Tag Archives: Music

I’m Coming Home by Motion lyrics

Take a ride through the streets of Saipan a few minutes before the 7pm COVID curfew: familiar landmarks, a beautiful sunset, Saipan facts and trivia…share with those who miss home!

BONUS: If you hang out until (or jump to) the end, I’ll treat you to one of my favorite songs–a beautiful track I used to play to end my Reggae Riddims radio show way back when I was “Sir Walt” the deejay on WKCR-FM, New York!

 

I’M COMING HOME by Motion

Sitting in a railway station
with my suitcase in my hand
Going back where I came from
I’ve had more than I can stand

Of watching them destroy my dream
They picked my brain ’til it was clean
When I was up, they knocked me down
Ain’t gonna hang around, I’m going home

I’m going home
I’m going home
Send someone to meet me I’m going home
I’m going home
Send someone to meet me I’m going home

I came to this ol’ town
seeking fortune and some fame
I never had the chance to prove myself
Though I tried to play their game

But using people just ain’t my thing
and I won’t _________________ (please help out in the comments)
to please some fool I don’t care about
They turned me inside out, I’m going home!

I’m going home
I’m going home
Send someone to meet me I’m going home
I’m going home
Send someone to meet me I’m going home

Going home!

The Jamaican on Saipan’s top 10 favorite Country music songs!

Admit it! You’re dying to know what I listen to while
I write my books and enjoy life on Saipan, or during airport layovers while I travel! Therefore, I offer to you:

THE JAMAICAN ON SAIPAN’S TOP 10 FAVORITE COUNTRY SONGS
Following a recent conversation with a friend about the music we listened to growing up, I decided to spend a few hours compiling a list. My favorite country music songs are from the 70s and 80s. (Yes, we listened to all types of music in Jamaica!) In my humble opinion, Country artists/writers have great lyrical dexterity, great melodies, great hooks and represent all around great music making!

The following are in no particular order, but if you’d like to know which song I listen to most often, it would probably be Ronnie Milsap’s He Got You (‪#‎3a‬)

Most of these youtube versions I found have the lyrics onscreen for your contemplation. Please take a listen to a few. Even if country’s not your thing, take a little adventure with me and let me know what you think! Thanks!

1. Your Memory by Steve Wariner

2. Middle Aged Crazy by Jerry Lee Lewis

3. He Got You & Any Day Now by Ronnie Milsap

4. Foolhearted Memory by George Strait

5. Highway 40 Blues by Ricky Skaggs

6. I Don’t Need You by Kenny Rogers

7. Luckenbach Texas by Waylon Jennings

8. Hard Candy Christmas by Dolly Parton

9. Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue by Crystal Gayle

10. I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool by Barbara Mandrell and George Jones

If you’re hearing any of these for the first time, I’d love to
get your feedback and which ones stand out to you!

A nomad’s final tether


I have a record collection of approximately 2,000-3,000 vinyl lps and singles. If you recall from an earlier post, my good friend, Tony, was gracious enough to give them a home in his garage in New Jersey. There they have languished while I traveled the world being Jamaican on Saipan, Singapore, Laos and China!

I’ve always mentioned that when I escaped from America in 2006, that I sold or gave away most of my possessions before jetting to Saipan. I lied. Because Tony is a friend, “giving” him the records was not really that difficult, since I knew that I could reconnect with them if need be. Well, that might be about to change–sort of. Tony wants his garage back, and as I’m about to escape from New York again to head back to Saipan, I’ve got to find them a new home, and cut the final tether. What to do????

And then, it hit me. Those records were accumulated while I was the on-air host of “Reggae Riddims” on WKCR-FM–Columbia University’s radio station. Perhaps I could donate them to the station! It seems like a good idea! They would have a good home. Rather than sitting in a garage, they could be providing enjoyment to many. And, if I set the terms of the donation correctly, I could have access to them at some point in the future without fear that they’d be sold or discarded.

I contacted the current student board of the station, and will likely have an initial meeting next week with the show’s current DJ for him to check out what I’ve got and to assess the offering! Stay tuned!

However, I’m still keeping my options open. If anyone wants to bid for a collection of Reggae from Jamaica/UK/Japan from the 70’s to mid 80’s–classics, collector’s items and rarities, send me an email! Well, I’ll probably keep some of the rarities for myself, but I can be bribed!

