Pharoah Sanders - Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah (with lyrics to the song "Prince Of Peace)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcase Pharoah Sanders's Jazz tune "Hum Allah Hum Allah Hum Allah". The lyrics to the song "Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah" (also known as "Prince Of Peace" are also provided in in this post.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic purposes.

Thanks to Pharoah Sanders, Leon Thomas, and all others those who performed this tune. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO: Pharoah Sanders - Hum Allah Hum Allah Hum Allah



bolillo239 Uploaded on May 28, 2011

from the album Jewels of Thought [1969]
-snip-
The song "Hum Allah Hum Allah Hum Allah" (also known as "Prince Of Peace") is sung by Leon Thomas. The main portion of that song is found 1:41 to 4:59 of this video.

Here's the lists of musicians/vocalist for this tune from another YouTube sound file:
"Pharoah Sanders - Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah. Jewels of Thought, October 20, 1969. Pharoah Sanders (ts, contrabass clarinet, reed flute, African thumb piano, orchestra chimes, perc); Leon Thomas (vcl, perc); Lonnie Liston Smith (p, African flute, African thumb piano, perc); Cecil McBee (b, perc); Idris Muhammed (d, perc); Roy Haynes (d). 15 minutes approx."

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LYRICS: HUM-ALLAH-HUM-ALLAH-HUM-ALLAH

Peace is a united effort for co-ordinated control
Peace is the will of the people and the will of the land
With peace we can move ahead together
We want you to join us this evening in this universal prayer
This universal prayer for peace for every man
All you got to do is clap your hands
One two three
One two three
One two three
One two three

Hum-Allah, hey
Hum-Allah, hey
Hum-Allah, hey

Prince of peace won't you hear our pleas
And ring your bells of peace
Let loving never cease
Prince of peace won't you hear our pleas
and ring your bells of peace
Let loving never cease

Hum-Allah, hey
Hum-Allah, yeah
Hum-Allah, hey
Hum-Allah

Source: http://lyrics.wikia.com/Pharoah_Sanders:Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah-Hum-Allah

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African American Vernacular English In A Popular McDonalds Rap

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases an example of a popular, customer composed McDonalds [fast food restaurant] rap and also presents an analysis of examples of African American Vernacular English in that rap.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes

Thank to all those who composed this rap and who are shown performing this rap. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

DISCLAIMER: I'm indicating that this showcased rap contains examples of African American Vernacular English. However, I don't know if the rap's composer is African American or not.

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SHOWCASE VIDEOS
Example #1: McDonald's Rap with Lyrics!!!



carfreak0801 Uploaded on May 11, 2008

PLEASE WATCH!!! This is the McDonald's Rap with lyrics. It took me a long time to put this together so please watch this.
The song and lyrics were from camneedsthis and Pictures were from Google.

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Example #2: McDonalds Drive Thru Rap



Stewart Howorth, Uploaded on Jun 7, 2009, Yep. Just watch.

Special thanks to the guys who originally wrote this rap. It wasn't us.

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LYRICS: MCDONALD RAP
Boom, Boom Boom Big Mac
Boom, Boom Boom Big Mac(said throughout song for beat)

I need a double cheeseburger and hold the lettuce
Don't be frontin' son no seeds on a bun
We be up in this drive thru
Order for two
I gots a craving for a number nine like my shoe
We need some chicken up in here
In this dizzle
For rizzle my nizzle
Extra salt on the frizzle
Dr. Pepper my brother
Another for your mother
Double double super size
And don't forget the FRIES......................
Crispy
-lilf96, https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080409142644AA0xN9D, Mcdonalds rap lyrics?, 2009

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EXPLANATIONS ABOUT SOME OF THE WORDS AND PHRASES IN THIS RAP
(These words/phrases are assigned numbers for referencing purposes.)

1. "Don't be frontin' son" = Don't pretend like you are going to do something but actually aren't going to do it.
-snip-
Read other definitions of "frontin", my comment about the possible origin of that slang word in the Addendum #1 of this post. That Addendum also contains my comments the use of "son" in the line "Don't be frontin' son".

2. We be up in this drive thru = We're at [or "We're in"] this drive-through [line].
-snip-
"Up in here" is also sometimes given as "all up in here".

In those usages, "all up" [in here] are intensifiers that both convey the same meaning as the word "really".
From http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/archive/index.php/t-582760.html Peremensoe, 10-22-2010, 09:58 PM
...[quoting] "up" as an intensifier is also seen in "up in my face" which describes a situation in which a person has confronted you on a particular issue (perhaps, without justification). It means exactly the same thing as saying a person "got in your face" about the subject, just more so.

Right. Up means active, aroused, energized, focused, like starting up an engine. You put your guard up. If somebody bothers you, you may get either your dander or your ire up.

Being in somebody's face is confrontational, but up in somebody's face is flat-out asking for a fight. Being in a nightclub means you're there, but up in the club means you're really on the scene."

3. I gots a craving for a number nine like my shoe = I have a craving for the item that is listed as number 9, that number being the same as my shoe size.

4. We need some chicken up in here = "up in here" means "right here"

5. In this dizzle /For rizzle my nizzle/Extra salt on the frizzle" = in this [?]*, for real, my [n word], extra salt on the [French] fries

* A commenter on one of the many video viewer comment threads for this rap wrote that "dizzle " was supposed to be "hizzle" which would be "izzle" talk for "house" (even though the person rapping wasn't actually in a house.)

Read information about "izzle talk" in Addendum #2 of this post.

7. Dr. Pepper my brother = ordering a Dr. Pepper carbonated drink; the use of the "my brother" referent is to show a congenial familiarity with another man (who isn't actually part of your family). "Bro", "brutha" and "sister", "sis", "sistah" are also used for the same purpose. While these family referents used to used by Black people as references to other Black people only, they are now used by any person as a sign of familiarity toward any other person regardless of their race or ethnicity.

8. Another for your mother - I wonder if this line originally was "another for my mother". "For your mother" (meaning another [Dr. Pepper] for the mother of the McDonalds worker sounds to me like its too close to the "Your Mama" ("Yo Mama" dozens put down/insult game.
-snip-
Also, "Double double super size" probably refers to a super sized double [ham]burger

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ADDENDUM #1
Here are some definitions of the African American slang word "frontin" from
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=frontin

1. "frontin
to pretend or act like somethin or someone your not.

Quit Frontin man you know yo ass aint got a job! "
by Juicy August 05, 2004
-snip-
Note: The form of African American Vernacular English in which a person is referred to by saying "your ass" or "your butt". Another example: A mother or father saying to her or his child "Get your butt down here".

**
2. frontin
"to put on a false disguise usually to impress others

Why you frontin man? we all know you live with yo mamma!

by irish kiwi from samoa October 07, 2003
-snip-
In this example, the word "yo" means "your".

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3. frontin'

Verb. To put up a false facade. See frontin

Yo, check out backstreet over there frontin in his hyundizzay.

by 50 cent crack dealer July 15, 2003
-snip-
In this example, the word "yo" means something like "Hey".

"Backstreet" appears to be a put down nickname for a man.

"hyundizzay" is the Hyundai car with that brand name spelled with izzay gibberish talk.
-snip-
My guess is that the slang word "frontin" was coined in the 1950s or earlier to mean acting like something you're not because of the custom in poor African American neighborhoods of using a small, rundown business (known as a "storefront") as a façade for a legitimate "mom *& pop" store which sold food items, milk, candy, toiletries etc.) when that place was actually being used as a center for "numbers running" or other illegal gambling operation.

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The word "son" in the line "Don't be frontin' son" (from the McDonald's rap showcased above) probably just conveys familiarity to someone younger than the speaker. However, in 2009 Ed Lover, the host of the American television show Yo! MTV Raps "created a series on YouTube titled "C’mon, Son!" in which he criticized the errant acts of celebrities." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Lover

The word "son" in "C'mon son" means that the person addressed is acting foolishly or has said something foolish like a child, or someone young would do. Since Ed Lover popularized "C'mon son" it has been used as a commentary on something stupid or foolish a male or a female has said or done. That saying means "Really, you should know better than to say [or do] that."

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ADDENDUM #2:
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibberish_(language_game)
"Gibberish (sometimes Jibberish) is a language game or secret language similar to Pig Latin that is played in the United States, Canada and Northern Ireland. Similar games are played in many other countries. The name Gibberish refers to the nonsensical sound of words spoken according to the rules of this game...

Gibberish family
The term "gibberish" is used more generally to refer to all language games created by inserting a certain infix before the vowel in each syllable. For example, if the code infix were "ob", then "Hello, Thomas" would be translated as "Hobellobo, Thobomobas". While a relatively simple code, this can be difficult to understand when spoken swiftly and sounds merely like meaningless babble, which is how it received its name. The terms "Double Talk" and "Double Dutch" are alternate names for such codes. While any syllables could be used as code syllables, some syllables are more commonly used."
-snip-
“iz", "izzle" and "izzay" are included in this category. This "pig latin" style of talking was popularized in the 1990s by rapper Snoop Dog.
-snip-
Click http://www.cocojams.com/content/iggity-izza-izzle-english-code-language-games for a post on my cocojams cultural website about this "secret language" style.

