappointment with a relationship that lacks openness, honesty, and respect.
Line by Line Meaning
Whoa yes, them a shake like leaf
Stop being so cunie-cunie. Stop being so jumpy-jumpy. Why are you shaking so? Don't tell me that you don't know.
Lay it on the line
You've got to be honest with me.
Me say you lay it on the line
I'm telling you to be honest with me.
Once and for all, want me or not
Tell me if you want to be with me or not. Be decisive.
It's now or never, or love me forever
Make a decision now or make a commitment to be together forever. There's no in-between.
You are all I worth
I value you highly and want to know where we stand.
Don't you teach me no good
Don't manipulate me or keep me in the dark.
No please nah blow, so all come to shake so
Don't act like you don't know what's going on.
Stop being so cunie-cunie, stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Stop being so anxious and hesitant.
You better lay it on the line, she said lay it on the line, whoa yes
I'm urging you again to be honest with me.
Wha' mek yu a galang so?
Why are you acting like that?
Long time we have been together, show me some kind of respect
We've been together for a while now, so show me some respect by being honest with me.
Me better lay it on the line, she said fe lay it on the line
I really need you to be honest with me, and she's telling you the same thing.
Contributed by Cole T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@zoyeHow
Whoa yes, them a shake like leaf
Whoa yes, them a shake like leaf
Stop being so cunie-cunie
Stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Why are you shaking so?
Don't tell me that you don't know
Lay it on the line
Me say you lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Once and for all
Want me or not
It's now or never
Or love me forever
You are all I worth
Don't you teach me no good
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Stop being so cunie-cunie
Stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Why are you shaking so?
Don't tell me that you don't know
Lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
No please nah blow
So all come to shake so
No please nah blow
Yes you shaking like leaf
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Stop being so cunie-cunie
Stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Why are you shaking so?
Don't tell me that you don't know
Lay it on the line
Me better lay it on the line
She said fe lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Once and for all
Want me or not
It's now or never
Or love me forever
You are all I worth
Don't you teach me no good
You better lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Stop being so cunie-cunie
Stop being so jumpy-jumpy
Wha' mek yu a galang so?
Don't tell me that you don't know
Lay it on the line
Me say you lay it on the line
You've got to lay it on the line
She said lay it on the line, whoa yes
Long time we have been together
Show me some kind of respect
Want me or not
Show me right now
Lay it on the line!
@briankimiti5579
You will never miss a Kenyan comment on all big tune reggae music
@oloogabrielodhiambo3441
Lay it on line is one of my favorites reggae song.I remember them good olden days with Willie Walla.May his soul continue resting in peace
@waiganjokelvin2283
A veery big tune mimi lazma God anichezee reggae.
@Jackatherton-yz6bf
Can not tell you what this song does to me still to the countless times I have listened
Harmony, melody, content, purity.
It is a thing that you can not put into words just feel
All our love from the UK
@hillaryosula6690
Don't forget papa charlie of king Lion sound those days when someone dies the whole country mourns
@peternganga5628
Hii ndio ingepandisha steam ya jaba.
@MenengaiCrater
In memory of Papa Lefty and Sister Lucy. Massive respect!
@tylinccaresystems4859
those our the days of reggea
@kevingitau9230
Kobo respect
@muhsinabdi5801
Monte days!! Real recognise Real