'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.
Old Broom
Wailing Souls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Say you find some new friends
Run gone left your old friends
Say you find some new friends
Whey you a go do when the money done? Oh Lord, Lord
Whey you a go come when you new friends gone?
Whey you a go do when the money done? Oh Lord, Lord
New broom only sweeps clean
I say a old broom knows the corners
Oh what a la la, what a la la la la la
The same stone that the builder refuse
Always be the head cornerstone
Oh what a la la, what a la la la la la
You run gone left your old friends
Say you find some new friends
Run gone left your old friends
Say you find some new friends
Never turn your back on the ghetto once, oh no no
Never burn your bridges behind human
Shouldn't turn your back on the ghetto once, oh no no
Never burn your bridges behind human
New broom only sweeps clean
I say a old broom knows the corners
Oh what a la la, what a la la la la la
The same stone. that the builder refuse
Always be the head cornerstone
Oh what a la la, what a la la la la la
You run gone left your old friends
Say you find some new friends
Run gone left your old friends
Say you find some new friends
Whey you a go do when the money done? Oh Lord, Lord
Whey you a go come when you new friends gone?
Whey you a go do when the money done? Oh Lord, Lord
Whey you a go come when you new friends gone?
The lyrics to Wailing Souls' song "Old Broom" speak to the idea of loyalty and the value of old relationships versus the allure of new ones. The song addresses those who leave their old friends behind for new ones when they come into money or success, warning them of the potential consequences of such actions. The lyrics ask the question, "What are you going to do when the money is gone and your new friends have left?" The chorus reinforces the idea that a new broom may sweep clean but an old broom knows the corners, meaning that an old friend knows you better than a new one ever could.
The song goes on to advise listeners not to turn their backs on their roots or the people who helped them get to where they are today. The lyrics highlight the importance of community and of staying grounded, warning against burning bridges or isolating oneself from their past. The song's bridge also introduces the idea of the "same stone that the builder refuses always being the head cornerstone," meaning that the things or people we reject may end up becoming the most important parts of our lives, and that we should treat everyone with the same level of respect.
Line by Line Meaning
You run gone left your old friends
You've abandoned your loyal friends
Say you find some new friends
Claiming to have made new friends
Whey you a go do when the money done? Oh Lord, Lord
What will you do when your wealth is gone?
Whey you a go come when you new friends gone?
Where will you turn when your new friends leave?
New broom only sweeps clean
A new friend may seem helpful but may not stick around
I say a old broom knows the corners
Old friends know who you truly are
Oh what a la la, what a la la la la la
Expressing an emotional response
The same stone that the builder refuse
People may overlook someone or something valuable
Always be the head cornerstone
That valuable thing will eventually become the most important
Never turn your back on the ghetto once, oh no no
Don't forget your roots and where you came from
Never burn your bridges behind human
Don't sever ties with people abruptly without reason
Writer(s): Lloyd Mcdonald
Contributed by David J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@damionlewis385
This song was recorded after my mother by Winston "pipe" Matthews the lead singer of the wailing souls..how amazing yet real.. big respect to the wailing souls..rip mommy š¢ forever love..
@youthinkthatsgood
Real tune remember classic
@troymcclureog82
i searched this song a day before you posted it and was dissapointed that it wasn't on youtube. props for putting this up
@aabbccddeeff11223344
Yea same here, i heard this on satalite radio and just jammed down the road.
@followthewaydan7950
See also: Scientist - Doctor Dub - taken from: King Tubby's MeetsĀ ScientistĀ āāĀ In A World Of Dub
Burning SoundsĀ āā CDBS 561
@lanigirod
powerful tune...
@stubuchs4759
Riddim Bad yu !!!!!
@jam1tune
no problem respect troy
@sherelynn
this is the first song I heard by them......after that I was sprung.
@lindamontoya7656
Where you gonnna Go when your new friends Gone?...OH whatttt alll lal alal alla