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"Ice Ice Baby" And Other Examples Of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity "Ice Cold" Chants And Motifs

Edited by Azizi Powell

Let me first state as a matter of fact that the title and chorus of Vanilla Ice's 1989/1990 hit Rap song "Ice Ice Baby" originated from the signature chant of the historically Black Greek lettered fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Incorporated (A Phi A; Alphas). Here's a quote with source citations from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Ice_Baby
"Robert Van Winkle, better known by his stage name Vanilla Ice, wrote "Ice Ice Baby" at the age of 16, bas[ed] its lyrics upon his experiences in South Florida.[1] The lyrics describe a drive-by shooting and Van Winkle's rhyming skills.[2] The chorus of "Ice Ice Baby" originates from the signature chant of the national African American fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha.[3][4]

3. Keyes, Cheryl L (2004). "Blending and Shaping Styles: Rap and Other Musical Voices". Rap Music and Street Consciousness. University of Illinois Press. p. 107. ISBN 0252072014.
4.Fine, Elizabeth Calvert (2003). "The Cultural Politics of Step Shows". Soulstepping: African American Step Shows. University of Illinois Press. p. 145. ISBN 0252024753."
-snip-
Also, Spike Lee's 1988 movie SchoolDaze includes a scene in which Alphas from Morehouse University step while chanting "Ice Ice Baby". Vanilla Ice's :Ice Ice Baby" song wasn't released until 1989.

Instead of repeating the basic fact that the "Ice Ice baby" song title is lifted from the Alpha Phi Alpha signature chant and motif, this post provides examples of Alpha Phi Alpha's use of the "ice ice baby", "ice", and "ice cold" motif. In addition, I present two statements from Alphas and my speculation about the sources of that "ice cold" motif, and what they mean.

The content of this post is presented for cultural and aesthetic purposes

Thank to all those who are affiliated with this fraternity. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

DISCLAIMER: The statements I make about Alpha Phi Alpha's use of the "ice cold" motif are in no way official. I'm am not affiliated in any way with that fraternity, except as a long inactive member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a sorority which is unofficially considered by many persons involved with historically Black Greek Lettered Organizations to be the Alphas' sister organization.

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RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/origin-of-brrr-its-cold-in-here-cheer.html
"The Origin Of The "Brrr It's Cold In Here" Cheer"

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POSSIBLE SOURCES OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY'S "ICE COLD" MOTIF
These opinions about the sources for this motif are presented in no particular order. The numbers are given for referencing purposes only.
1. I received an email on October 8, 2012 from [Alpha Phi Alpha member] Charles K. that indicated that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s "Ice Ice, baby" has its origin in the poem "Excelsior" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Charles K. quoted the first verse of that poem. Here's that portion of that poem as it was sent to me at http://www.cocojams.com/content/fraternity-and-sorority-chants:
"Excelsior! (poem)

"ICE, ICE, BABY..." | "Ever Higher", "Onward and Upward"

The shades of night were falling fast,
As through an Alpine village passed
A youth, who bore,
'mid snow and ice
A banner with the strange device, Excelsior!"...
-snip-
According to ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excelsior_(Longfellow) "The poem [Excelsior"] describes a young man passing through a town bearing the banner "Excelsior" (translated from Latin as "ever higher", also loosely but more widely as "onward and upward"), ignoring all warnings, climbing higher until inevitably, "lifeless, but beautiful" he is found by the "faithful hound" half-buried in the snow, "still clasping in his hands of ice that banner with the strange device, Excelsior!"

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2. On July 27, 2014 I received an email from from Lawrence C. Ross, Jr., author of the book The Divine Nine: The History of African American Fraternities and Sororities. In a portion of that email, he wrote "You asked if the "Ice Ice Baby" predated 1989 ... and it most certainly did. Way before. It comes from our founder Vertner Woodson Tandy talking about Alphas needing to fight, and even if hell freezes over, "We'll fight on the ice." And from there, you get the evolution to Ice Ice Baby."
-snip-
Again, the "ice" refers to the value of being coldly determined and steadfast, refusing to be deterred from one's goal (of becoming an Alpha, and by extension, other worthy life goals.

By the way, Lawrence C. Ross's book is a must read for anyone interested in the history of historically Black Greek letter[ed] fraternities and sororities.

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3. The reference to "ice cold" might have been influenced by -if not created because- the first "line" (group) of Alphas occurred on a cold December day. Here's the comment that prompted me to think about that possibility:
MissLG Taylor,* 2011
"The first Alphas probate was held on the ice cold day of December 4, 1906.. it was so cold they shook.. so they shook to show homage to them :)"
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqffhURTQEc

*That commenter also wrote "My dad is an Alpha and I find BLGO interesting". [BGLO = Black Greek letter[ed] organizations, meaning "historically Black fraternities and sororities that use three letters of the Greek alphabet".

4. The positive cultural meanings of being "ice cold" and of being "cool" may be considered as sources for the motif's use by Alphas. Read more about those cultural meanings in the next section.
-snip-
I wonder if reasons #1-#3 were thought of after the fact to fit the cultural meanings of "ice" and "ice cold" for the Alphas.

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SPECULATIONS ABOUT THE MEANING OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY'S "ICE COLD" MOTIF
Here's the second meaning of the English idiom "being cold as ice" as given in http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ice-cold
"ice-cold
adjective
2. without warmth of feeling or manner; unemotional; passionless: an ice-cold reception."
-snip-
I think that meaning is the essence of the Alphas' use of "ice" and "ice cold", i.e., being "cold as ice" encapsulates the high value in African American culture of being stoic in the face of difficulties, being "cold blooded" in the positive sense of that word. In African American Vernacular English terms, we say "not letting anything "phase" you"(not letting anything negative bother you).

Men striving to become Alphas place a high value on having the dedication, will, courage, and fortitude it takes to persevere in spite of difficulties, until you reach your goal of becoming an Alpha; an Alpha can not be deterred if difficulties occur.

I believe that the this "ice cold" approach and motif that is promoted by the Alphas is reflected in and closely related to the "it bes that way sometimes" approach to difficulties that is valued among some African Americans, and some other people of African descent. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/nina-simone-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for a pancocojams series on African American and Caribbean "it bes that way sometime"/"such is life" attitudes and songs.

2. I believe that the positive interpretation of the word "cool" (meaning "hip", and other positive colloquial meanings) may also factor into the Alphas use of the word "ice" and cold", if so I think those are add-ons to the main and earlier meanings of those words.

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EXAMPLES OF CHANTS
1. WE ARE THE BROTHERS OF A PHI A

We are the brothers of A Phi A
Ice, Ice
We're going to make yo-a-a-ll say
"Ice, Ice"
And when you see the Black and Gold.
Ice, Ice.
you know it's gonna be
a heck of a show (normally helluva but censored for the festival)
Ice, Ice,

We're too cold,
we're too darn (damn) cold.
Ice, Ice".
We are the brothers of the Black and Gold
Ice Ice (twice)

Source: quoted in Elizabeth fine's 2003 book Soulstepping: African American Step Shows, p. 123.
This book is another must read for those interested in BGLOs.

*crack= insult, diss
-snip-
That example was given in this passage about p. 123 as an example of "trade" or "signature steps".
"Trade or signature steps. while based on a traditional core, gain power and appeal through variations that reflect an ability to adapt to the audience and theme of a particular occasion, Thus, Alpha Phi Alpha's well-known trade chant "Ice Ice" (which inspired the white rapper Vanilla Ice's national hit of 1990 "Ice, Ice, Baby") can be used to crack*, or to boast, or for more serious purposes. Alpha Phi Alpha, for example, used "Ice, Ice" to boast during a show at the Dance Heritage Festival at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City in 1991".
-snip-
Elizabeth Fine goes on to quote another example of "Ice Ice" which was used by the Alphas in another venue.

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2. ICE ICE ICE TOO COLD TOO COLD

I said “Ooh it's cold in here”.
I said “There must be some Alphas in the atmosphere”.
I said “Ooh it's cold in here”.
I said “There must be some Alphas in the atmosphere”
It’s like ice ice ice,
too cold too cold.
Ice ice ice,
the black and gold
Ice ice ice,
too cold too cold.
Ice ice ice.
Ice ice ice,
too cold too cold.
Ice ice ice,
the black and gold.
-transcription from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EajhKrRrlpk, Alpha Phi Alpha stepping , video uploaded in 2009 [given as Video Example #1 below]

The "black and gold" refers to that fraternity's colors.

3. WE ARE THE ICE COLD BROTHERS OF A PHI A

We are the
ice cold brothers of-ah A PHI A.
We rock * that black and gold until the day we die.
So when you see us in the street
Expect to be holified.
Ice ice baby,
WHAT!
Too cold too cold.
IT’S LIKE

Begin step routine

Aaaah
ICE!

do another step

Aaaah
ICE!

do another step

Aaaah
ICE!
- transcription from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EajhKrRrlpk Alpha Phi Alpha stepping , video uploaded in 2009, given below as Example #2

* I'm unsure of this word

"Holified" is a made up word based on the word "holy". In the context of this chant, it probably means something like "amazed".
-snip-
A third member of that fraternity speaks to the audience and says “We are the ice cold brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity inc. Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on an ICE COLD Tuesday of December 4, 1906 at Cornel University,,, [the step team does a head down step move when saying "Ice cold"]

At the completion of the show the step team end with a routine and end by saying “ We are ice cold!”

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ADDITIONAL TEXT EXAMPLES OF THE USE OF "ICE" OR "ICE COLD" IN REFERENCE TO ALPHAS
Comments from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqffhURTQEc Alpha Rho, Alpha Phi Alpha Morehouse College Fall 2011 Neophyte Show
Morpheus, 2011
"Well done brothers.........very well done. Ice cold salutations....... #4, Fall '06, Mighty RHO, "Morpheus""
-snip-
"Might Rho" is a referent for the Alpha Rho chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. That chapter was founded at Morehouse University in 1924. A step team from that chapter is featured in Spike Lee's School Daze movie. That scene from that movie is given as Example #2 below.