All good things must come to an–um, upload on Youtube????

Laverne and Shirley. The Odd Couple. Colditz. The Wonder Years. Ally McBeal. What do these–my favorite shows–all have in common? Well, they all end up on Youtube for the perpetual entertainment pleasure of future generations. Want to know what else ends up on Youtube? Vinyl records from a chapter in my life during which I was partner in a record label!

In my latest book, Ducks in a Row??? Please. How to find the courage to finally QUIT your soul-draining, life-sapping, energy-depleting, freedom-robbing job now…before it’s too late..and live passionately ever after!, I tell the story of how I designed album covers, managed artists, and eventually started a record label all in an effort to free myself from corporate captivity. Well, real-life evidence of that chapter of my life —a good thing–has ended up on Youtube!

In a story I wrote for the Saipan Tribune, I introduced you to my long-time friend, fellow Jamaican and consultant, Wayne “Sound” Wright, who ended up on Saipan–of all the places in the world! It was Wayne’s Reggae group, Abeng, for whom I designed the album cover, performed management duties, and whose music was released on my “first” record label, Strata Records.

Check out the Youtube clips below and you can see our names, Wayne, Gurdeep and Sir Walt on the label. I came up with the name and logo for the label (not the best of designs, but it sufficed), and had a co-worker, Richard A., a drafter at my civil engineering job, smooth out the lines for the design.

Two tracks from the Unconquerebel LP are on Youtube!

Move Out Babylon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uK62tbxiU48

Banana Man

Abeng Unconquerebel LP CD Strata Records first release
Abeng Unconquerebel LP CD Strata Records first release

So, for all you Reggae roots and culture historians and trivia buffs, you can learn everything there is to learn about Wayne, Abeng, the musicians featured on all the tracks, and see videos of live performances from the 90s, AND purchase the CD HERE (If you’re in China and can’t access Youtube, check out the website)

Note to the Youtube uploaders: I spoke with Wayne, and the now semi-defunct Strata Records has no copyright infringement issues with the uploaders on Youtube. However, feel free to link to say something nice as you share Wayne’s timeless and now documented contributions to Reggae history and entertainment!

Why are there so many songs about Rudebwoys?

Rudebwoy Connection, Dreadlocks Kermit!
Rudebwoy Connection, Dreadlocks Kermit!

While going through his extensive collection of photos, a friend of mine sent me photo of myself and a fellow Jamaican with the caption “Rudeboy Connection.” This, of course, brought to mind the song Rainbow Connection as sung by international superstar Kermit the Frog. One thought led to another, coupled with having entirely too much time on my hands, and voila, here is the result. Stay tuned for a youtube parody of the song with the new title and lyrics. Altogether now: “One day we’ll find it, the Rudeboy Connection, the Rastas, the rebels, and meeeeeeee….la, la, laaa, la….

Ky-mani Marley in Brooklyn, New York

I finally got out of the house to check out one of the concerts listed on my FreeSummerConcerts.com site. It was, none other than Ky-mani Marley!

From Wikipedia: Ky-mani is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist whose East African name means Adventurous Traveler. The only child of table tennis champion Anita Belnavis and reggae icon Bob Marley, Ky-mani Marley was born in Falmouth, Jamaica!

It was like back in my radio deejay days! A front row seat to see a Reggae icon!


That’s the money shot right there!

Videos will follow!

A poignant reunion with long lost friends in New Jersey

Once I realized that I would be traveling to New York, I made a list of things I needed to do and those I wanted to visit. This reunion was on the top of my list. 

Our original separation back in 2006 when I first launched my nomadpreneur adventure to go to Saipan was truly heartfelt. At the time, it was probably the hardest thing I had to do in order to leave New York free of attachments and be a minimalist.

Those friends had been with me through thick and thin. I knew them from back in and all throughout my college experience. They were with me when I moved into my first apartment in the Bronx. They were with me in subsequent moves to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th apartments in the Bronx, as well as 3 separate moves in Silver Spring, Maryland, 2 more moves back in Queens and finally to Manhattan. I really don’t know what I would have done without them. They’ve sort of been a constant….almost like a soundtrack playing in the background of my life. When I finally left New York for Saipan, they ended up in New Jersey. So, today, these many years later, I was really looking forward to seeing them again.

