Why, Why,
People funny boy?
Why, Why, People funny
boy?
Now that you reach the top
And you turn big shot
All I have done for you
You not remember that
When you were down and out
I used to help you out
But now that you win jackpot
You don't remember that
Now that you turn big shot
Boy you have big chat
You're lucky, You're lucky, You're lucky,
Now that you reach the top
And you turn big shot
All I have done for you
You not remember that
When you were down and out
I used to help you out
But now that you win jackpot
You don't remember that
Now that you turn big shot
Boy you have big chat
You're lucky, You're lucky, You're lucky,
To have rice and peas a' yard
But me, Poor me, Don't have none at all
I want-a, I want-a, I want-a
NOTE: So many thoughts concerning this big subject song, which I love.
Looping a bawling baby’s cries and using them as percussion is genius, but
enduringly popular as Scratch’s anthem has been, it is often
described as near-doggerel -- simply bitter commentary by a mistreated, cheated Studio One employee – rather than the rallying
cry it is opposing & chanting down the human condition. Graham Greene would understand. Morrissey also. (Think about England Made Me and You Just Haven’t Earned
It Yet, Baby). A record producer I know says “anyone can sing” and
today with vocal tuning I suppose that’s true.
But non-singing vocalist Perry seizes the day by not nibbling around
the edges of notes, but devouring the musical scenery instead. Perry is on the side of the angels. The Devil Came From Kansas.