**
Alan Ferguson Sr, 2013
"So Proud of my Ice Cold Brothas!!! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO6!!!"
-snip-
1906 was the year that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded.

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Comment from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkiw_VDRQGk
kwamkong766 years ago
"Whats so ICEY about this is OUR pledge club, the sphinxmen in the background holding the ICE ICE BABY sign. Spring 1996 right here baby! But yeah, Fall 82, etc...whew... 6-NS-96 (6 as in Sphinxman #6) Sadistic"
-snip-
This comment refers to the brief scene of the Alphas stepping to "Ice Ice Baby" in Spike Lee's 1988 movie School Daze.
-snip-
"Icey" here is a made up word that I believe means "hip", "cool", and other similar superlatives.

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VIDEO EXAMPLES OF ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY'S "ICE COLD" CHANTS
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube with the oldest dated posts presented first.

Example #1: Alpha Phi Alpha stepping



sarkazm69Uploaded on Mar 19, 2009

Alpha's from Mu Chi, Gamma Xi and orgs. from Dominguez Hills spoke about college, education and the future to H.S. students.
-snip-
Examples #1 and #2 above are from this video.

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Example #2: Ice Ice Baby . . . . The Black & Gold



C. Allen Johnson, Published on Jul 3, 2014

Ice Ice Baby . . . . The Black & Gold

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
credit: school daze
-snip-
This same video clip was posted to YouTube in 2008 with the title “Step for real” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkiw_VDRQGk
that was published on YouTube in 2008.

I used the 2014 video instead of the 2008 one because it's visual quality is much better. However, the 2008 video has some comments that are interesting from a historical/cultural perspective.

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Lord Invader -"Sly Mongoose" (information, lyrics, & sound file)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a sound file of and lyrics for Lord Invader's version of "Sly Mongoose". Information about this old Caribbean song and two additional lyric versions of this song are included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thank to the composers of Sly Mongoose. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks also to those featured in these sound files and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.

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INFORMATION ABOUT SLY MONGOOSE
The original "Sly Mongoose was composed in Jamaica, but versions of this song are well-known throughout the Caribbean.
From http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20030629/arts/arts1.html
..."mento's roots lie in the early 19th century when European dances like the quadrille were popular throughout the Caribbean. By the end of the 19th century, mento was all the "rage" in Jamaica, and (like dance hall today) served as "throw wu'd" music, providing an avenue to discuss taboos and social issues.

{Some] mento songs commented on local news, the Bible, politics, infidelity, even obeah, and their subtle innuendo, humouros double entendres and suggestive lyrics helped to protect the innocent from the song's baser meanings.

According to the research, Slim and Sam were two of the best known writers of "throw wu'd" songs in the 1930s and 1940s. "Sly Mongoose" is one of the most popular "scandal" songs, which is still sung today:

Mongoose go down Missa Beckford kitchen,
Tek out one a 'im ritious chicken,
Put 'im inna 'im waiscoat pocket
Run mongoose

Sly (slide) mongoose, yu name gone abroad.
Sly (slide) mongoose, yu name gone abroad."

Originally, the lyrics likened the eccentric religious leader, Alexander Bedward, to a cunning mongoose (a dodgy character). But Bedward is absent from later versions sung today, which leaves the object of the song's criticism open to interpretation."...

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From http://www.dramonline.org/content/notes/nwr/80427.pdf
"Zoop Zoop Zoop: Traditional Music And Folklore of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John" (New World Records 80427-2)
"This song, wellknown throughout the Caribbean is not really about the mongoose. In fact, the animal and its character is used to allude to sexual liaisons between the master of the house and the cook or between the mistress and a worker.

Sly Mongoose, all them dogs they know your name
Oh yes, sly mongoose, all them dogs they know your name
You went into the mistress kitchen
Take out one of the fattest chickens
Put it into your waistcoat pocket
sly mongoose. "

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[regarding Lord Invaders' version of "Sly Mongoose":
From http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40454.pdf
“...originating in Jamaica where virtually all versions revolve around the activities of the Black prophet Alexander Bedward, “Sly Mongoose [Sly Mongoose Every Dog Knows Your Name] is reported as a carnival song in 1923 in Trinidad. Based on the symbolic references to a trickster with a sexual proclivity, in Eastern Caribbean versions, the mongoose goes into the White man’s kitchen rather than Bedward’s, and steals “one of his fattest chickens”.*

With incredulity, Invader describes his defeat in a calypso contest in the United States. Despite their up-to-date repertoire Houdini vanquishes Destroyer, Growler, and Invader in New York in 1941. Personified as a trickster, Houdini was much despised in Trinidad because of his U. S success and lack of esteem on the island."
-snip-
*Read my interpretation of the line about the Mongoose "going into the White man's kitchen and stealing one of his fattest chickens" regarding the lyrics for Lord Invader's version of this song.

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SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: sly mongoose



roger ramirez Uploaded on Mar 24, 2009

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LYRICS: SLY MONGOOSE
(Lord Invader, 1946)

There was a competition in America
With Houdini and Destroyer
Houdini sang Adolf Hitler
And yet they said that Houdini was the winner
What he won?

Chorus:
Sly Mongoose
-all together-
Only dog know your name
-Sing the chorus-
Sly Mongoose
-everybody-
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.

Then he challenge the Growler
And the Growler sand a hot number
Growler told the Houdini
He gonna win him with this melody,
What it was: “Old lady, you’re mashing my toe,”
“Oh lady, stop it isn’t”
And yet he won him with,

Chorus
Sly Mongoose
-all together-
Only dog know your name
-Sing it Macbeth-
Sly Mongoose
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.

So as I’m Lord Invader, I said
“I can’t lose my name in America”,
I entered the competition,
And I sang a hot composition.
What it was: “Prisoner leve [Prisoner arise]
“Mete limier bai [Put a light]
and Yet he won me with

Chorus
Sly Mongoose
-everybody
Only dog know your name
-Duke of Iron-
Sly Mongoose
Only dog know your name
Yes, mongoose went into the White man’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chickens
Push it in his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.

Source: http://media.smithsonianfolkways.org/liner_notes/smithsonian_folkways/SFW40454.pdf
-snip-
Rather than Lord Invader's "Sly Mongoose" being about a man with sexual proclivities, it is a critique about what Lord Invader and other Calypsonians considered to be Houdini's inauthenticity as a Calypsonian. When Lord Invader referred to Houdini as "Sly Mongoose" he was using lines from that well known Caribbean song to insult Houdini. When he referred to Houdini as "Sly Mongoose" and said that Sly Mongoose "went into the White man’s kitchen/Took up one of his fattest chickens", Lord Invader was saying that Houdini had achieved success in the United States as a Calypsonian that he and other Calypsonians believe that Houdini wouldn't have received in the Caribbean - in particular Houdini- the sly Mangoose, stole the crown for that particular Calypso competition. By mentioning "Macbeth [Macbeth the Great"]" and "Duke Of Iron", Lord Invader calls on other well respected Calypsonians to join him in his condemnation of Houdini.

****
OTHER EXAMPLES OF "SLY MONGOOSE"
(lyric composer/s ?)

Listen to the song about a sly mongoose.

Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad,
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad

Mongoose slip into Bedward kitchen,
Steal out one of his righteous chicken,
Steal out one of his waistcoat pocket,
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad

Mongoose went up to Bedward daughter,
Ask her if he could have some water.
Bedward daughter say, Whats the matter?
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad

Mongoose get out a dollar and a quarter,
Slipped it to old Bedward daughter.
Bedward daughter say, My Lord and master!
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad

Bedward went up to see his daughter,
Found Mongoose playing with one garter,
Bedward hit him just where he oughter.
Sly Mongoose.
Sly Mongoose, your name gone abroad

[Comment:]
The mongoose of this topical song was a well-known government official who tried to buy the affections of one of the prophet Bedward's daughters.

Source: http://www.unlockingthearchives.rgs.org/themes/journeys/gallery/resource

****
SLY MONGOOSE
(Lyrics to Sly Mongoose, Sam Manning version, 1925)

Listen to the story why mongoose fly from Jamaica
Listen to the story why mongoose fly from Jamaica
Mongoose, the newspaper reported
Jumped into bed with the preacher’s daughter
Baptise her with his holy water
Slide mongoose

Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Mongoose went into Bedward’s kitchen
Took up one of his fattest chicken
That’s the reason he fly from Jamaica
Slide mongoose

Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Slide mongoose, now your name gone abroad
Mongoose fly from Jamaica
Slide right over down to Cuba
Wouldn’t stop til he reach America
Slide mongoose

Slide mongoose, now the world know your name
Brother mongoose, now the world know your fame
Mongoose told his high brown mama
Go away gal get another papa
I love your sister a whole lot better
Slide mongoose

Source: http://slymongoose.blogspot.com/2014/01/lyrics-to-sly-mongoose-sam-manning.html Posted by Martin
-snip-
"high brown mama" - light skinned Black woman
"get another papa" - get another lover

Click this link to a page of my cocojams cultural website for the words to another version of "Sly Mongoose": http://www.cocojams.com/content/caribbean-folk-songs

****
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Eight DD4L (Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Mississippi) Videos

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post features eight videos of the Dancing Dolls majorette/dance group of Jackson, Mississippi (2011-July 2014). That group is featured on the American television show Bring It!.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
As a community folklorist, in addition to watching this majorette group's marching and dance scenes, I'm particularly interested in the group's use of the chant/slogan "DD4L".

