Wishbone Ash can trace its origins back to Torquay, Devon, England, a seaside resort in the southwest of the country. It was there that Martin Turner and Steve Upton first performed together; Turner on bass, Upton on drums, before moving to London in 1969 to seek fame and fortune. In the capital the decision was made to place an advertisement for a keyboard player and a lead guitarist. The resulting audition threw up two guitar leads, but nobody could decide who to choose and the trademark twin-lead sound of Wishbone Ash was born.
Ted (David) Turner and Andy Powell soon went through the poverty and growing pains of a new band, but were fortunate that Miles Copeland was championing their cause and a fairly rapid progression was achieved. The first Album, Wishbone Ash, was released in December 1970 and their second, Pilgrimage, surfaced just six months later to reach #6 in the NME charts. Great things were just 11 months away with the release of Argus (1972) -- possibly the band's best album; certainly their most commercially successful -- which reached #2 in the UK charts and went gold. Argus is considered to be one of the great rock classics of all time. The next album, Wishbone Four, only 12 months later, went silver.
After these early highs, Ted Turner decided that he had had enough, and left the band to be replaced by Laurie Wisefield. Although Laurie’s style was not to everyone’s taste, he was generally well liked by the fans and brought a slightly harder edge to the folk-tinged progressive rock that was the Wishbone Ash formula. Wisefield was a dynamic player and became an excellent partner to Andy -- they were to play together for a very successful 11 years and the MKII version of the band is very well thought of for most of its output. About this time the band became more influenced by America and would eventually move there.
The next album, There's The Rub (1974), was recorded in Florida and produced by Eagles producer Bill Szymczyk. Once again it was to do well, achieving silver disc status. There's the Rub included the instrumental piece F.U.B.B. Steve Upton was arrested in New Zealand for announcing at a concert it's full title. In New Zealand, swearing in public is a criminal offense, and when Upton announced the title at an outdoor concert, a woman sunbathing in her garden nearby complained to the mayor. Upton spent the night in jail, and the album reached #3 in New Zealand due to the publicity.
It was inevitable that a turkey was due and to fans Locked In (1976) fit this bill. This record was not released -- it escaped! Fortunately things were much better with the quality of the following albums and although the high chart positions were gone, the fans were enjoying some competent, well-crafted output.
After 11 years in the band, Martin Turner decided to leave. This move began a period of frequent changes of bass player with the likes of John Wetton and Trevor Bolder being two of the better known; however, Wishbone Ash always has attracted musicians of the highest order. A much more controversial move was the introduction of Clair Hamill to fill in some of the vocal talent Martin had taken away with him. Clair was not popular with the fans which was perhaps a little unfair. She had contributed backing vocals on Just Testing (Turner's last album (1980), which he had also produced) and had co-written the excellent Living Proof, which is still a crowd favourite today. Her stay was short-lived with Andy Powell taking on more vocal duties. Wisefield left in late 1985 and the band continued to tour with various replacements, but were very much in limbo until 1987 when a miracle occurred. Miles Copland persuaded the original lineup to reform for a project for a music charity that he was helping, and a Hammersmith Odeon concert which the BBC recorded resulted. The project produced an instrumental album Nouveau Calls (1987), which was very well received. Even better received was the fact that three years of the original lineup were to follow.
Just when things were going so well, Steve Upton decided to quit the business entirely in 1990, to be replaced by Ray Weston. Martin Turner carried on for another year before leaving to pursue a solo career, and Ted left two years later. The next five years saw lots of personnel changes, but eventually resulted in a good period of stability with Ray Weston returning and Bob Skeet joining on bass in 1998.
The new millennium has also seen stability in respect of Andy's guitar partner, with the last 6 years being filled by Ben Granfelt and subsequently Muddy Manninen, both of whom come from Finland. 2005 saw Wishbone Ash celebrate their 35th year. 2006 heralded the new album Clan Destiny (the first featuring Muddy as guitarist). 2007 saw the exit of long-term drummer Ray Weston, due to the increasingly hectic pace of band life. Joe Crabtree (formerly of The David Cross band) stepped up to fill his place. With regard to new releases, 2007 saw First Light, which features original recordings of the songs featured on their debut album, as well as some outtakes. Also released that year was the new album The Power of Eternity (partly featuring Joe Crabtree on drums), which coincided with the Autumn tour.
Wishbone Ash are still performing 150 gigs a year in the U.S. and Europe. They get very supportive crowds with good numbers turning out all over Europe -- the U.S. tends to attract smaller audiences, but very committed fans. If you want to hear classic Wishbone Ash, get ahold of Argus. Visit their web site www.wishboneash.com, where tour dates and albums, etc. can be obtained.