So, at about 9am, I hopped on a subway train (the “F” train) from Queens to Penn Station and boarded a New Jersey Transit train to New Jersey.

I traveled over hill and dale, across bridges and through tunnels.

As I traveled, I gazed longingly out the window and wondered. Have they been safe? What has life been like for them? Will I recognize them when I see them? Will I cry at the reunion?

 

Finally, it’s time to see them again.

 

A short ride from the train station, and I am finally here.

 

I take the few short steps up the stairs.

 

My heart is beating.

 

There’s a lump in my throat.

 

 

My hands are trembling.

 

 

And then I see them. There they are.

 

 

Just as I had left them.

 

 

 

Just as I remembered them.

 

 

I lean forward. Extend my arms.

 

 

…and start to giggle uncontrollably as I flip through my old vinyl record collection! Man, I missed you guys!

 

My friend, Tony, has been storing the 3,500 vinyl records that I had accumulated during my time as a radio deejay. There’s an eclectic collection of Reggae, Rock, Calypso, R&B, Jazz and more…many collector’s items and rare stuff unavailable online in this new digital age.


Bob Marley and the Beatles

So, the plan is to digitize some of the hard to find stuff that I haven’t heard in years so as to make my life complete.

Digitizing from vinyl to mp3. They’ve got special turntables for that! Modern technology.


Cue music: Peaches & Herb sing “Reunited, and it feels so good!”

There was one song, in particular, that had been haunting my mind that I absolutely had to hear again in real time. It was “’til the morning comes” by Lora McFarlane (Just a snippet, so I won’t be guilty of encouraging illegal file sharing!)


And thanks, Tony and Judy, for keeping my long lost friends safe and cool! And, um, yes, it was nice seeing you guys, too!

Music Matters: Reggae Music and The Jamaican in China!

For reasons I’ve yet to fully comprehend, I LOVE playing music for people. It all started back in college when I took over the reins of the “Caribbean Riddims” radio show from then host, Courtney Munroe.  For the next five years, I was known as “Sir Walt” the Reggae Deejay on WKCR-FM’s Thursday night show. (I eventually renamed the show “Reggae Riddims”) I shopped around New York’s many Reggae stores to find the latest and greatest music to play for my audiences. I get a unique thrill knowing that I’m introducing people to music they can listen to, think about, learn from and yes, even dance to.  The best calls I would receive during my shows would begin with the words, “Wow! What was the name of that song you just played…?” or “Where can I get that song you played last week?”

Of course, I consider myself very blessed to have been born Jamaican. Growing up in the country that created Reggae music was and continues to be a treat beyond compare.  At the time I was growing up in Jamaica, we had two radio stations–RJR and JBC–Radio Jamaica and Redifusion, and Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, respectively. On any given day, you could hear soul, calypso, US country music, Jazz and more all one right after the other all on the same station. Even if you didn’t have a short wave radio, like I did, you could pick up Spanish broadcasts from Cuba, which is only 90 miles north of Jamaica. Oddly enough, because of the early reputation of Reggae on the island of Jamaica itself, there was actually a time that it got harder to hear Reggae on Jamaican radio! Yes, it’s true! However, the rise of Reggae’s international appeal–thanks to artists like Bob Marley–changed that.

In any event, I’ll speak more about music matters as time goes on, but the reason this all came up, is that I recently realized that my FreeSummerConcerts website is actually an online manifestation of that same passion for sharing music. It takes a slightly different form, but every summer, I compile a list of all the free music concerts taking place in my former “home” of New York City, and I present it on my site and to my mailing list (14,000 people at last count).

Furthermore, it seems my two former lives (radio deejay and New York resident) just converged this week, when I noticed that Reggae artist, Maxi Priest would be performing in New York on Thursday, August 4!

So, in sending out this week’s FreeSummerConcerts mailing to my subscriber list , I searched through my old photo collection and added the following preface (blue) to this week’s concert listing:

 

[Dear Summerconcert subscribers],
This is one week when I’d LOVE to be back in New York with you! Aretha Franklin is performing, and Maxi Priest is coming to town! For those of you who didn’t know,(and that would be all of you), I used to be a radio deejay on WKCR-FM, New York. I had a show called “Reggae Riddims” as “Sir Walt.”As such, I got to interview great Reggae performers, and got free tickets to attend concerts, meet the artists backstage and duringrehearsals and more! I was the first deejay on New York radio to play Maxi Priest’s debut album, and had a chance to grab some shotsway, way, way back in the day! So, finally, all these years later, I get to scour through my recently digitized collection of 4,800 photos to find a fewshots to share with you!

