1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the… Read Full Bio ↴1. The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band, most popular during the 1970s. The core was Albert Griffiths (guitarist and singer), Clinton Fearon (bassist and singer) and Gallimore Sutherland rhythm guitar and singer. The two most famous albums are Trenchtown Mix Up (1976) and Proverbial Reggae (1978) with songs as "Hearsay", "Jah Works", "Dreadlocks the Time is Now". "Mix Up", "Music Makers from Jamaica", and "Soul Rebel" – a song written by The Wailers.

Formed
1967, Kingston, Jamaica
Members
Albert Griffiths, Errol Grandison (1967-73), David Webber (1967-69), Clinton Fearon (1969-87), Gallimore Sutherland (died in January 2017)

2. Gladiators is progressive metalcore band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Lancaster is a cultural hub located amongst five major U.S. cities known for bringing audiences together in the vibrant music scene exclusive to the region. GLADIATORS work tirelessly to set themselves apart and establish a new frontier in the genre of metal. They bring a fresh perspective and direction to a scene that has developed a specific sound.

Members
Michael Hart (vocals), Josh Krantz (guitar), Caleb Stoltzfus (drums), Bernard Stabley (bass)

Slim Thing
the Gladiators Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh yeh oh yeh
Wo yeh wo yeh

1/slim ting in a ring yes
How i wish that i
Were there with you
So when you get weary
You could leann me yeh

How happy we would be

2/i wish that i could be your
Guiding star
That guide you
Go back where you come from
(repeat)

Who yaga yaga
Who yow
Yaga yaga yow

Don't come back a me yard
Me nuh want you
Me nuh want you
Don't come back
Don't come back a me yard

I will guide you
Into this arms of mine oh yes
I wish i could sleep with you
But i can't
Your mama say
Your'e too young oh baby
I wish i could take you home
And put you in my garden
To watch you grow
But your daddy had said no
I wish i could take you
Just for a moment

Just to say how much i love you
Help me sing now

Overall Meaning

The Gladiators' Slim Thing is a song that expresses the singer's desire to be with someone he loves. He wishes he was there with them so he could be a source of support when they are feeling weary. He longs to be the guiding star for this person, who may have traveled far from home. The repetition of "yaga yaga" and "yow" in the chorus adds an upbeat energy to the song, and the lyrics "Don't come back a me yard, me nuh want you" convey a sense of hurt when the person does not return his affection. Despite this, he still wishes he could have this person with him, even if only for a moment, and express his love directly to them.

The lyrics to Slim Thing showcase the complexities of love and relationships. The singer wishes to be with someone, but external factors like age and parental disapproval prevent him from doing so. He wants to take care of this person and watch them grow, but circumstances don't allow for it. The upbeat tempo of the song adds an interesting juxtaposition to the deeper emotions being conveyed in the lyrics. Overall, Slim Thing is a beautiful, poetic depiction of the often unpredictable nature of love.

Line by Line Meaning

slim ting in a ring yes
There is a slim thing in a ring, and I see that you need my help. I wish I were there with you, so I can support you when you feel weak. We would be so happy together.

i wish that i could be your guiding star, that guide you
I long to be your guiding star that can lead you to the right path and always help you find your way back home.

go back where you come from
Return to where you came from and don't come back to me. I don't want you here.

don't come back a me yard, me nuh want you
Stay away from my house. I don't want you to come to me again.

i will guide you into this arms of mine oh yes
I will give you comfort and support by holding you in my arms when you need me.

i wish i could sleep with you, but i can't
I want to show you my love by sleeping with you, but I cannot because your mother thinks you are too young.

your mama say you're too young oh baby
Your mother thinks you are not old enough for us to be together intimately.

i wish i could take you home and put you in my garden to watch you grow, but your daddy had said no
I want to nurture and care for you like a flower in my garden, but your father does not approve of our relationship.

i wish i could take you just for a moment, just to say how much i love you
Even if we can't be together, I wish I could express my love for you by being with you for just a little while.

Writer(s): Albert Griffiths

Contributed by Julia P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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