Roots Archives Forum

I was sorting through some old boxes of 7" singles the other day and Rat in the Centre by Archie and Lyn popped out. Does any one remember it came out in about 1980/81, one of the greatest set of lyrics I can remember, they went:

Rat in the Centre
Which Centre?
The Community Centre
Who you know dat?
Cause I'm the Acting Manager for the Comminity Centre

Only in reggae could you get lyrics like that, its like a conversation.

I guess it also became the template for Rat in the Kitchen by UB40.

I LOVE THIS SONG! I have been trying to find it for YEARS! I remember it from my childhood, but no one I try to sing the lyrics to knew what I was talking about, made me think I was crazy.

Absolutely great tune, was it on a Techniques cut of Real Rock (can't remember), it was really popular in the club I used to go to. Agree with Seanmd about Rat in mi Kitchen which is one of UB40's better ones I think.

What was great about the tune was that was a clear example of how reggae music reflected everyday life in Jamaica. Without getting too deep, it was a social commentary of life at the time. Not even Dylan could have come up with lyrics like that!

Return of Jesco wrote: was it on a Techniques cut of Real Rock (can't remember)

Yes it was