Who or what is Bag a Wire?

[czgibson]

I keep hearing this phrase knocking about in roots tunes. 'Bag a wire / catch a fire' - you know the drill. But what does it mean?

I can't remember which tune (by Big Youth, I think), but there was one I heard where 'Bag a wire' seemed to be a person who was anti-Garvey. Anyone have any more info?

[ton1]

Bag O Wire was supposed to be Garvey's driver and the one who betrayed him before disappearing.

http://www.kasnet.com/heroesofjamaica/mg/g10/g10.html

As a consequence, it has been extended in jamaican patois to point out any traitor.

[czgibson]

Nice one - thank you.

The Mighty Diamonds tune mentioned in the link is the one I was thinking of too!

[selecta bing]

Yes, Prince Far I also lists him as one to condemn.
"Man called Bag o wire should burn in fire"

[Jah Glu]

johnny clarke too

[jahganja7]

knowing the meaning of the name, it seems strange that the producer Sydney Crooks would choose it for an alias and album title...

[ton1]

that's what i ask myself when i found the LP few weeks ago. Moreover, you can see Garvey's face on the cover. To be mentioned : there's a title called "Judas" on this album so another reference to betrayal.

[bwoyrough]

Bag o wire definatley means Betrayer, i've read this a few times.

[James]

Check Johnny Clark's album Rockers Time Now (1976)

http://www.roots-archives.com/release/65

The whole story is told in the song: "Them Never Love Poor Marcus."

"It was she and Bag-o-wire who gave away Garvey..."

Funny, but I was just listening to this album yesterday, shortly after running across this thread. Forgot the song was even there, just felt like hearing some Johnny Clark.

Coincidence, or suggestion?

[ton1]

Lol, me too 2 or 3 days ago (so shortly before the thread) and i didn't come to my mind when i answered to czgibson !