Roots Archives Forum

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?

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.

Nice one - thank you.

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

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

johnny clarke too

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

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.

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

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?

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 !