Jackson was born in the Waterhouse district of Kingston, Jamaica in 1946. One of seven children, Jackson left home at the age of twelve to find work at a furnace in Waterhouse. At seventeen, the effects of malnutrition had left him hospitalized, and on his release he was left with severe arthritis which had partially crippled his legs. His physical condition meant that he was unable to return to his previous work, and he was forced into hustling a living on the streets of Kingston.
His beliefs were markedly different from that of his Rastafarian contemporaries, believing in the divinity of Jesus rather than Haile Selassie I, earning him the nickname 'Jesus Dread'; This often prompted debate on religio-philosophical matters, and it was after one of these discussions that Jackson first headed towards a recording studio, having heard music "like a strange ting, inside a my thoughts - like an angel a sing".
Another spell in hospital meant that finding money for recording was difficult, but eventually the "Conquering Lion" single was released late in 1972, credited to 'Vivian Jackson and the Ralph Brothers'. Cut for King Tubby, the popularity of the song and its distinctive introduction (the chant of "Be-you, yabby-yabby-you") earned Jackson the nickname "Yabby You", which has remained with him during his entire career.
The next few months saw the recording of several more singles, released under different names on various record labels, (although usually credited to 'Vivian Jackson and the Prophets', and often featuring a King Tubby 'version' on the b-side); culminating in the release of the Conquering Lion album. A King Tubby mixed dub set, King Tubby's Prophesy of Dub, was also issued, albeit on a limited run of 500 copies, helping to establish Jackson as a roots artist.
Yabby's success allowed him to branch out as a producer, and he began working with both upcoming and more established artists including Wayne Wade, Michael Rose, Tommy McCook, Michael Prophet, Big Youth, Trinity, Dillinger and Tapper Zukie, while continuing to release his own material.
Jackson continued to record, produce and perform (often with the aid of crutches) until the mid-1980s. He re-emerged in the early 1990s, issuing both new and old material, and his recordings have been the subject of several high quality reissues in recent years. In 2000 he released a singles remix project with Glen Brown. The album included remixes of "Conquering Lion" by Smith and Mighty, and a remix of Glen Brown by Small Axe and Terminal Head.
He died on 12 January 2010, aged 63, after suffering a ruptured brain aneurysm.
Partial Discography:
Conquering Lion / Version (Prophet) (1972, Single)
Conquering Lion (Micron) (1975, LP)
Jesus Dread (1972-1977) (Blood And Fire)
Dub It to the Top: 1976-1979 (Blood And Fire)
Dread Prophecy: The Strange and Wonderful Story of Yabby You (Shanachie)
Conquering Lion
Yabby You Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yabby Yabby You
Be You
Yabby Yabby You
Lala la lala la lala la la la
Everyone come to see Jah.
Be You
Yabby Yabby You
Everyone come to see Jah.
Be You
Yabby, Yabby You
Seventy two different nations
Bow before Jah glory
Seventy two different nations
Bow before Jah glory
Be You
Yabby, Yabby You
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Be You
Yabby Yabby You
For He is the King of Kings
The Lord of Lords
The Conquering Lion of Judah
Be You
Yabby Yabby You
For He is the King of Kings
The Lord of Lords
The Conquering Lion of Judah
Be You
Yabby Yabby You.
And I don't???
For our righteous brothers
Let them cooooo-yeees
The lyrics to Yabby You's song Conquering Lion speak of the power and glory of Jah, or God. The repetition of "Be You, Yabby Yabby You" serves as a call to all believers to come and witness the greatness of God. The following lines refer to the seventy-two different nations who bow before Jah's glory, suggesting that people of all races and backgrounds recognize the might of God.
The lyrics also state that Jah is the "King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Conquering Lion of Judah." This phrase is a reference to the biblical figure of the Lion of Judah, a symbol of royalty and power. It is significant because Yabby You is emphasizing the divine authority of Jah, linking it to a biblical figure that is highly regarded in Rastafarian culture.
The final line, "For our righteous brothers, let them cooooo-yeees" is not entirely clear in its meaning. It could be interpreted as an invitation for everyone to sing and rejoice in Jah's glory with their "coooo-yeees" or their voices. It could also be a reference to Rastafarian culture, where "I-and-I" is used to refer to oneself and the divine within. This line may be suggesting that the righteous should acknowledge their own divinity and join in worshipping Jah.
Line by Line Meaning
Be You
Embrace your true self and identity
Yabby Yabby You
This is a call to the artist, reminding him of who he is and who he represents
Lala la lala la lala la la la
A joyful rhythm to set the tone for praising Jah
Everyone come to see Jah.
A call to unite and give praise and worship to Jah
Seventy two different nations
Representing all the nations of the world
Bow before Jah glory
Acknowledging the power and sovereignty of Jah
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Expressing joy and excitement in praising Jah
For He is the King of Kings
Exalting Jah above all other rulers and kings
The Lord of Lords
Acknowledging Jah as the ultimate authority over all lords and masters
The Conquering Lion of Judah
A reference to Jah as the powerful and victorious warrior who conquers all obstacles
And I don't???
Unclear meaning, could be interpreted as surprise or confusion
For our righteous brothers
Recognizing and honoring those who are righteous and just
Let them cooooo-yeees
Encouragement for the righteous to continue their good work and praise Jah
Writer(s): VIVIAN NEVILLE JACKSON
Contributed by Mateo F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Psych in the Valleys
This music operates on an entirely different level and I never get tired of the rhythm. Life enhancing, righteous and spiritual. We are lucky to have this at such times. Yabby You.🔥⚡️❤️
Maurorless
I don't know what I would do without this. Thank you.
gregory hudson
Whole heap of talent from Jamaica. Long time artists been nice up the world. Peace from Brooklyn USA.
Mel Barn
One love, one unity, one order. 💗Timeless riddim.
Shakisheck
Selection of one of many finest roots reggae tracks. Blessings to all I'drens
Kayleigh Ellis
This is the only music in the world that is close to righteousness!!!
MIke REnteria
Word sound and power
Patsie Bentley
It's righteousness ! Jah bless !
Luca E Rootsman
Que señor cantante, una maravilla de ritmos..
Lengendary420
Pure roots blessing the messenger yabby you respect