'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.
Renegade Survivor
Wailing Souls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh yeah yeah yeah, man
All at stake
Can't give up, it all depends on you
Can't give up, it all depends on you
[Chorus:]
A new wage warrior
And I'm trotting the universe
Searching for the future
I'm a renegade survivor
A new wage warrior
And I'm trotting the universe
Searching for the future
What is out there, I don't know
But I've got to hide my fears
Danger lies along the way
But my will to survive is there
Hunted by the evil ones
And I'm chased by my enemy
Like refugees and castaways
In an aslant environment
I'm a renegade survivor
A new wage warrior
And I'm trotting the universe
Searching for the future
I'm a renegade survivor
A new wage warrior
And I'm trotting the universe
Searching for the future
No way now to call your friend
For survival is the key
(Be careful) Your mission is to find a way
And defeat them at their game
Hunted by de evil ones
And I'm chased by my enemy
Like refugees and castaways
In an aslant environment
I'm a renegade survivor
A new wage warrior
And I'm trotting the universe
Searching for the future
I'm a renegade survivor
A new wage warrior
And I'm trotting the universe
Searching for the future
Can't give up, it all depends on you
Can't give up, it all depends on you
I'm a renegade survivor
A new wage warrior
And I'm trotting the universe
Searching for the future
I'm a renegade survivor
A new wage warrior
And I'm trotting the universe
Searching for the future
...
The Wailing Souls’ song "Renegade Survivor" is an anthem for all those striving to forge their own paths and survive in a world full of danger and uncertainty. The lyrics speak of the challenges that one encounters on this journey, which the singer describes as a "universe" that must be navigated in order to find the future. The song emphasizes the importance of staying strong, determined, and committed to one's mission, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the way. The singer speaks of being hunted by the evil ones, chased by enemies, and feeling like a castaway in an unfamiliar environment. Despite this, the singer seeks to continue on, undeterred, and become a "renegade survivor" and "new wage warrior."
The chorus of the song is particularly strong and catchy, with the repetition of the phrase "I'm a renegade survivor, a new wage warrior, and I'm trotting the universe searching for the future" creating a powerful sense of determination and purpose. The lyrics encourage listeners to remain vigilant and steadfast in pursuit of their goals and dreams, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Overall, "Renegade Survivor" is a song that speaks to the resilience and perseverance of the human spirit, reminding us to never give up on ourselves or our dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
Line by Line Meaning
All at stake
Everything is on the line.
Can't give up, it all depends on you
You must keep going, as everything relies on your success.
I'm a renegade survivor
I am someone who has survived against all odds.
A new wage warrior
I am a new type of warrior, one that relies on more than just brute strength.
And I'm trotting the universe
I am exploring the universe, not content to stay in one place.
Searching for the future
I am searching for a better future for myself and those like me.
What is out there, I don't know
I am uncertain about what the future holds.
But I've got to hide my fears
Regardless of my fears, I must press on and appear strong.
Danger lies along the way
There are dangers that I must be aware of.
But my will to survive is there
Even with these dangers, I still have the will to keep going.
Hunted by the evil ones
I am being hunted by people who mean to do me harm.
And I'm chased by my enemy
My enemies are pursuing me relentlessly.
Like refugees and castaways
I am like those who have been displaced from their homes and are struggling to survive in a new place.
In an aslant environment
I find myself in an uncertain and precarious situation.
No way now to call your friend
I cannot rely on anyone else for help.
For survival is the key
The most important thing is to survive.
Your mission is to find a way
My goal is to overcome the obstacles in my path and find a better future.
And defeat them at their game
I must find a way to beat my enemies at their own game.
Can't give up, it all depends on you
I must continue and persevere, as everything depends on my success.
Contributed by Alex D. 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