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thank to Diane Williams and the members of the Dancing Dolls majorette group for helping to raise awareness about this majorette performance art style. Thanks also to also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not affiliated in any way with this majorette group or of the Bring It television show that features this group.

****
RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/stand-battles-changing-meaning-of.html "Stand Battles & The Changing Meaning Of Majorettes In African American Culture"

http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/dance-stand-routines-from-hbcu-dance.html
"Stand Routines From Historically Black Colleges & Universities Dance Line Auditions"

****
INFORMATION ABOUT THE DANCING DOLLS (of Jackson, Mississippi)
From https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dancing-Dolls/116220078408472?sk=info
"Dancing Dolls was founded August 20, 2001 in Jackson, MS. Dancing Dolls has become one of the most popular dance teams in the Southern Region. Dolls have won numerous dance championships and performed at countless event with JSU*.
-snip-
*JSU= Jackson State University, a historically Black university (HBCU) in Jackson, Mississippi.

****
DD4L CHANT
"DD4L" (Dancing Dolls For Life) is a chant/slogan of the Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Mississippi. This unity & enthusiasm raising chant is performed in a call & response pattern, but with the response being the same words and pronunciation as the call. That slogan is also prominately featured in that group's t-shirts and other paraphernalia.

****
FEATURED VIDEOS
These examples are presented in chronological order based on their posting date on YouTube with the oldest dated posts presented first.

Example #1: Dancing Dolls of Jackson, Ms



TJSU06, Uploaded on Oct 12, 2011

JSU Homecoming Parade 2011
[Jackson State University]

****
Example #2: BUCK OR DIE... PARADES !...DD4L



pooh bear Published on Aug 26, 2012
-snip-
"Bucking" is a very old African based dance movement that is made by performing rapid, rhythmic pelvic thrusts. Coach D's definition of "bucking" is found in the video given as Example #5 below.

The Dancing Dolls' Facebook page whose link is given above includes an April 28th 2014 post announcing “The DD4L "BUCK OR DIE" Majorette Tour 2014 tours. ... a 3 day camp that teaches the art of Majorette dance. Buck or Die Majorette camp teaches the following: Marching Techniques, Struts, Basic agility skills, stretching technique, core building exercises, team building exercises, 3 parade routines, 5-10 regular stands, 3 Battle counts, 1 major field show, how to put together field shows, battle counts, etc. "...

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Example #3: DD4L Highlight Reel



oneyouluvtohate, Published on Jul 28, 2013

Dancing Dolls of Jackson Highlight Reel.. A few performances from the season. Thanks for watching!!

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Example #4: 'Bring It' Two-Min Sneak Peek - Premieres Wednesday on Lifetime



PilgrimStudios, Published on Mar 3, 2014

Get an exclusive 2 minute sneak peek of new series, Bring It! Premieres Wednesday (March 5) at 10/9c on Lifetime.

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Example #5: Bring It - Miss D's Dance Dictionary "Dance Styles"



PilgrimStudios, Published on Mar 13, 2014

Catch 'Bring It' Wednesdays at 10/9c on Lifetime!

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Example #6: Dd4l



nookie3784, Published on Mar 31, 2014

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Example #7: Stand battle @ the Chicago dd4l camp



alexis wright, Published on Jul 4, 2014

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Example #8: Bring it! 2014 summer premiere Teaser



MZ Jourdyne, Published on Jul 17, 2014

july 23rd is the summer premiere of the lifetime show Bring it!

DD4L!!!!!!

courtesy of pilgrim studios

miss d notable quotes
"show em the blacks of your gums"
"tears do not soften my heart"
-snip-
The beginning scene in this video was of the Bring It's cast appearance at the 2014 Essence Festival.

****
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Hlengiwe Mhlaba - Living Waters (South African Gospel with English lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the South African Gospel singer Hlengiwe Mhlaba singing "Living Waters". The lyrics to this song in English are also featured in this post.

The content of this post is provided for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Hlengiwe Mhlaba for her music. Thanks also to all others who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this examples on YouTube.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT HLENGIWE MHLABA
From http://www.bigfishmusic.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83:hlengiwe-mhlaba&catid=42:big-fish-music-artists
"Hlengiwe Mhlaba was born 37 years ago in the Kwa-MAshu in Kwa-Zulu Natal, She discovered her singing talent when she gave her life to Christ at a very young age, she became a house hold name among the crusade goers especially in KZN and Swaziland, as years went by her fan base grew tremendously , she only started singing professionally seven years ago after an encounter with Sipho Makhabane who signed her under his stable Big Fish Music known then as Amanxusa Music Production.

ALBUMS: Her debut album Dwala lami was released in 2005, she shocked many by not following in the footsteps of any existing gospel musicians of that time, she came out very unique in sound, voice and presentation, this introduced Hlengiwe Mhlaba to the rest of the country as the first Gospel Jazz artist., she received an overwhelming support from people as the industry was becoming dull with no creativity shown by many gospel artists as a result they all sounded the same"...

****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Hlengiwe Mhlaba - Living waters



nandrish Uploaded on Sep 4, 2009

one of sa's [South Africa’s] best Gospel artists! this woman is truly blessed and in turn she blesses others with her amazing music!

****
LYRICS: LIVING WATERS
(as sung by Hlengiwe Mhlaba)

Let Your living water flow over my soul,
Let your Holy Spirit come and take control,
Of every situation that has troubled my mind,
All my cares and burdens on to you I roll.
Father, Father, Father.

Give your life to Jesus, let Him fill your soul,
Let Him take you in His arms and make you whole,
As you give your life to Him, He'll set you free,
You will live and reign with Him eternally.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.

Come now Holy Spirit and take control,
Hold me in your loving arms and make me whole,
Wipe away all doubt and fear and take my pride,
Draw me to your love and keep me by your side.
Spirit, Spirit, Spirit.

Let your living water flow over my soul
Let your Holy spirit come and take control,
Of every situation that has troubled my mind,
All my cares and burdens onto you I roll.
Father, Jesus, Spirit
-snip-
Thanks to Boitshwarelo Phiri1 for posting these lyrics in that sound file's discussion thread.

****
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Did The Slang Use Of "Sick" Meaning "Really Good" First Come From Trinidad & Tobago?

Edited by Azizi Powell

Did the slang use of "sick" meaning "really good" first come from Trinidad & Tobago?

A commenter writing on Wiki Answers wrote that it did:
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_does_the_slang_word_sick_originate_from Where does the slang word sick originate from?
"The term sick as slang originated in Trinidad & Tobago in the late 70's early 80's. In use in slang statements as "Dat rell sick"= that is very good or awesome in reference to a place action or event. "He di sickest"= He is the best.This has now in the last 10 yrs slowly moved in to modern western urban slang in all but one of the terms manifestations (properly yet to come), in T&T sick could also be used as the Americans term "dude". As in "Wahapen sick"= How are you. "Yes sick" = Its had been a while or glad you could make it (greeting) etc. "Wahapen to sick" there is something wrong or amiss with X.If this term is still in use by the urban population of T&T is unknown to me as I departed over 20ys+. But ask a Trini aged 33 and over who was rasied in T&T and they should concur with my description as illustrated above. CM"
-snip-
I've not found any online collaboration of this comment. For instance, "sick" as a slang term isn't listed in any online Trinidad/Tobago slang dictionary that I've come across. Nor is it listed in this blog listing of “You Know You Trini when [you say or do these things]: http://oletalk.tripod.com/onlytrini.html

****
HOWEVER, a commenter on another blog wrote that "sick" was used in the 1990s in South London to mean "very good":
http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/75017/origin-of-current-slang-usage-of-the-word-sick-to-mean-great
"“How and why have some words changed to a complete opposite?

How did 'sick' come to mean 'awesome' or 'really good / cool' in modern U.S. slang? I'm interested in origins and possibly regional patterns, if applicable.

This usage reminds me of the use of 'bad' to mean 'totally awesome' in the 80s. It would be interesting to know how that came about as well, and if the pattern is related...”
Victor Van Hee, asked Jul 18 '12 at 20:15

[Response]
..."Whether or not other usage in youth culture pre-dates it, sick became slang for pretty much the opposite of what it traditionally means in the late '90s in South London, with predominantly black kids into the 'grime' music scene, which in turn spawned the 'dubstep' music scene. Dubstep has since become popular in the USA, and the American kids that use this word tend to be into dubstep, which originally comes from South London. When I was a kid in the '80s, 'wicked' developed in very much the same way." – paradroid Jan 29 '13 at 17:09
-snip-
Note that "grime" and "dubstep" music is largely associated with Black Britons of Caribbean descent. Therefore, the South Londoners use of the word "sick" to mean 'awesome", "really good" etc in the late 1990s could have come from an earlier colloquial use of that word in Trinidad & Tobago or elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Also, several commenters who sent in entries to urban dictionary.com for the slang meaning of "sick" = "very good" wrote that that slang came from "chavs" (a stereotypical and pejorative referent used in Britain to refer to anti-social youth..." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chav

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=sick
"sick
used by 'chavs' to state that somethings is good
[comment from]Chav: Ooooo- dat new tune from Timbaland is sick man innit- brrap!
[response from] Law-abiding citizen: Errr, yes.
by Alex_UK December 21, 2007
-snip-
Here's a 2005 urban dictionary.com entry for "brrap" which also includes that colloquial use of "sick" to mean "very good"information
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=brrap!
"brrap!
Used mostly by people in the london area where the sound brrap! became known as a vocal representation of a gunshot.
(When the DJ puts a sick song on)
The Crowd: Brrap! Brrap! Badboy! "
by ReZa August 11, 2005
-snip-
Here's an excerpt from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_slang about the influence of Caribbean immigrants on London slang:
"The large number of immigrant communities and relatively high level of ethnic integration mean that various pronunciations, words and phrases have been fused from a variety of sources to create modern London slang. The emerging dialect draws influences from Jamaican English and other Caribbean speech.[3] This form of slang was born and is mainly spoken in Inner London[3][4] and has been popularised by UK Rap music. Although the slang has been highly influenced by black immigrant communities, a large number of teenagers of all ethnicities in London have adopted it.[5] Popular slang words include sick ("good")" [and a list of other words].
-snip-
Unfortunately, that article didn't provide any dates to document when those listed slang terms were first used in London.

