Roots Archives Forum

Hi all,

I'm new here but it seems to be a place of great knowledge! So I wonder if anyone can help me, I have always wondered the meaning behind the lyrics to 'Satan Army Band' by Black Uhuru. Particularly the lines: "Satan follow the army band, Babylon pick it up strong, strong, strong".

Also, as far as I can hear their is mention of a hot cross bun at some point!? How do you interpret the overall theme of this song? Sorry I don't currently have it to hand (or rather ear!) to transcribe the full lyrics.

And lastly, has the riddim to this great song been used for anything else?

Thanks.

I just did a search of the forum (sorry, should have doen that first) and found this info on the Satan Army Band riddim:

1977-producer: Prince Jammy
Love Crisis JA Jammy’s/UK Third World LP:
BLACK SOUNDS UHRO-Satan Army Band

1978-producers: The Mighty Fatman and U-Brown
Mr. Brown Something Virgin Front Line LP:
U BROWN-Tottenham Rock

1981-producer: Prince Jammy
Black Sounds of Freedom UK Greensleeves LP:
BLACK UHURU-Satan Army Band

1982-producer: Prince Jammy
Prince Jammy Presents Uhuru in Dub UK CSA LP:
SLY & ROBBIE/BLACK UHURU-Firehouse Special

1979-producer: Prince Jammy
Greensleeves 12”:
JUNIOR DELGADO-Love Tickles Like Magic
PRINCE JAMMY & THE AGROVATORS-Prince Jammy’s Magic

Still, any explanation of the lyrical meanings would still be appreciated!

I can't explain the lyrics which I also find quite mysterious. But I know another cut to the riddim : Bunny Lie Lie - Jah Jah Help Me, (album : Give me love).

Though i certainly am no expert, i always saw these lyrics as meaning Satan army band , as meaning basically Satan`s army as opposed to Jah army.Satan army band could be a thing relating to opposition to an army band ie a musical , military , band.An army band..if Rasta has been persecuted by military and militaristic people then i am not surprised they may think an army band would only be followed by Babylonians and those of poor education.Just a thought.

The Satan Army Band is mostly a reference to the political warfare (aka Tribal wars in many songs). Waterhouse was already becoming a nightmare in the late 70's and every youth living in a community was more or less forced to partake in(to defend his community). Being " a Rastaman " was one way out of the " satanic army band ". That's why Rose sings : " no one can change I from being a Rastaman and follow Satan... " Later on in the song, I think Rose gives a wider meaning to his song but basicaly, 99% of reggae songs talking bout " war, soldiers, army, peace and love, fight etc. ", talk about the kingstonian political warfare.

The remaining 1% being about South Africa, Zimbabwe and Angola.

...or nuclear war being a Bad Thing in general.

Thanks for the replies all, interesting thoughts!

King Jessus wrote:Hi all,

I'm new here but it seems to be a place of great knowledge! So I wonder if anyone can help me, I have always wondered the meaning behind the lyrics to 'Satan Army Band' by Black Uhuru. Particularly the lines: "Satan follow the army band, Babylon pick it up strong, strong, strong".

Also, as far as I can hear their is mention of a hot cross bun at some point!? How do you interpret the overall theme of this song? Sorry I don't currently have it to hand (or rather ear!) to transcribe the full lyrics.

And lastly, has the riddim to this great song been used for anything else?

Thanks.

Yeah, what is the deal with the line about hot cross buns?

There's a reference to 'cinnamon' at the beginning too.

Cinnamon. That's funny.



DB