British artist, Pato Banton, Maxi Priest and Me in Central Park (early 90’s I believe)

Freddie McGregor and Maxi at rehearsal before a concert at Radio City Music Hall

Front row seat shot of Maxi letting his hair down for the crowd!

Maxi Priest performs this Thursday in New York City

WHEN: Thursday, August 4, 2011, 12:00 PM(NOON)

ARTIST/EVENT: Maxi Priest!

WHERE: BAM MetroTech Commons, the corner of Flatbush and Myrtle Avenues in Downtown Brooklyn. (BROOKLYN)
Could someone please film it and post to youtube?

So, the point is: I’ve got years of stories to tell, photos to share, lyrics to translate, bootleg recordings to play (I never destroy or delete anything), so I’ll be sharing more of my passion for ALL TYPES of music right here on the Jamaican in China blog..(after all, I promised you Reggae music as well as everything else as part of I want to date a Jamaican in China!”, so here’s where I deliver), because….music matters!

 

Di bus CAN, in fact, swim (Free download of Holland basement house remix of Nobody Canna Cross it!)

All the way from Holland, comes proof positive that di bus can, in fact, swim! You should never doubt Clifton again.

Once again, I’ve converted the flv to an mp4 file for your easy download and viewing pleasure! No need to thank me, just tell a friend!

Click here to download Di Bus CAN Swim!
Click here to download

Download The Original Nobody Canna Cross It Video

“Nobody Canna (cannot) Cross it!” Jamaican Translation and Lyrics

If you haven’t heard about the latest viral hit to reach youtube, it’s a new genre of infotainment called a “News Remix” by Jamaica’s DJ Powa! Here’s a little background, plus the lyrics for those of you who need a little help deciphering exactly what’s being said.

Certain parts of the island of Jamaica (specifically, the parish of St. Thomas) were experiencing some flooding recently…A news report was produced highlighting the situation. A creative Jamaican DJ deftly edited the report and added a musical track and, word has it, it’s such a catchy hit that it’s even being played in the clubs in Jamaica! Here is that “remix” of the news report  that puts the situation into musical perspective! I love my countrymen!

Click on the image or link to watch it on Youtube. (Opens in a new window, so you can keep the lyrics handy.)

 

DOWNLOAD video

Lyrics to “Nobody Canna Cross it”
(Nobody Cannot Cross it)
A News Remix by DJ Powa

  • Note 1: This is my Listener’s Guide, modified from mscdubya’s youtube comment.
  • Note 2: As a Jamaican, I can tell you that Clifton is saying “Nobody cannot cross it.” (We’ll forgive him for the double negative)
  • Note 3: $250 Jamaican dollars is about $3US.
    NEWSCASTER: “Three miles down the road is the Yallahs River. Residents were forced to pay between $250JA and $500JA dollars to cross, as transportation was restricted to either a heavy-duty vehicle or being lifted across.Right now, nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can understan’ it cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only a fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!

    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can manage (handle/negotiate) the water
    It’s only so (that way) they (can) come over
    Or if we(‘re) around to help them.

    Nobody can swim
    ‘Cause if you cannot swim, you cannot cross it.
    Nobody cannot cross it (Unless) If we around to help them over
    Fisherman can cross it
    And a fisherwoman could cross it
    Cannot swim? Trust me.. You gone (you’ll be carried out by the current) to St. Thomas pond!


    Chorus:

    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only (a) fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can manage (handle/negotiate) the water
    It’s only so (that way) they (can) come over
    Or if we(‘re) around to help them.

    Not all the vehicles – can cross it
    This vehicle – cannot cross it
    We’re locked away in the wilderness
    Nobody cross it. (CROSS!)

    Yesterday, the bus just come in from town… A bus load of people
    It was just the mercy of God why the bus don’t go over (capsize)
    The bus can swim! The bus can swim! The bus can swim!
    Believe it or not, the bus can swim!