****
HOWEVER, the use of "sick" to mean "very good" was documented in 1983 in the United States:
http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/forums/viewthread/3312/ "When did ‘sick’ start meaning ‘awesome’?"
Dave Wilton, Posted: 20 September 2011 02:43 AM
"Green’s Dictionary of Slang traces it all the way back to 1983:

1983 Eble Campus Sl[ang] Mar. 5: sick – unbelievably good: The Fleetwood Mac concert was sick."

**
Dave Wilton, Posted: 21 September 2011 12:26 PM
"So, OUP traces “sick” in a positive sense back to 1983

I’m sure that’s a reference to Connie Eble’s campus slang study that Green’s cites. Eble’s work on campus slang has been ongoing for decades and is quite well known among those who look at slang seriously."
-snip-
OUP= Oxford University Press
-snip-
Here's another comment about that 1983 campus usage:
http://www.techques.com/question/32-75017/Origin-of-current-slang-usage-of-the-word-'sick'-to-mean-'great'
"The OED says this slang is now especially used for skateboarding and surfing, and the first quotation is from a 1983 UNC-CH Campus Slang by the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill"
-snip-
OED = Oxford English Dictionary
-snip-
Of course, it's very possible that whoever used that slang meaning at that University Of North Carolina campus could have directly or indirectly picked it up from elsewhere- including from the Caribbean or from London.

****
Here's a comment that dates "sick" = "awesome" to 1987:
http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/75017/origin-of-current-slang-usage-of-the-word-sick-to-mean-great
"I think it was originally a skateboarding slang to express "shock and awe" after seeing something cool. I'm hazarding a guess that it was first used to describe crashes. The only corroboration I can find is from About.com and a Straight Dope forum post. Quoting the latter:

I first heard the word "sick" being used as slang on the 1987 skateboarding video put out by Powell and Peralta entitled "The Search for Animal Chin." A skater did some cool trick or whatever, and a hardcore skateboarder onlooker said, "that's sick". We thought it was hilarious, and I have heard it used ever since, though mainly among skaters/surfers/snowboarders/druggies and the like.

It is my observation that the word not so much means "cool", but carries a connotation more extreme than just that. It is used to describe something that is unbelievable, unprecedented, or just plain mind-blowing."
-snip-
An http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2011/05/inverted-meanings-sick/ article from 2011 includes the comment that
"The OED records ‘bad’ and ‘wicked’ used in a positive sense as long ago as 1897 and 1920 respectively:
She sutny fix up a pohk chop ‘at’s bad to eat. (George Ade’s Pink Marsh, 1897)

‘Tell ‘em to play “Admiration”!’ shouted Sloane. ‘Phoebe and I are going to shake a wicked calf.’ (F. Scott Fitzgerald’s This Side of Paradise, 1920)

Sick is a more recent arrival, first seen as a US synonym for ‘excellent’ or ‘very impressive’ in 1983:
...it was a sick party and there were tons of cool people there.

It is particularly common in skateboard and snowboard culture, where it can be used to imply an element of risk and danger..."
-snip-
The title of a 1998 book about skateboarding includes the slang usage of "sick" in its title:
i(Sick): A Cultural History of Snowboarding by
Susanna Howe, January 15, 1998 http://www.amazon.com/Sick-Cultural-History-Snowboarding/dp/0312170262
-snip-
Here's another quote about "sick" being used by skaters:
"Growing up as a skater we often used the term sick as a synonym for "crazy" as well .... as in "You're sick in the head because you did that trick", but it was used to indicate approval."
– Marcus_33 Jul 19 '12 at 14:12 http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/75017/origin-of-current-slang-usage-of-the-word-sick-to-mean-great

The early use of the slang word "sick" by the skateboard and snowboard cultures is mentioned on several other websites. But I'm just not sure that that slang usage initially came from skateboarders or snowboarders.
I'm curious if any people from Trinidad & Tobago or any other person from the Caribbean can recall the word "sick" being used the ways that the first person I quoted remembered from the late 1970's -early 1980's: to mean "very good or awesome" and to mean the same thing as the Americans term "dude".

If so, please share that information for the cultural record by posting a comment below.

****
The content of this post is published for etymology and cultural purposes.

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Visitor comments are welcome.

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Denise LaSalle- It Be's That Way Sometimes (example & lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part IV of a five part series that showcases three African American songs and one Caribbean song that have a "that's life" theme. By "that's life themes" I mean songs which reflect and promote the value that some Black people and some non-Black people have of being stoic when bad things happen to them.

Part V showcases Denise LaSalle's 1985 recording of the song "It Be's That Way Sometime".

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/nina-simone-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for Part I of this series. That post showcases Nina Simone's 1967 record "It Be's That Way" and includes a listing of and comments about "That's life" sayings.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/jimmy-cliff-thats-way-life-goes-example.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases Jimmy Cliff's 1969 record "That’s The Way Life Goes."

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/joe-simon-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for Part III of this series. Part III showcases Joe Simon's 1974 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Those showcased songs are only a sampling of what I call "that's life" songs.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thank to the composer/s of this featured song and thanks to Denise LaSalle for her musical legacy. Thanks also to also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this example on YouTube.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT DENISE LASALLE
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denise_LaSalle
"Ora Denise Allen (born July 16, 1939),[1] known by the stage name Denise LaSalle, is an American blues and R&B/soul singer, songwriter, and record producer who, since the death of Koko Taylor, has been recognized as the "Queen of the Blues."

****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Denise LaSalle- It Be's That Way Sometimes



1450 AM & 92.3 FM - The Sound Uploaded on Aug 26, 2011

****
LYRICS:
[As sung by Denise LaSalle]

[sung]
I’ve been abused and I’ve been misused.
And I’m mad as hell.
I’m sure nuff mad, y’all
[Spoken]
You see I met this man
And since the man was down and out
I figured all he needed was a good woman.
One who was willing to help him
And stand by his side and help him make it again.
I took him in
Bought him some fancy clothes.
And , ooh, honey, he was a fine hunk
after he got those clothes
I let him use my car every day
to drive around and look for a job.
But soon I found out he wasn’t even looking for no job.
He was out there lookin for women.
Well, he didn’t have to look too long.
“Cause I got a little help from my best friend.
I can tell you a lot about best friends, now.
When it comes down to your man,
You ain’t got no best friend.
Yousee, while I was out there workin hard every day
He and my best friend were messin around behind my back.
Mmpf!
I saw the two of them together.
I said “You mean to tell me after all that I’ve done for you
that y’all got the nerve enough to treat me like that.
You know what they told me?
They said “Denise, we sure didn’t mean to mess up your mind.
But you know, it just be's that way sometimes”.

[Sung]
Have you ever
wanted something
you just couldn’t have.
And have you ever heard
something funny.
and you just couldn’t laugh.
Oh-o you just couldn’t laugh.
Oh, and have you ever been hungry
But didn’t have one single dime.
Well, it be's that way sometimes.[female backup singers also sing this line]
Oh, it be's that way sometimes. [female backup singers also sing this line]
Have you ever loved somebody and knew that they didn’t love you
Oh, that’s so hard to bare.
And that someone that you love, they were in love with someone else too.
I tell ya that’s hard sometimes.
Have you ever been down and out
And almost out of your mind.
Well, it be's that way sometimes.
Well, it be's that way sometimes.[female backup singers also sing this line]
Well, it be's that way sometimes. [female backup singers also sing this line]
Woo!
I wonder if y’all know what I’m talkin about.
You see, life is a funny thing, y’all.
Life ain’t always too easy.

[Spoken]
But I knew that I’d find my way back on top.
You see I’m the kinda woman that you can’t keep down but for so long.
It wasn’t too long that I had gone out and found myself a good man
One who was givin me everything my heart desired.
He gave me a fine home, plenty money, beautiful clothes,
and all the jewelry that I wanted to wearupon this fine body.
And he gave me a lots of good lovin.
That’s what, that’s what it’s all about, anyway.
[small laugh] Cause you can have all those other things, but
if you haven’t got the good lovin, you ain’t got nothing.
But you know one thing?
I was walkin down the street and I met my old man,
my ex-old man, humpf
And my so-called best friend.
And they had the nerve to ask me for some money.
They came up to me talkin some stuff ‘bout
“Denise, you, you sure lookin good, girl.
Since you got everything goin in your favor,
why don’t you, ah, help us out a little bit.”
I said “You mean to tell me, you comin to me for a buck? No”.
And the man said “All those feelins that you say you used to have for me,
I know you still got some of them left.
So if you ever really loved me, you’ll help me out.”
I said “If you show me the way, I’ll help you out [___?].
Now I’m glad it makes you feel bad to talk like this.
“Cause if it’s one thing I’m doin right now
Is I’m sure tryin to mess up your mind.
But let me tell you, honey
It be's that way sometimes.

