Doors Of My Heart is a tune that hits all the classic ska/reggae themes: unity and love. It’s a shameless, pure declaration of love, plain and simple. It’s also got a great groovy beat, and the dance hall break in the middle by Ranking Roger really gives the song a flair of coolness.
From the Rolling Stone review:
“Doors of Your Heart” comes closest to blending sauciness and sage advice. Ranking Roger struts and strolls through the vocal, savoring the wickedly catchy chorus. His toast-rap break pitches for brotherly love by drawing sly parallels between eros and agape: everybody looks the same when the lights are out.
And of course, the lyrics:
Every story has to be about something, I suppose
This one says I lose my head
As the feeling starts to grow, you know
I can feel love thumping at the doors of my heart
Feel love thump as it tears me apart
Feel blood punp as the worrying starts
I can feel love thumping
At the doors of my heart again
At the doors of my heart again
I can feel love thump
Bom-bom, be bom-bom
Everybody needs someone
They can cling to now and then
No more defense, no more pretense
No reasons for explaining
You can feel love thumping at the doors of your heart
Feel love thump as it tears you apart
Feel blood pump as the worrying starts
You can feel love thumping
At the doors of your heart again
At the doors of your heart again
You can feel love thump, bom-bom, be bom-bom
Bom-bom, be bom-bom
This one, your unity rocker, Lord
Stick him in your living room and turn off the light, eh
Bet you wouldn’t know if he was black or white, boy
Say what’s the use in fighting?
Man say, I say you shouldn’t really fight
Take him to a discotheque
Take him to a pub, eh
Take him to a blues and then you play him rub a dub, eh
Say you shouldn’t really fight, man say
I say you shouldn’t really fight
Everytime it happens, seem to act a little touched
In this at least, you’re just like me
I think we think too much, why can’t we just
Feel love thumping at the doors of our heart
Feel love thump as it tears us apart
Feel blood pump as the worrying starts
I can feel love thumping
At the doors of my heart again
At the doors of my heart again
I can feel love thump, bom-bom, be bom-bom
I can feel love thump, bom-bom, be bom-bom
At the doors of my heart again
At the doors of my heart again
I can feel love thump, bom-bom, be bom-bom
Bom-bom, be bom-bom….
—————-
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Stupid Marriage is a simple story of a jilted lover and his attack on his ex-girlfriend–apparently spurred on by his unwillingness to get married. An interesting sentiment, and one that was fairly popular in the late 70’s-early 80’s.
I love the way the band acts out a little play, and how the tempo of the music mirrors ‘Rude Boys’ growing anger and frustration. It’s particularly fun towards the end as the music goes absolutely manic.
Here’s a link to a live performance
And of course, the lyrics:
Court in session. What do you mean ‘Oy oy oy’? Must have court in session.
Order. My name is Judge Roughneck, and I will not tolerate any disobedience in my courtroom.
Rude boy, you have been brought in front of me and charged with smashing this woman’s window.
Before I sentence you, what have you got to say in your defense?
I was walking down the street one night
When I saw her silhouette in her bathroom light
Her way of life may be nothing to hide
With her frosted glass shattered, curtains open wide
Naked woman, naked man,
Where did you get that nice sun tan?
You live in a castle built of sand
Naked woman, naked man
Naked from your bath, you go naked to your bed
And I can’t stop the hatred running through my head
Silence in court. Order. Rude boy, you have led me to believe that you was going out with a girl, and she left you and married someone else.
So you got drunk, and smashed up your ex-girlfriend’s property.
I have come to one conclusion, that is to sentence you to five months in prison.
Before they take you down to the cells, what have you got to say for yourself?
He wanted to be something but she knows he never will
She’s got him where she wanted and forgot to take her pill
And he thinks that she’ll be happy when she’s hanging out the nappies
If that’s a happy marriage I’d prefer to be unhappy
Married woman, married man
Where did you get that family plan?
Mrs. Ewe and Mr. Ram
Where did you get that lovely lamb?
Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice sun tan?
Order in my courtroom
Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice sun tan?
Hush up
Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice sun tan?
Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice sun tan?
Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice sun tan?
Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice sun tan?
Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice sun tan?
Naked woman, naked man, where did you get that nice sun tan?
Take him away
You have to love Lyin’ Ass Bitch. Well, you don’t have to, but it really is just a fun song.
I love the manic vocals, the sheer sense of fun you can feel from the band, and the very well-played instruments. Plus, the song almost forces you to two-step because the hooks are so good.
I also really dig the range of the melody, particularly during the chorus. It brings a little jazz flavor to the song as well as that funky ska beat.
You can listen to the song below:
And of course, the lyrics:
Lalalala Lalalalala
I knew her and she knew me
When she asks me to introduce him
When I did we were three
Until she tried to seduce him
I really thought our love was much too strong
But that little slut just proved us Wrong
I still care and that’s my fatal flaw
Cause sharing you will surely kill us all !!
She’s just a…
Lalalala Lalalalala
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she doesn’t
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she doesn’t
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she doesn’t
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she really doesn’t
She swears that her heart’s for you
And she swears that her love never ends
She swears that she’s all for you
As she messes around with your friends
I really thougth our love was much too strong
But that little slut just proved us Wrong
I still care and that’s my fatal flaw
Cause sharing you will surely kill us all !!
She’s just a…
Lalalala Lalalalala
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she doesn’t
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she really doesn’t
She’s just a…
Lalalala Lalalalala
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she doesn’t
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she doesn’t
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she doesn’t
You’re nothing but a little lyin’ ass bitch !
You know she says she loves you but you know she really doesn’t
The lyin’, piss off, sack of shit
Slut trash can scumish
Dirt bag Biiiitch
I was not and am not a fan of the ska revival from a few years ago. I thought most of the bands were more concerned about having the right sort of lineup than writing and performing good songs. That being said, there were a few good songs to come out of the movement, and this was one of them.
Hell Of A at is a fairly simple and traditional anti-violence ska song; you see someone who looks kind of cool, but it all falls apart because of the choice to carry a gun. I like this song because of it’s different feel and tempos. It starts out somewhat manic, settles into a fairly static rhythm, then goes nuts again. It just works really, really well.
And of course, the lyrics:
That’s a hell of a hat that you’re wearing
It goes real well with the earring
Five through the nose, bold and daring.
You’ve got to pardon me if I’m staring.
Man, I really dig your shoes.
Fat fade and fresh tattoos.
Bet the females can’t refuse.
And if I’m staring, please excuse.
Sharpest motherfucker in the joint.
The other motherfuckers stop and point.
The gear you wear seems complete, why you gotta pack the heat?
We question one accessory, don’t think the piece is necessary.
We agree you’re dressed to kill, but wonder if you will?
Hell of a hat you’re sporting, Jack.
Diamond cuff links and a sweet tie tack.
The pocket watch must’ve set you back.
You’re the man, man, you’re the mack.
Pinstriped number, me oh my, that’s rude.
And that’s a hell of an attitude.
You made the scene and set the mood.
I’m only starin’ ’cause I’m a nervous, dude.
Sharpest motherfucker, we repeat.
The other motherfuckers can’t compete.
The clothes you choose are stylish, why you gotta wear the gun?
We question one accessory, don’t think the piece is necessary.
We agree you’re dressed to kill, but wonder if you will
—————-
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I’ve always loved this song, particularly for dancing to. It’s got that lovely manic late 70’s ska feel, and it’s really fun to dance to.
However, I never really paid so much attention to the lyrics, and I’d love to know where Jerry Dammers’ mind was when he wrote this song. It’s a not atypical putdown of attention whores and poseurs, but the amount of vitriol really surprises me.