    Yesterday, the bus just come in from town
    The bus can cross it
    The last time, (we had a) hurricane, we had to bury up the top (not sure about this line-W)
    Nobody nuh fi walk (Nobody should walk)
    The bus can swim
    Nobody nuh fi walk (Nobody should walk)
    The bus can cross it

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can understand it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only  fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can manage (handle/negotiate) the water
    It’s only so (that way) they (can) come over
    Or if we(‘re) around to help them.

    I’m very concerned; very concerned
    Because nobody cannot cross it
    Not even the kids dem* can go to school, trust me!
    Because nobody cannot cross it
    Fisherman and a fisherwoman can cross it.
    Like, them understan’ it
    Cannot swim? Trust me: You’re going to dead up (you’re going to be dead up there)

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can manage (handle/negotiate) the water
    It’s only so (that way) they (can) come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    Nobody cannot cross it! Nobody could cross it
    It’s only who can swim (can) cross it
    Cr cr cross it (CROSS!) No no no no no..body cross it!!!!

    COMMENTATOR: “Dara Smith, TVJ News”

    *dem (them) can be used to make a noun plural (“Di bwoy dem a play football”). However, it can also serve in what is a uniquely Jamaican secondary pluralization of an already plural noun. So, “the kids dem” might best be translated, for instance, as “the kids–all of them–cannot cross it.” However, it also serves as a term of endearment that has the effect of humanizing or evoking empathy for the shared experience of the group or animals being referred to. You wouldn’t typically use “dem” when referring to inanimate objects. However, you might typically say “The people dem start to riot caw dem can’t get no food!” (the new double plural noun is “people dem”); Or, you might say “Di dog dem start to bark when the fire start!” (The new double plural noun is “dog dem.”)–a cultural note from Walt Goodridge, Jamaican in China

     


    YAAD STYLE (NO TRANSLATION!)

    NEWSCASTER: “Three miles down the road is the Yallahs River. Residents were forced to pay between 250 and 500 dollars to cross, as transportation was restricted to either a heavy-duty vehicle or being lifted across.

    Right now, nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can understan’ it cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!

    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can manage the water
    Is only so dem c’n come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    Nobody can swim
    ‘Cause if you cannot swim, you cannot cross it.
    Nobody cannot cross it. If we around to help them over
    Fisherman can cross it
    And a fisherwoman could cross it, cross it
    Cannot swim? Trust me.. Yuh gone to St. Thomas pond!

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can manage the water
    Is only so dem c’n come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    Not all the vehicles – can cross it
    This vehicle – cannot cross it
    We lock away in the wilderness
    Nobody cross it! (CROSS!)

    Yesterday, the bus just come in from town… A bus load of people
    Is just the mercy of God why the bus don’t go over
    The bus can swim! The bus can swim! The bus can swim!
    Believe it or not, the bus can swim!

    Yesterday, the bus just come in from town
    The bus can cross it
    The last time, hurricane, we had to bury up the top (not sure about this line-W)
    Nobody nuh fi walk
    The bus can swim
    Nobody nuh fi walk
    The bus can cross it

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only  fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can manage the water
    Is only so dem c’n come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    I’m very concerned; very concerned
    Because nobody cannot cross it
    Not even the kids dem can go to school, trust me!
    Because nobody cannot cross it
    Fisherman and a fisherwoman can cross it.
    Like them understan’ it
    Cannot swim? Trust me: You’re going to dead up!

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can manage the water
    Is only so dem c’n come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    Nobody cannot cross it! Nobody could cross it
    Is only who can swim cross it
    Cr-cr-cross it! (CROSS!) No no no no no..body cross it!!!!

    COMMENTATOR: “Dara Smith, TVJ News”

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Xishuangbanna Music Memories

The name of the song is “Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna” (Don’t Ever Leave). When I was hanging out with Rohana and Sultan, my friends from Myanmar who ran a jewelry shop in Xishuangbanna, this was the song we listened to to pass the time.

 

Myanmar in Xishuangbanna
Practically all the jade stores in Jinghong city are owned by Myanmar nationals.

Myanmar in Xishuangbanna
I miss Xishuangbanna!

Myanmar in Xishuangbanna
Sultan, Rohana and me…Last hour in Xishuangbanna