Biography:
Max Romeo (born Maxwell Livingston Smith, 22 November 1947, St. D'Acre, St. Ann, Jamaica), is a reggae and roots reggae recording artist who has achieved chart success in his home country, and in the UK. The singer who put the rude in rude boy, Max Romeo was responsible for launching an entirely new sub-genre of reggae, whose overtly suggestive lyrics caused an outcry but took a massive hold of the music scene regardless. Yet innuendo was the least of the singer's stylings
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...WAR INA BABYLON... by Max Romeo (1976)
---------------------.............
...........................................
*WAR INA BABYLON*
-----------------
>1. ONE STEP FORWARD
>2. UPTOWN BABIES DON'T CRY
>3. I CHASE THE DEVIL
>4. WAR INA BABYLON
>5. NORMAN
>6. STEALING IN THE NAME OF JAH
>7. TAN AND SEE
>8. SMOKEY ROOM
>9. SMILE OUT A STYLE
...........................................
1...ONE STEP FORWARD... by Max Romeo
-----------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
(Lyrics from http://hjem.get2net.dk/sbn/reggae)
Intro:
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na,
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na.
Chorus 1:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Verse 1:
Bbm Fm
One day you are Dreadlocks, (well Dread),
Bbm Fm
Next day you are baldhead, (clean shave).
Chorus 2:
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon,
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Verse 2:
Bbm Fm
Are you a commercialized? Grabbing at the cash-backs?
Bbm Fm
This is a time of decision; tell me, what is your plan? Yeah.
Chorus 3:
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon,
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Verse 3:
Bbm Fm
Straight is the road that leads to de-struction, (ooh yeah),
Bbm Fm
The road to righteousness is narrow. Ah let me tell you say;
Bbm Fm
Indictive feelings, enter feeling,
Bbm Fm
The truth is a fact, tell me;
Bbm Fm
Are you a con man, or are you a dreadlocks, eh?
Chorus 4:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Break:
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na,
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na.
Verse 4:
Bbm Fm
The road is rough and the hill is steep, (ah let me tell you say);
Bbm Fm
The mountain is high and the valley is deep, (oh yeah, oh yeah).
Chorus 5:
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon,
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Chorus 6:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Break:
Bbm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah,
Fm
Ah, let me tell you say, ah, let me tell you say.
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, ah, let me tell you say.
Chorus 7:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Verse 5:
Bbm Fm
Straight is the road that leads to de-struction, (ooh yeah),
Bbm Fm
The road to righteousness is narrow. Ah let me tell you say;
Bbm Fm
Indictive feelings, enter feeling,
Bbm Fm
The truth is a fact, tell me;
Bbm Fm
Are you a con man, or are you a dreadlocks, eh?
Chorus 8:
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon,
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Chorus 9:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Coda:
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na,
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Bbm Fm
EADGBE EADGBE
x13321 133111
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
2...UPTOWN BABIES DON'T CRY... by Max Romeo
------------------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
Eb
Verse 1:
Eb
See the little lad selling kiss-cup?
Shouting; kiss ca-pop, kiss ca-pop, kiss ca-pop, kiss ca-pop's.
Verse 2:
Eb
See the little lad selling Star?
Shouting; Star news, read the news, read the news, read the news.
Bridge 1:
Bb Ab
He is doing it you see, to help his mummy pay the fee,
Eb
For little junior to go to school.
Chorus 1:
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what hungry is like.
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what suffering is like.
Eb
They have mummy and daddy, lot's of toys to play with.
Nanny and granny, lot's of friends to stay with.
Chorus 2:
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what hungry is like.
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what suffering is like.
Eb
They have mummy and daddy, lot's of toys to play with.
Nanny and granny, lot's of friends to stay with.
Interlude:
Eb
Verse 3:
Eb
Hear that little baby crying?
Yes, she's crying, she's crying, she's crying because she's hungry.
Verse 4:
Eb
You can hear her mama saying;
It ain't easy, ain't easy, ain't easy when you're poor you see.
Bridge 2:
Bb Ab
And speaking of life in the ghetto, where sur-vival is the motto;
Eb
And putting it to you; poverty is a sin.
Chorus 3:
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what hungry is like.
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what suffering is like.
Eb
They have mummy and daddy, lot's of toys to play with.
Nanny and granny, lot's of friends to stay with.
Chorus 4:
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what hungry is like.
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what suffering is like.
Eb
They have mummy and daddy, lot's of toys to play with.
Nanny and granny, lot's of friends to stay with.
Outro:
Eb
Uptown babies don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. (Mummy and daddy),
They don't know what suffering is like. (Mummy and daddy).
Uptown babies don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. (Mummy and daddy),
They don't know what suffering is like. (Mummy and daddy).