Hard Times
Wishbone Ash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The struggle lives hard times, we do or die
My whole crews fly hands high to the sky
So maintain son elevate try to build
But now you're still 'cause incarceration is for real
Yeah son you know its on
Now who would be the clown in the nine-six to mess around and catch a
Fist
I got physical that alert me when some herb tried to jerk me
Or put the squeeze on it, break down the cipher
But it won't work, were tight like the Q-Tip in the fight
Now is you insane is your brain intact
We be official when it comes to this no B.S. rap
Here comes the lyrical, aerial raid right where you rest at
Now test that
I snatch your heart right through your chest black
Gettin ill thoughts when I sleep at night
I gotta maintain, blot the blood stains on my brain
>From the clappin, we can make it happen
Remember you ain't a killer, you only rappin
I hate it, rappers overexaggeratin
And never shot a gun in they life, they only masterbatin
So come clean and keep it real if you like my sound
And wave your hands in the air and put the nines down
[Chorus: 2X]
Brothas fought daily in the streets, we reek havoc
On every block someones flippin like an acrobat
I'm kinda young but I still gotta hold my own
And Ima maintain what's mine till the day I'm grown
I keep my crew up, people say I got a gang
But I don't smoke I don't shoot and my crew don't slang
We just hang tryin to get up in this rap game
So I can gain so fame and build my crews name
Rollin with juvenile thugs wit bad grades and bad ways
Who woulda thought that I had some AIDS
Dream totes and aspirations
Brothas are tired of being broke so maybe that's why they free-basing
Wastin time doing nothing
Livin like an outcast gotta get up get out and get something
[Chorus: 2X]
Look into my eyes see if you can see what I can see
In my reality the whole world is after me
Schemin on the key but yo I got this locked down
Me and lost and found comin out the underground
Takin no prisoners my listeners we keep it real
My thoughts are militant, when I'm in the killin field
Click click, my minds automatic, so where's the static
I got some joints up in my attic if you want to grab it
I form a cipher where my peace brothers don't sleep
You try to creep I guarantee that's when you feel the heat
I come correct in this rap game
Rappers act insane
Meanwhile I'm blowin the mic an back in the frame
They can't see me, they can't feel the real G
I represent, commercial rap will never kill me
[Chorus: 4X]
The lyrics to "Hard Times" by Wishbone Ash are not provided as the lyrics do not seem to match the artist and song title mentioned. Instead, the lyrics provided are for a rap song that discusses the struggles of daily life and the need to maintain control amidst chaos. The singer discusses the need to stay true to oneself and not fall into the traps of gang violence, drugs, and false bravado. There is also a sense of resentment towards those rappers who over-exaggerate their experiences and pretend to be something that they are not.
The chorus of the song highlights the struggle that is inherent in life and the need to persevere in order to survive. The singer speaks of his crew, who stand together with their hands raised high, despite the difficult circumstances they face. They are determined to build and elevate themselves, but they are also aware that the threat of incarceration is real and can strike at any time.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of tension and anger that is simmering just beneath the surface. The singer references the constant fighting that takes place in the streets and the fear that is present in their daily lives. They are tired of being broke and are desperately seeking a way out of their current situation. However, they are also wary of those who proclaim themselves to be killers and gangsters - they know that many of these claims are empty and designed to impress others.
Overall, "Hard Times" is a song that speaks to the struggles and hardships that many people face on a daily basis. It is a call to action, urging listeners to stay true to themselves and to avoid the traps that can lead to violence, drugs, and incarceration.
Line by Line Meaning
The struggle lives hard times, we do or die
We are constantly battling to overcome difficult situations and either succeed or perish.
My whole crews fly hands high to the sky
My entire team celebrates our success by raising our hands towards the sky.
So maintain son elevate try to build
Focus on improving yourself, elevating your position, and building a better future.
But now you're still 'cause incarceration is for real
Unfortunately, you are still in prison because being incarcerated is a harsh reality.
Yeah son you know its on
You are aware that it is time to take action and get things done.
Now who would be the clown in the nine-six to mess around and catch a Fist
Who would be foolish enough to mess around and get into a physical altercation in 1996?
I show no mercy if you irk me
I have no intention of being merciful if you anger me or irritate me.
I got physical that alert me when some herb tried to jerk me
I physically defended myself when an inexperienced person tried to take advantage of me.
Or put the squeeze on it, break down the cipher
Someone tried to apply pressure and break up our group, but it didn't work.
But it won't work, were tight like the Q-Tip in the fight
Our team is cohesive and works well together, like Q-Tip in the band A Tribe Called Quest.