[Sung]
Have you ever
wanted something
you just couldn’t have.
That ain’t no good now.
And have you ever
seen something funny.
and you just couldn’t laugh.
Oh-hat can be hard sometimes.
Oh, and have you ever been hungry
But didn’t have one single dime
Well, it be's that way sometimes.[female backup singers also sing this line]
Yeah it bes that way sometimes. [female backup singers also sing this line]
Yes, it can be kinda hard now.
I really know what I’m talkin about
It can be kinda hard
But you gotta keep on [?]
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the recording. Additions and corrections are welcome.

****
This ends Part V of this series.

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The REAL Meanings Of "The Breaks" In Kurtis Blow's Rap

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part IV of a five part series that showcases three African American songs and one Caribbean song that have a "that's life" theme. By "that's life themes" I mean songs which reflect and promote the value that some Black people and some non-Black people have of being stoic when bad things happen to them.

Part IV showcases Kurtis Blow's 1980's record "The Breaks" and provides explanations for the various meanings of "the breaks" and other lines including the word "break" that are found in this rap.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/nina-simone-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for Part I of this series. That post showcases Nina Simone's 1967 record "It Be's That Way" and includes a listing of and comments about "That's life" sayings.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/jimmy-cliff-thats-way-life-goes-example.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases Jimmy Cliff's 1969 record "That’s The Way Life Goes."

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/joe-simon-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for Part III of this series. Part III showcases Joe Simon's 1974 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/denise-lasalle-it-bes-that-way.html for Part V of this series. Part V showcases Denise LaSalle's 1985 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Those showcased songs are only a sampling of what I call "that's life" songs.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thank to the composer/s of this featured song and thanks to Kuris Blow for his musical legacy. Thanks also to also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this example on YouTube.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT KURIS BLOW
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurtis_Blow
"Kurt Walker (born August 9, 1959), professionally known by his stage name Kurtis Blow, is an American rapper and record producer.[1] He is the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label. "The Breaks", a single from his 1980 debut album, is the first certified gold record rap song."...

****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Kurtis Blow-The Breaks



rekoj1376, Uploaded on Aug 31, 2009

Clap your hands everybody
If you got what it takes
'Cause I'm Kurtis Blow and I want you to know
That these are the breaks

Breaks on a bus brakes on a car
Breaks to make you a superstar
Breaks to win and breaks to lose
But these here breaks will rock your shoes
And these are the breaks
Break it up, break it up, break it up!

If your woman steps out with another man
(That's the breaks, that's the breaks)
And she runs off with him to Japan
And the IRS says they want to chat
And you can't explain why you claimed your cat
And Ma Bell sends you a whopping bill
With eighteen phone calls to Brazil
And you borrowed money from the mob
And yesterday you lost your job
Well, these are the breaks
Break it up, break it up, break it up

Throw your hands up in the sky
And wave 'em 'round from side to side
And if you deserve a break tonight
Somebody say alright! (All right)
Say ho-oo! (Ho-oo!)
And you don't stop
Keep on, somebody scream!( Owwwww!)
Break down!

Breaks on a stage, breaks on a screen
Breaks to make your wallet lean
Breaks run cold and breaks run hot
Some folks got 'em and some have not
But these are the breaks
Break it up, break it up, break it up!
Break down!

To the girl in brown, stop messing around
(Break it up, break it up)
To the guy in blue, whatcha gonna do?
(Break it up, break it up)
To the girl in green, don't be so mean
(Break it up, break it up)
And the guy in red, say what I said
(Break it up, break it up)
Break down!

Brakes on a plane, brakes on a train
Breaks to make you go insane
Breaks in love, breaks in war
But we got the breaks to get you on the floor
And these are the breaks
Break it up, break it up, break it up!
Break down! Yo!

Just do it, just do it, just do it, do it, do it!
Just do it, just do it, just do it, do it, do it!
Just do it, just do it, just do it, do it, do it!
Just do it, just do it, just do it, do it, do it!

You say last week you met the perfect guy
(That's the breaks, that's the breaks)
And he promised you the stars in the sky
(That's the breaks, that's the breaks)
He said his Cadilac was gold
(That's the breaks, that's the breaks)
But he didn't say it was ten years old
(That's the breaks, that's the breaks)
He took you out to the Red Coach grill
(That's the breaks, that's the breaks)
But he forgot the cash and you paid the bill
(That's the breaks, that's the breaks)
And he told you the story of his life
(That's the breaks, that's the breaks)
But he forgot the part about...his wife!
(That's the breaks, Huh! Huh! that's the breaks)
Well, these are the breaks!
Break it up, break it up, break it up!
Break down!

****
COMMENTS ABOUT "THE BREAKS"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Breaks
"The Breaks" is a critically acclaimed 1980 hit single by Kurtis Blow from his self-titled debut album. It was one of the earliest hip-hop hits hitting its peak at #87 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart....

"The Breaks" repeats the word "break" (or any of its homophones) eighty-four times over six and a half minutes.

There are six breakdowns (seven including the outro) in "The Breaks".
There are no fewer than three definitions for "break," "to break" or "brakes" used in "The Breaks"...

****
ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF "BREAK/S" IN THE RAP "THESE ARE THE BREAKS"
Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks" is a great example of word play in Hip-Hop compositions. In that rap, the word break (including the word "brake" which sounds like it) is used as a verb, a noun, an injunction, and as part of idioms.

Here's my explanations of the meaning of that rap's lines that include the word "break/s" or "brake". Notice that sometimes the particular use of "breaks" or "break" with another word or words" could have been intended to have more than one possible meaning. [These examples are numbered for reference purposes only.] Additions and corrections are welcome.

1. ["I want you to know that] these are the breaks" - [I want you to know that] I'm going to share multiple meanings of "the breaks"

2. "Brakes on a plane, brakes on a train", "Breaks on a bus brakes on a car"- referring to a part of a vehicle that stops the vehicle from moving

3. "Breaks to make you a superstar" - "good opportunities"

4. "Breaks to win and breaks to lose" - Good or bad experiences

5. "these here breaks will rock your shoes" - a reference to the musical term "break beat"

6. Break it up break it up break it up! - dance/play music with lots of intensity

7. "that's the breaks" [in the verse beginning with "If your woman steps out with another man" and elsewhere in this verse and this rap - an idiom that means "That's life" ; It be's that way sometimes", said when things happen to you.]

8."(Owwwww!) Break down!" -do your best dance moves(This is a play on the Hip-Hop dance "breakdown")

9. "Breaks on a stage, breaks on a screen" - a pause in the action

10. "Breaks to make your wallet lean" - difficult situations that force you to spend money

11. "Breaks run cold and breaks run hot" - a play on the word "brakes" [Read #2 explanation]

12. "Some folks got 'em and some have not" - an allusion to the phrase "lucky breaks"

13. "To the girl in brown, stop messing around (Break it up, break it up)"- both "stop messing around" and "break it up" could mean "stop arguing and fighting" or those lyrics could mean "stop dancing half-heartedly; dance with more intensity."

14. "Breaks to make you go insane" - percussive music [read #13] ; "insane" here means that the breaks are very good (the same way that "sick" means "very good").

15. "Breaks in love"- ending or pause in love (a play on the word "breakups")

12. "breaks in war" - pause in a war, or a period of time when there are no wars

13. "we got the breaks to get you on the floor" - percussive music; "In DJ parlance, a break is where all elements of a song (e.g., pads, basslines, vocals), except for percussion, disappear for a time." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Break_(music)

14. "You say last week you met the perfect guy" (That's the breaks, that's the breaks)- these lines and the other lines in this verse use the "that's life"; "it be's that way sometime" meanings (an attitude and stance that indicates that a person isn't bothered [harmed] by the bad things that have happened to him or her)

****
This ends Part IV of this series.

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Visitors' comments are welcome.

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Joe Simon - "It Be's That Way Sometimes" (examples & lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part III of a five part series that showcases three African American songs and one Caribbean song that have a "that's life" theme. By "that's life themes" I mean songs which reflect and promote the value that some Black people and some non-Black people have of being stoic when bad things happen to them.

This post showcases Joe Simon's 1974 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/nina-simone-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for Part I of this series. That post showcases Nina Simone's 1967 record "It Be's That Way" and includes a listing of and comments about "That's life" sayings.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/jimmy-cliff-thats-way-life-goes-example.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases Jimmy Cliff's 1969 record "That’s The Way Life Goes."

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-real-meanings-of-breaks-in-kurtis.html for Part IV of this series. Part IV showcases Kurtis Blow's 1980's record "The Breaks" and provides explanations for the various meanings of "the breaks" and other lines including the word "break" that are found in this rap.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/denise-lasalle-it-bes-that-way.html for Part V of this series. Part V showcases Denise LaSalle's 1985 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Those showcased songs are only a sampling of what I call "that's life" songs.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thank to the composer of this featured song and thanks to Joe Simon for his musical legacy. Thanks also to also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this example on YouTube.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT JOE SIMON
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Simon_(musician)
"Joe Simon (born September 2, 1943)[1] is an American chart-topping, Grammy Award winning, soul and R&B musician. Amongst other chart singles, Simon secured three number one hits on the US Billboard R&B chart between 1969 and 1975...

In 1999 Simon was inducted as a Pioneer Award honoree by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation."