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Eb Bb Ab
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
x68886 688766 466544
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
3...I CHASE THE DEVIL... by Max Romeo
------------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
(Lyrics from: http://hjem.get2net.dk/sbn/reggae)
Intro:
(n.C)
Lucifer, Son of the Mourning; I'm gonna chase you out of earth!
Am
Chorus 1:
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase Satan out of earth,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase The Devil out of earth.
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race.
Verse 1:
Dm Em
Satan is an evilous man, but him can't chocks it on I-man.
Dm Em
So when I check him my lassing hand, and if him slip; I gaan with him hand.
Chorus 2:
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase Satan out of earth,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase The Devil out of earth.
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race.
Verse 2:
Dm Em
Him haffi drop him fork and run; him can't stand up to Jah Jah son.
Dm Em
Him haffi lef' ya with him gun; dig off with him bomb.
Chorus 3:
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase Satan out of earth,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase The Devil out of earth.
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race.
Verse 3:
Dm Em
Satan is an evilous man, but him can't chocks it on I-man.
Dm Em
So when I check him my lassing hand, and if him slip; I gaan with him hand.
Chorus 4:
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase Satan out of earth,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase The Devil out of earth.
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race.
Coda:
Am Em Dm Am
Move ya with your gun, mi sey fe lef' ya with your bomb...
(Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Am Em Dm
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
577555 x79987 x57765
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2005 ([email protected])
4...WAR INA BABYLON... by Max Romeo
----------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
(Lyrics from: http://hjem.get2net.dk/sbn/reggae)
Intro:
C
It sipple out deh!
Chorus 1:
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
Verse 1:
G
De baba men nuh like de dreadlocks man,
C
De dreadlocks man nuh like de baba man, no.
G
De po-lice men nuh like de dreadlocks man,
C
De dreadlocks man nuh like de po-lice man, no.
Chorus 2:
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
Verse 2:
G
When come pride, then cometh shame,
C
A man pride shall bring him low yeah, oh yeah.
G
Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit,
C
And you know it's true, yeah, oh yeah.
Chorus 3:
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
G
True, true, true; it sipple out deh,
C
So wha' fe do? Mek we slide out deh, oh yeah.
G
True, true, true; it sipple out deh,
C
So wha' fe do? Mek we slide out deh, oh yeah.
Verse 3:
G
Marcus Garvey prophesise, say;
C
"One mus' live 10 miles away, yeah, in this time".
G
I-man satta at the mountain top,
C
Watching Babylon burning red hot, red hot.
Chorus 4:
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
C
It sipple out deh; so wha' fe do? We slide out deh, oh yeah.
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
C
It sipple out deh; so wha' fe do? We slide out deh, oh yeah.
G
True, true, true; it sipple out deh,
C
So wha' fe do? Mek we slide out deh, oh yeah.
G
True, true, true; it sipple out deh,
C
Let me tell; we slide out deh.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
G C
EADGBE EADGBE
355433 x35553
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
5...NORMAN... by Max Romeo
-------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
Am
Verse 1:
Am
Norman the gambler, rides around in a rambler,
Diamonds and pearls in the back.
Am
Occupation house master; he lives off the less,
Running from the East, to the West. (Let me tell you more);
Chorus 1:
Am
Norman never lose, always wins;
Yet Norman never give away a thing.
If you ask for a-less, he said he wants more.
Verse 2:
Am
Norman the gambler, rides around in a rambler,
With pretty girls in the back.
Bridge 1:
Am
He always set the pack; Norman always jumps the Jack.
Every hand that he shows is a flusherers' trick (?)
(Let me tell you more);
Chorus 2:
Am
Norman never lose, always wins;
Yet Norman never give away a thing.
If you ask for a-less, he said he wants more.
Bridge 2:
Am
He always set the pack,
Norman always jumps the Jack, yeah!
Interlude:
Am
Verse 3:
Am
Norman the gambler, rides around in a rambler,
Diamonds and pearls in the back.
Am
Occupation house master; he lives off the less,
Running from the East to the West. (Let me tell you, see);
Chorus 3:
Am
Norman never lose, always wins; yet Norman never give away a thing.
If you ask for a-less, he said he wants more. (Let me tell you, see);
Bridge 3:
Am
He always set the pack, Norman always jumps the Jack.
Every hand that he shows, is a flusherers' trick. (A-do you hear?)
Verse 4:
Am
Norman the gambler, rides around in a rambler,
Diamonds and pearls in the back.
Am
Occupation house master; he lives off the less,
Running from the East to the West. (Let me tell you, see);
Chorus 4:
Am
Norman never lose, always wins; yet Norman never give away a thing,
If you ask for a-less, he said he wants more, more, more. (A-do you hear?)