Now is you insane is your brain intact
Are you crazy or not? Is your mind functioning properly?
We be official when it comes to this no B.S. rap
We are considered legitimate and authoritative when it comes to authentic rap music.
Here comes the lyrical, aerial raid right where you rest at
I am bringing a verbal assault on your location from high in the air, delivering a critical lyrical beatdown.
Now test that
You can try to challenge me, but you will not succeed.
I snatch your heart right through your chest black
I strike at you fiercely and ruthlessly, causing you to feel intense pain and distress.
Gettin ill thoughts when I sleep at night
I am plagued with negative and disturbing thoughts when I try to sleep at night.
I gotta maintain, blot the blood stains on my brain
I need to stay focused and remove the memories of violent experiences from my mind.
>From the clappin, we can make it happen
If we work hard and stay committed, we can achieve our goals despite the obstacles.
Remember you ain't a killer, you only rappin
You should remember that you are not actually a killer, you are just pretending to be one in your music.
I hate it, rappers overexaggeratin
I dislike how many rappers exaggerate their experiences and accomplishments.
And never shot a gun in they life, they only masterbatin
They have never actually used a firearm, they are just pretending to be tough.
So come clean and keep it real if you like my sound
If you appreciate my music, be honest and truthful about your own experiences.
And wave your hands in the air and put the nines down
If you agree with me, show your support by raising your hands and putting down your guns.
Brothas fought daily in the streets, we reek havoc
Every day, African American men fight in the streets and cause chaos and destruction.
On every block someones flippin like an acrobat
There is always someone selling drugs or engaging in other illegal activities on every street corner.
I'm kinda young but I still gotta hold my own
Even though I am young, I still have to stand up for myself and defend my own interests.
And Ima maintain what's mine till the day I'm grown
I will work hard to keep what is rightfully mine until I am an adult.
I keep my crew up, people say I got a gang
I support and watch over my group of friends, even though some people mistakenly think we are a gang.
But I don't smoke I don't shoot and my crew don't slang
However, we do not smoke, use firearms, or sell drugs.
We just hang tryin to get up in this rap game
We spend our time together hanging out, hoping to break into the music industry.
So I can gain so fame and build my crews name
So that I can become famous and build a positive reputation for my group of friends.
Rollin with juvenile thugs wit bad grades and bad ways
I am hanging out with young criminals who perform poorly in school and have negative behavior patterns.
Who woulda thought that I had some AIDS
No one would have suspected me of having AIDS.
Dream totes and aspirations
I have high hopes and sincere goals that I strive to achieve.
Brothas are tired of being broke so maybe that's why they free-basing
Many young men are tired of living in poverty, which is why they resort to using drugs like freebase cocaine.
Wastin time doing nothing
Many people spend their time doing nothing productive or meaningful.
Livin like an outcast gotta get up get out and get something
We feel like social outcasts and need to motivate ourselves to achieve something positive.
Look into my eyes see if you can see what I can see
Can you see the same things that I see when you look into my eyes?
In my reality the whole world is after me
From my perspective, the entire world seems to be against me.
Schemin on the key but yo I got this locked down
People are trying to outsmart me, but I have everything under control.
Me and lost and found comin out the underground
My musical group, Lost and Found, is emerging from the underground and gaining popularity.
Takin no prisoners my listeners we keep it real
I do not compromise or take prisoners, and my fans appreciate my honesty and authenticity.
My thoughts are militant, when I'm in the killin field
My thinking becomes more aggressive when I am in a dangerous situation.
Click click, my minds automatic, so where's the static
My mind works extremely quickly, so where is the resistance or conflict?
I got some joints up in my attic if you want to grab it
If you are interested, I have some marijuana stored in my attic that you can use.
I form a cipher where my peace brothers don't sleep
I gather with my peers to form a circle where we can freely express ourselves and collaborate musically.
You try to creep I guarantee that's when you feel the heat
If you try to sneak up on us, you will be met with fierce resistance.
I come correct in this rap game
I am genuine and authentic in the world of rap music.
Rappers act insane
Many rappers pretend to be crazy or wild in order to appear tough or intimidating.
Meanwhile I'm blowin the mic an back in the frame
At the same time, I am performing and entertaining on stage.
They can't see me, they can't feel the real G
Some people cannot appreciate my true musical talent and authenticity as a gangsta.
I represent, commercial rap will never kill me
I embody a particular style of rap music that transcends commercial interests and cannot be destroyed.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: TIMOTHY PAGE O'BRIEN, JOHN HERRMAN, DIRK POWELL, DP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andrew Kranz
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