'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.
Who No Waan Come
Wailing Souls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
You cyaan stay, for I am going
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
Who no waan come cyaan stay
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
Whoa, give us a home
Where the butterflies
And the birds, the birds, sing so sweet
(Skadoop skoop skadoop skoop skadoo)
Oh, yeah
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
You cyaan stay, for I am going
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
Who no waan come cyaan stay
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
You cyaan stay, for I am going
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
Whoa yeah, whoa yeah
It's so long, so long
I've been warning you
(Skadoop skoop skadoop skoop skadoo)
Yet you're trying hard not to accept my word, huh!
But when the Master calling
(Leave those ways away)
You will find yourself stumbling
(Leave those ways away)
And I'll be waiting by the wayside
Oh, yeah
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
You cyaan stay, for I am going
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
Who no waan come cyaan stay
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
It's so long, so long
I've been warning you
(Skadoop skoop skadoop skoop skadoo)
Yet you're trying hard not to accept my word, huh!
But when the Master calling
(Leave those ways away)
You will find yourself stumbling
(Leave those ways away)
I'll be waiting by the wayside
The song "Who No Waan Come In" by the Wailing Souls is a warning to those who refuse to accept the truth and make positive changes in their lives. The lyrics state that those who do not want to come with the singer cannot stay where they are because the singer is leaving. The chorus repeatedly asks "who no waan come cyaan stay," meaning that those who refuse to join the singer on a journey towards a better life cannot remain in their current state of being.
The song also describes the ideal home that the singer seeks, where butterflies and birds sing sweetly, likely symbolizing a peaceful and harmonious environment. The verses warn that those who do not accept the singer's message will stumble when the Master (presumably God or a higher power) calls them to account. The singer will be waiting by the wayside, presumably to help guide those who are ready to make positive changes in their lives.
Overall, the song's message encourages listeners to reflect on their choices and take positive action towards a better future, while warning of the consequences of ignoring the call to change.
Line by Line Meaning
Who no waan come cyaan stay
Those who don't want to come cannot stay here.
You cyaan stay, for I am going
You cannot stay, as I am leaving.
Whoa, give us a home
We want to have a place to call home.
Where the butterflies
A place where we can find butterflies.
(Skadoop skoop skadoop skoop skadoo)
Instrumental
And the birds, the birds, sing so sweet
A place where birds sing beautifully.
Oh, yeah
Expression of excitement and affirmation.
It's so long, so long
It has been a long time.
I've been warning you
I have been giving you warnings.
(Skadoop skoop skadoop skoop skadoo)
Instrumental
Yet you're trying hard not to accept my word, huh!
You are resisting my message, aren't you?
But when the Master calling
When the Creator calls.
(Leave those ways away)
Get rid of your old ways.
You will find yourself stumbling
You will have difficulties.
I'll be waiting by the wayside
I will be waiting for you on the side of the road.
(Who no waan come cyaan stay)
Those who don't want to come cannot stay here.
Writer(s): WINSTON MATTHEWS
Contributed by Alexis L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@chrisp6820
One of the most beautiful ethereal tunes ever made. A riddim that is drenched in the sweetest of syrups and vocals straight from heaven up above ❤
@khironashton1498
Amen
@ryanconroy8596
Of a time when everything in my life was whatever i wanted it to be. Before my life had its pitfalls and obstacles. I will forever be so grateful i had this positivity in my days. The bright days will return and i know that person i used to be before all the corruption will be waiting by the wayside telling me "who no waan come can stay" when that day comes i will choose ro stay......FOR EVAH JAH LOVE!!!!
@MrAlistar99
We hear you mate👍🏻
@Leysner77
I remember this song on a TDK
cassete from my daddy.. in the 80's
@ryanconroy8596
Big up everyone in this comment section. We all have this in common. This blessing of a tune
@bigyouthbigmouth
pure niceness surely one of the most iconic voices in reggae music the mighty pipe mathews
@user-dc3tf6ek8n
Yes,the brethren Ras Pipes.❤❤❤
@ryanconroy8596
Oh mannn I miss this part of my life. I was into this heavy when I was younger and life was awesome. Not a care inna di world
@michelleosborne9464
I remember hearing this on John Peels's show back in 1980 it stills sounds as fresh as the first time awesome