And of course, the lyrics:
One, two
If you ever hear a noise in the night your body starts to sweat
It shakes and shivers in fright
You go and sleep with your mother, she hates your guts
She knows that you love her so she holds you tight
All through the night, until the broad daylight
And when she doesn’t come home you have to sleep alone
Then you wet your bed, and I think that’s sad
For a girl of nineteen it’s more than sad, it’s obscene
One, two
And your girlfriend sweet little seventeen
She’s got her layered hair, and her flared jeans
You know what that means? She’s just a little queen
She shares your London flat, she thinks that London’s where it’s at, although it stinks
And when it rains you wear your hat, and your plum coloured PVC wet look maxi-mac
You tie your ginger hair back in a bun
You’re the ugliest creature under the sun
one, two, go
And you think it’s about time that you died, and I agree, so you decide on suicide
You tried but you never quite carried it off
You only wanted to die in order to show off
And if you think you’re gonna bleed all over me, you’re even wronger than you’d normally be
And the only things you want to see are kitsch
The only thing you want to be is rich
Your little pink up-pointed nose begins to twitch
I know, you know, you’re just a little bitch
One, two
On the surface, this is simply a song about just why someone would choose to stay with someone that seemingly brings nothing of use to the relationship. That’s all well and good, and it’s a very well written song.
However, what really makes this song for me is that it shifts musical genres several times within the song. It starts out like a Broadway show tune, then settles into basic rock for the chorus, then shifts into a smooth jazz feel for the second verse, back to rock and then finally finishing with a reggae feel. Good stuff.
Oh, I think the video is brilliant too.
And of course, the lyrics:
Won’t make the bed up straight
I always stay out late
I never take you out
Ask what you’re all about
I always smell like smoke
Everythings just a joke
I never look at you
When you come hear me sing
These are not all of the
Many simple things
You can find wrong with me
Once would you tell me please
What do I do, What do I do
What do I do, What do I do…Right
What do I do, What do I do
What do I do, What do I do…Right
I never talk to you
be who you want me to
My music’s way to loud
My friends are all so proud
Say I’m just wasted hope
I could not thread the rope
More than my pocket’s broke
And you don’t see a ring
These are not all of the
Infinitesimal things
You can find wrong with me
Once would you tell me please
What do I do, What do I do
What do I do, What do I do…Right
What do I do, What do I do
What do I do, What do I do…Right
Never wanted to play in this game
Yes, You’re right
but losing the game doesn’t mean
that we’re losing the fight
What do I do, What do I do
What do I do, What do I do…Right
What do I do, What do I do
What do I do, What do I do…Right
What do I do, What do I do
What do I do, What do I do…Right
What do I do, What do I do
What do I do, What do I do…Right
*What do I do…Right
*What do I do
*wont make the bed up straight
*I always stay out/great
*but what do I do
What do I do that is right
This song was actually my first exposure to the English Beat. I liked the way the ska sound updated it just enough but still left it with a feel pretty close to Andy Williams’ original recording. I just like the way the song flows.
Here’s a link to a performance on Top Of The Pops
And of course, the lyrics:
Guess there’s no use in hangin’ ’round
Guess I’ll get dressed and do the town
I’ll find a crowded avenue
Though it will seem empty without you
I can’t get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you
Don’t love some girl I used to know
After I heard her say, “Hello.”
Couldn’t think of anything to say
Since you’re gone it happens every day
I can’t get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you
(Saxaphone solo)
I can’t get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you
Can’t get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you
I’ll find some party wait and see
Who am I kidding, only me
Cuz no one else could take your place
Guess that I am just a hopeless case
I can’t get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you
Can’t get used to losing you
No matter what I try to do
Gonna spend my whole life through
Loving you
Two Swords is a pretty cool song about not fighting, about trying to settle differences peacefully, despite how reprehensible your enemy might be. It succeeds nicely, in my opinion, plus it’s a great song to two-step to.
And of course, the lyrics:
I’ve never been one for the punch-ups
But look I really hate those Nazis
A certain something starts to wind me up
How could I hate them oh so violently
When two swords slashing at each other
Only sharpen one another
And in the long run even he’s your brudda’
Said even though the cunt’s a Nazi.