****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Joe Simon - It be's that way sometimes



Rpjuvi, Uploaded on Sep 14, 2010

Joe Simon - Get down 1974
-snip-
The YouTube uploader of another sound file of this same song provided the following information: "Joe Simon - It Be's That Way Sometimes
(P. Mitchell); Produced by J.Simon and R.Gerald"

****
Here are two comments from that example's discussion thread which document that instead of the person who is experiencing something bad consoling himself or herself that "such is life", a person who has experienced something good can say "it be's that way sometimes" in a playful way to someone who has experienced something bad- in this case, while playing cards:
Linda Oliver, 2014
"We used to say it all the time in the 70's, especially when we won a card game in the union building at JSC in Jackson, MS."
Reply
makini t.tate, 2014
"U are so-o dead on, this was one of black folk's favorite lines back in the day. slap that card on the table and declare"IT BE'S THAT WAY!!"
-snip-
“so dead on” = so right [correct]

****
LYRICS: IT BE'S THAT WAY SOMETIMES*
(sung by Joe Simon)

[Spoken/sung]
I been abused and I been misused.
And I’m mad as hell.
In other words I’m stone mad.
You know, I took a young lady out to dinner
And after dinner she said “I’m gonna have to leave you now”.
I said “Do you mean to tell me
I done spent $15.00 or $16.00 on your dinner
and you gonna leave me and ain’t gonna do nothing.?
Do you know what that dirty… woman said?
[She] put her hand or her hips and looked at me and said:
“I knew all the time what you had in mind.
But, Joe Simon, it bes that way sometime.”

[Sung]
Have you ever
wanted something
that you just couldn’t have.
And have you ever heard
something funny.
It was so funny,
but you just couldn’t laugh.
Oh-o no.
Tell me, have you ever been some place,
you was havin a good time
Oh! And you just didn’t wanna leave.
Oh-o, it bes that way sometimes. [male back-up singers sings “it bes that way sometime” along with soloist]
Let me say it again,
It bes that way, and yes it bes that way sometimes.
If you don’t mind hearin the truth,
have you ever, have you ever loved somebody
that didn’t love you.
It’s hard, it’s hard.
And that somebody, that somebody you love
Loves someone else, too.
And that pain is so hard to bare.
Have you ever been down and out,
felt just like you was about to lose your mind.
Oh-o, it bes that way sometimes. [male back up singers sings along with the soloist]
Oh, hey, it bes that way sometimes.

[Spoken/sung]
I wanna know do y’all know what I’m talkin about.
You see, life is a funny thing, children.
Life ain’t always in your favor.

[Humming]

[Sung]
Have you ever, have you ever met somebody
that you really did like.
Listen to me good now.
And that somebody, that somebody you like,
that dirty dog, turned around and stabbed you in the back.
You took them to be your friend.
You see a true friend
these days Oh!
its kinda hard to find.
Believe what Joe Simmon tells you
It bes that way sometimes [male back up singers sing “It bes that way some times” after most of the lines in this section]
I just wanna say one more time
It bes that way sometimes
It really bes that way sometimes
Oh, it bes that way sometimes
It really bes that way sometimes
It bes that way sometimes

When you done all about you can do
And like your friend don’t give a damn about you
I tell you it bes that way some time
You give him the clothes off your back
and he turns around and stab you in the back
Oh, you know it really bes that way sometimes
It bes that way some times.
Oh believe me when I tell ya
It really bes that way some times.
-snip-
*transcription by Azizi Powell from the recording. Additions and corrections are welcome.
"The word "stone" in the third line of this song is an intensifier. It serves the same purpose as the word "very". Another example of the use of the word "stone" this way in R&B/Pop is the 1968 song "Stone Soul Picnic" by The 5th Dimension.

****
This ends Part III of this series.

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Visitors' comments are welcome.

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Jimmy Cliff - That's The Way Life Goes (example & lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part II of a five part series that showcases three African American songs and one Caribbean song that have a "that's life" theme. By "that's life themes" I mean songs which reflect and promote the value that some Black people and some non-Black people have of being stoic when bad things happen to them.

This post showcases Jimmy Cliff's 1969 record "That’s The Way Life Goes".

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/nina-simone-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for Part I of this series. That post showcases Nina Simone's 1967 record "It Be's That Way" and includes a listing of and comments about "That's life" sayings.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/joe-simon-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for Part III of this series. Part III showcases Joe Simon's 1974 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-real-meanings-of-breaks-in-kurtis.html for Part IV of this series. Part IV showcases Kurtis Blow's 1980's record "The Breaks" and provides explanations for the various meanings of "the breaks" and other lines including the word "break" that are found in this rap.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/denise-lasalle-it-bes-that-way.html for Part V of this series. Part V showcases Denise LaSalle's 1985 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Those showcased songs are only a sampling of what I call "that's life" songs.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thank to Jimmy Cliff for his musical legacy. Thanks also to also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this example on YouTube.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT JIMMY CLIFF
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Cliff
"Jimmy Cliff, OM (born James Chambers, 1 April 1948)[2] is a Jamaican reggae musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer and actor. He is the only living musician to hold the Order of Merit, the highest honour that can be granted by the Jamaican government for achievements in the arts and sciences.

Cliff is best known among mainstream audiences for songs such as "Wonderful World, Beautiful People", "The Harder They Come", "Sitting in Limbo", "You Can Get It If You Really Want" and "Many Rivers to Cross" from the soundtrack to The Harder They Come, which helped popularize reggae across the world,[3] and his covers of Cat Stevens' "Wild World" and Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now" from the film Cool Runnings. He starred in the film The Harder They Come. Cliff was one of five performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010."

****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Jimmy Cliff - That's the Way Life Goes



DeGigantischeSok, Uploaded on Apr 11, 2009

Studio version of That's the Way Life Goes, from Jimmy Cliff's album, Wonderful World, Beautiful People.
-snip-
Here's a commentfrom this example's discussion thread:
dagzine, 2011
"It was first on the LP _Can't Get Enough of It_ on Veep Records, 1969. A&M released it on this album in 1970. It's the penultimate track on Wonderful World and the opening track on Can't Get Enough. Can't Get Enough of It is a brilliant record. Find it."

****
LYRICS: THAT'S THE WAY LIFE GOES
(Written by Jimmy Cliff)

As I walk along the street each day
These are the words I hear some people say
Maybe a girl never dig a guy
A deal is riding high
Today you’re up on top
Tomorrow you’re right down flat
Everybody seem to turn their back
You’re all alone on your own
Without a home no place to roam

Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey

That’s the way life goes tomorrow one never knows
That’s the way life goes today
Don’t you know
That’s the way life goes tomorrow one never knows
That’s the way life goes today

Now another fella told me that
And I believe this for a fact
Nobody knows that when they’re down and out
Make you feel you’re left out
When you get up on your feet again
Everybody wants to be your friend
Telling you on them you can depend
Now you’re a king
Got everything
You’re my friend
You can sing

Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey

That’s the way life goes tomorrow one never knows
That’s the way life goes today
Don’t you know it
That’s the way life goes tomorrow one never knows
That’s the way life goes today

Don’t you know it
That’s the way life goes tomorrow one never knows
That’s the way life goes today
---
Source: http://www.lyrics.com/thats-the-way-life-goes-lyrics-jimmy-cliff.html

Lyrics submitted by Roland Collins.

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This ends Part II of this series.

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Visitors' comments are welcome.

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Nina Simone - It Be's That Way Sometimes (comments, lyrics, example)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a five part series that showcases three African American songs and one Caribbean song that have a "that's life" theme. By "that's life themes" I mean songs which reflect and promote the value that some Black people and some non-Black people have of being stoic when bad things happen to them.

This post showcases Nina Simone's 1967 record "It Be's That Way" and also includes a listing of and comments about "That's life" sayings.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/jimmy-cliff-thats-way-life-goes-example.html for Part II of this series. Part II showcases Jimmy Cliff's 1969 record "That’s The Way Life Goes."

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/joe-simon-it-bes-that-way-sometimes.html for Part III of this series. Part III showcases Joe Simon's 1974 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-real-meanings-of-breaks-in-kurtis.html for Part IV of this series. Part IV showcases Kurtis Blow's 1980's record "The Breaks" and provides explanations for the various meanings of "the breaks" and other lines including the word "break" that are found in this rap.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/07/denise-lasalle-it-bes-that-way.html for Part V of this series. Part V showcases Denise LaSalle's 1985 record "It Be's That Way Sometimes".

Those showcased songs are only a sampling of what I call "that's life" songs.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thank Sam Waymon, thecomposer of this featured song and thanks to Nina Simone for her musical legacy. Thanks also to also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this example on YouTube.

****
COMMENTS ABOUT THE "THAT'S LIFE" THEME & ATTITUDE
"That's life" is my categorization of songs whose lyrics reflect and promote an attitude and stance that people should be stoic when bad things happen to them. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stoic provides this definition for " stoic"[noun] "a person who accepts what happens without complaining or showing emotion". Some common sayings in the United States for this stoic attitude and stance are:
“It bes that way some time", ”That's life". "That's the way life is", "Such is life", "Life goes on", “Tough luck”, "That’s the way the cookie crumbles”, “You win some and you lose some”, “That’s the breaks”, "It is what it is", and "Sh&t happens". Another, less well known saying is the injunction to "suck it up", meaning "internalize the emotions that you feel when something bad happens to you."

My sense is that in some cultures (such as in African American culture) stoicism is an attitude/stance that is valued as a general reaction to life where oppression, poverty, and other difficulties are the norm, and not just a reaction to personal misfortunes.

"It be's that way sometimes" (also written as "It bes that way sometimes" is an African American Vernacular English saying. One way of saying that same thing in Standard American English is "That's the way it is sometimes". According to this saying, instead of reacting in anger or expressing sadness, people are supposed to “keep on keepin on” and are supposed to act like -if not really feel- that “That [what happened or what someone said] don’t make me no never mind”. Another way of saying this is that they are supposed to act like they aren’t “phased” by anything.[that nothing can bother them].