Nazi
Always attack those things in someone else,
Reflections that you can’t face in yourself,
To make precious fascistic feeling gone
It makes you turn into a bigger one
Bigger…
When two swords slashing at each other
Only sharpen one another
And in the long run even he’s your brudda’
Said even though the cunt’s a Nazi.
Nazi
Are you fighting the Front,
or just fronting a fight
Sometimes it’s hard to see the left from the right
Are we angry, are we looking for peace
Or just tryin’ to win the war…
…by killing all the enemy off
Just to kill all the enemy off
Kill the enemy off
Kill the enemy off
I’ve never been one for the punch-ups
But look I really hate those Nazis
A certain something starts to wind me up
How could I hate them oh so violently
When two swords slashing at each other
Only sharpen one another
And in the long run even he’s your brudda’
said even though the cunt’s a Nazi.
Nazi
Even though the cunt’s a Nazi
Nazi
This is one of those songs that works on multiple levels: you can just dance to it, or you can listen to the lyrics and enjoy it in that way. A nihilistic celebration of the end of the world–because what the heck else are you going to do–it’s a reminder of how things were in another time. Given current events, it may not even be that antiquated anymore.
And of course, the lyrics:
Party at ground zero
A “B” movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
Johnny, go get your gun, for the commies are in our hemisphere today
Ivan, go fly your MIG, for the Yankee imperialists have come to play
Johnny goes to Sally’s house to kiss her goodbye
But Daddy says to spend the night
They make love ’till the early morning light
For tomorrow Johnny goes to fight
Johnny, Ivan, Ian, everybody come along for our nations need new heroes
Time to sing a new war song
Party at ground zero
A “B” movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
Please do not fear ’cause Fishbone is here to say (say what?)
Just have a good time the stop sign is far away
The toilet has flushed and green lights are a ghost
And drop drills will be extinct
Speedracer cloud has come
They know not what they’ve done
Sin has just won
The planet is a crumb
Party at ground zero
A “B” movie starring you
And the world will turn to flowing
Pink vapor stew
This song isn’t likely to be for everyone, but I quite like it.
Fun Boy Three was an offshoot of the Specials, and their sound was a little different as well. Heavily reliant on African drum rhythms, and flavored with tinges of ska and jazz, it was a pretty unique sound for the time. This particular track has some interesting piano and horn sounds, which mixed with it’s fairly monotone sound creates a fairly dark mood. Like I said, I like it.
I had a very difficult time finding the lyrics to this song, and the ones I did find weren’t particularly accurate. I did my best to transcribe them, but I know I’m not 100% accurate either. Still, better than nothing, right?
It must be wonderful to live like you do
To have respect from everyone that you know
To have surprises waiting outside your door
When you come home to answer your telephone
He who knocks his key like this
The “no disturb” sign’s on the door
And he who call this, he got dropped
The invitation’s on the floor
Sitting down and switching on
The wooden box, the door is locked
Switching off the world outside
The party’s over for the night
It must be wonderful to live like you do
To have respect from everyone that you know
To have surprises waiting outside your door
When you come home to answer your telephone
The telephone starts to ring, it rings
The five piece doorbell starts to chime
The liquid box bursts into song
It’s out of tune, the time is wrong
It must be wonderful to live like you do
To have respect from everyone that you know
To have surprises waiting outside your door
When you come home to answer your telephone
It must be wonderful to live like you do
To have respect from everyone that you know
To have surprises waiting outside your door
When you come home to answer your telephone
Lying down and soaking in
The bubble bath, the door is locked
Switching off the world outside
The party’s over for the night
It must be wonderful to live like you do
To have respect from everyone that you know
To have surprises waiting outside your door
When you come home to answer your telephone
It must be wonderful to live like you do
To have respect from everyone that you know
To have surprises waiting outside your door
When you come home to answer your telephone
It must be wonderful to live like you do
To have respect from everyone that you know
To have surprises waiting outside your door…