"Brushing the dirt off of your shoulders" is an African American gesture that conveys the same non-concern for something bad that is said about you or something bad that happens to you. That folk gesture is the theme of Jay-Z's 2003 "Dirt off Your Shoulder". Both the gesture and that song were further popularized outside of African American communities when then Presidential candidate Barack Obama mimicked brushing dirt off of his shoulders at a campaign appearance in response to sharp attacks from his then rival Hillary Clinton. Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirt_off_Your_Shoulder for a Wikipedia article about that gesture, and click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzXcNgCr0nk for a video of Barack Obama brushing dirt off of his shoulders.

I believe that one reason why being stoic is so valued in certain African American culture because people living in difficult conditions may think that showing emotions may make them more vulnerable then they already are. However, I question whether this stoic response (or lack of any outward emotional responses) is emotionally healthy. When so high a value is placed on keeping emotions inside, those emotions can eventually cause people to explode. And the consequences to those explosions can be astronomical.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT NINA SIMONE
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nina_Simone: "NinaSimone... (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon; February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003) was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist widely associated with jazz music. She worked in a broad range of styles including classical, jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, and pop."...

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SHOWCASE EXAMPLE: Nina Simone -It Be's That Way Sometimes-1967 classic wax

.

ike turna, Uploaded on Jan 29, 2009

The High Priestess of Soul comes with it on this classic.from the album Silk And Soul.recorded from vinyl.

dig.................................
-snip-
Here's a comment from this sound file's discussion thread:
jazzbass25, 2010
"This song was written by Nina's brother, . Great 70's vibe. I play bass in Sam's band and this song is in our repetoire..Just pure funk!"

****
LYRICS: IT BE'S THAT WAY SOMETIMES
(sung by Nina Simone)

When your guy has got his hat,
And made himself hard to find
It doesn't mean you should go crazy,
It be's that way sometime
Find yourself another love
Who will treat you good and kind
Return that love he gives to you,
It also be's that way sometime

Baby, yes it does
Baby, yes it does
Baby, yes it does
Baby, yes it does
Baby

When you think you've found a love
And you have peace of mind
Somebody else steals his heart
Yes it also be's that way sometime
Baby, yes it does
Baby, yes it does
Baby, yes it does now
Baby, yes it does
Baby

Don't let the problems of this world
Drive you slowly out of your mind
Just smile look at the problem and say
It be's that way, be's that way sometime

Baby, yes it does
Baby, yes it does
Baby, yes it does now
Baby, yes it does
Baby, oh.....

Source: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ninasimone/itbesthatwaysometimes.html

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This ends Part I of this series.

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Visitors' comments are welcome.

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Arthur Mafokate - "Kaffir" & "Oyi Oyi" (South African Kwaito Music)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases two songs by Arthur Mafokate - "Kaffir" & "Oyi Oyi. Information about Arthur Mafokate and about these songs are also provided in this post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thank to Arthur Mafokate for his musical legacy. Thanks also to also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT ARTHUR MAFOKATE
From http://www.music.org.za/artist.asp?id=92
"THERE are few more captivating music personalities in South Africa than Arthur Mafokate.

A musician, singer, producer, performer, songwriter and television personality, Arthur (or Mr Vuvuzela as he’s also known) is undeniably one of the country’s most loved individuals: At the FNB South African Music Awards, Arthur scooped the rest of the music industry to take home the award for Song of the Year. A new category, Song of the Year is voted for by the South African music listening public and the success of Arthur’s song, Oyi Oyi, in a year when the competition was strong is indicative of his enduring appeal for his hundreds of thousands of fans.

When he first came to public attention in the late 1980s, Arthur was not a singer, but a dancer who’d won the Dance Categories at a number of different competitions including the Shell Road to Fame Talent Search and the Town Talk Pantsula Dance Competition.

He also made his mark on the modelling world, having taken the Mr Soweto title and achieved runner-up status in the Mr South Africa competition.

But, in spite of these successes and potential career directions, Arthur instinctively knew he wanted to be involved in the music business. Drawing inspiration from his role model, Chicco, Arthur set about looking for a recording deal, and , after some intermittent success, he secured a deal with CCP records....

Kaffir, released in mid-1995, was a six-track EP that stamped Arthur as an artist unafraid to court controversy or state his strongly held opinions. The EP, which featured four versions of Kaffir and two of a track called Daai Ding (which railed against those who ostracize Shangaan speakers) featured the lyrics “Nee baas…don’t call me Kaffir' underpinned by a steady kwaito beat. While being banned by a few radio stations, the song caught the imagination of the country’s youth and the EP went on to sell in excess of 150 000 copies.

Kaffir also stamped Arthur as a kwaito originator and he was soon looking for other projects to tackle. He found these in New School and Abashante, both of which Arthur produced and for which he wrote material, once again showcasing his broad range of talents...

The King of Kwaito, as Arthur has been dubbed by his fans, is not one to rest on his laurels and in 1997, Arthur released the blasting force of sound that was Oyi Oyi. Solid hard-hitting kwaito tracks are the hallmark of this alum, which kicked off with the killer single, Oyi Oyi - a track blessed with a great hook and all the necessary humour and gimmicks that make kwaito songs hits."...

****
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Mafokate
"Arthur Mafokate is a South African kwaito musician and producer. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of the Kwaito music genre.

...He was credited with creating the first kwaito hit with his 1995 song VUVUZELA".[2] While the song itself is notable musically for spearheading a new genre of music, its lyrics reflect the new freedoms that emerged after the political changes of 1994, including the implementation of a new constitution and democratic election system.[3] The title, "Kaffir," is a derogatory term used mostly in South Africa as a racial slur to refer to black people. In his song, Mafokate protests against the use of the word "kaffir," claiming that his employer (called "baas" or boss) would not like to be referred to as "bobbejaan," or baboon.

This song is significant, not only as a musical milestone, but also in terms of the lyrics. The association of kwaito with gangsters is because kwaito in itself, according to Mafokate, is “all about ghetto music.” However, as the apartheid era was coming to an end, this new song and genre represented a perfect reminder of the atrocities of the past and inspiration for the future, while stamping Mafokate’s reputation as an artist unafraid to stir up controversy or voice his strong opinions.
I don’t come from hell.
You would not like it if I called you a baboon.
Even when I try washing up, you still call me a kaffir.
Boss, don’t call me a kaffir.

These words are recurring until the end of the song, while the lyrics are repeated sequentially at various pitches, a common theme of African music. While being banned by a few radio stations, the song caught the imagination of the country’s youth and the EP went on to sell in excess of 150,000 copies and largely influenced the state of kwaito today.

... Arthur Mafokate, credited as the King of Kwaito, was recognized for his contribution to this new generation of music at the 2007 FNB South African Music Awards.[7] His victory in the ‘Song of the Year’ category, depicts the peculiar popularity of a music genre which does not analyze the historical black struggle like traditional South African music has often done. The genre of Kwaito music resulted from “the lifting of sanctions in South Africa which provided musicians with easier access to international music tracks and a radical revision of censorship, while the easing political situation allowed for greater freedom of expression. Freedom of expression meant that for the first time, the youth of South Africa could make their voices heard”.[8] ... Unlike the often apolitical characteristics of kwaito music, Mafokate does address the lower class black experience in South Africa in much of his music as is revealed in the lyrics of “Kaffir”.
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Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwaito for more for information about Kwaito music.
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Both the song "Kaffir" & "Oyi Oyi" would be considered classic, old school Kwaito.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORD "KAFFIR"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_South_African_slang_words
"Slang originating from other countries
Kaffir – 1790, from Arabic "kāfir" كَافِر, literally "one who does not admit the blessings of God", from kafara كَفَرَ "to cover up, conceal, deny". Non Believer. In a purely religious sense would refer to an atheist not believing in any creator or creative-force, but in Ottoman times it came to refer almost exclusively to "Christians". Used as a term of disdain referring to Dutch Colonists in Indonesia/Malaysia. Carried to the Cape of Good Hope by Dutch colonists who consequently used it to refer contemptously to the native population. Early English missionaries adopted it as an equivalent of "heathen" to refer to Bantus in South Africa (1792), from which use it came generally to mean "South African black" regardless of ethnicity, and became a term of abuse at least as early as 1934. [racial slur for] a black person (Usage now actionable on account of historical ties to Apartheid and incitement to racial hatred.)"

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FEATURED VIDEOS
Example #1: Arthur Mafokate - Kaffir


solbhala Uploaded on Sep 12, 2011
classic kwaito , Kwaito , Arthur Mafokate, Kaffir, Mafokate
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The comments in this YouTube discussion thread contained a considerable amount of profanity and arguments particularly about the word "kaffir" which is as offensive as what is often called "the n word". Here's one profanity free comment from that discussion thread:

sanecats, 2011
"This song is by Aurthur Mafokate, a black man. It is "satirical kwaito" music. His album "The best of Athur" (a double CD) contains all the hits like Kaffir, Daai Ding, Mnike, Die Poppe sal dans, Twalatza, President, Vuvuzela, and history making songs like Oyi Oyi, which was the first kwaito song to win a SAMA song of the year award. Why get upset @ TheMina31???"
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Here's information about the SAMA awards from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_Music_Awards
"The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) are an annual award ceremony, run by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), where accolades are presented to members of South Africa's music industry. Winners receive a statuette called a SAMA. The event was established in 1995.... The SAMAs are the South African equivalent of the American Grammy Awards."

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Example #2: Arthur Mafokate - Oyi, Oyi - Kwaito



MAURA MACIVER, Uploaded on Apr 16, 2008

Music Video Produced and Directed by Maura Maciver

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