Bridge 4:
Am
He always set the pack, Norman always jumps the Jack.
Every hand that he shows, is a flusherers' trick (?)
Outro:
Am
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Am
EADGBE
577555
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
6...STEALING IN THE NAME OF JAH... by Max Romeo
----------------------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
G D C G (x2)
Bridge 1:
G D C G
Stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Verse 1:
G D C G
My father's house of worship, has be-come a den of thieves;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Verse 2:
G D C G
They fed our mothers with sour grapes, and set our teeth on edge;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Chorus 1:
C D C D
Strike the hammer of justice, and set my people free,
C D A7 D
Strike the hammer of justice, or let my people be.
Verse 3:
G D C G
They tell us of a Heaven, where milk and honey flow;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Verse 4:
G D C G
They said this place called Heaven; the rich man cannot go;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Chorus 2:
C D C D
Yet the Reverend drives a fancy car, buys everything tax-free,
C D A7 D
The people have to sacrifice, to give in chari-ty.
Verse 5:
G D C G
My father's house of worship, has be-come a den of thieves;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Interlude:
G D C G, G D G (x2)
Coda:
G D C G
Stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
G D C G
Stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
G D C A7
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
355433 x57775 x55553 575655
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
7...TAN AND SEE... by Max Romeo
------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
D A, Em D (x5)
Verse 1:
A
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A
The more you look is the less you see,
The less you look is the more you see.
The more you look is the less you see,
The less you look is the more you see.
A
I steal it, keep it, a-why stop? So nobody beat up you got.
Chorus 1:
A
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
A
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
Interlude:
A
Verse 2:
A
Don't say you have never been told, 'cos it was written by great man of old.
But half has never yet been told; Jah Jah is in full control.
Chorus 2:
A
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
A
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
Verse 3:
A
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
Chorus 3:
A
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
A
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
Verse 4:
A
The more you look is the less you see,
The less you look is the more you see.
The more you look is the less you see,
The less you look is the more you see.
A
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-tell you say, (a long time), long, long time ago.
Chorus 4:
A
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
A
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
D A Em
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
x57775 577655 x79987
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
8...SMOKEY ROOM... by Max Romeo
------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
(n.C)
Fire burning bright and the ashes is white.
E A (x2)
Chorus 1:
E
You feel the rhythm? (You feel the rhythm?)
A
You like the rhythm? (You like the rhythm?)
E
This ya rhythm, (dis ya rhythm),
A
A Jah Jah rhythm, (a Jah Jah rhythm).
E
You feel the rhythm? (You feel the rhythm?)
A
You like the rhythm? (You like the rhythm?)
E
This ya rhythm, (dis ya rhythm),
A
A Jah Jah rhythm, (a Jah Jah rhythm).
Verse 1:
E A
Fire burning bright and the ashes is white, (ashes is white),
E A
The dry is long and the weed is strong, strong, strong, strong.
E A
I plant the seed and grow the weed,
E A
Buy da the weed; da columbian weed, (the Somai weed).
Chorus 2:
E
You feel the rhythm? (You feel the rhythm?)
A
You like the rhythm? (You like the rhythm?)
E
Then move to the riddim, (move to the riddim),
A
Groove to the riddim, (groove to the riddim).
E
Rock to the riddin, (rock to the riddim),
A
Roll to the riddim , (roll to the riddim).
E A
Dis ya rhythm, (dis ya rhythm), a Jah Jah rhythm, (a Jah Jah rhythm).
E A
I-tal rhythm, (i-tal rhythm), vital rhythm, (fital rhythm).
E A
Irie rhythm, (Irie rhythm), the Somai riddim, (the Somai riddim).
Verse 2:
E A
Dubb'n' in a smokey room, (smokey room),
E A
Smoke from me nose cover me like gloves, (cover me like gloves).
E A
The dry is long and the weed is strong, strong, strong, strong.
E A
I plant the seed and grow the weed.
Chorus 3:
E
Move to the riddim, (move to the riddim),
A
Groove to the riddim, (groove to the riddim),
E
Rock to the riddim, (rock to the riddim),
A
Roll to the riddim, (roll to the riddim).
E A
Dis ya rhythm, (dis ya rhythm), a Jah Jah rhythm, (a Jah Jah rhythm).
E A
I-tal rhythm, (i-tal rhythm), vital rhythm, (fital rhythm).
E
Dub to the riddim, (dub to the riddim),
A
Rub to the riddim, (rub to the riddim),
E
Scrub to the riddim, (scrub to the riddim),
A
Do it to the riddim, (do it to the riddim),
E
Any-thing to the rhythm, (anything to the rhythm).
(Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
E A
EADGBE EADGBE
x79977 577655
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
9...SMILE OUT A STYLE... by Max Romeo
------------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
(Lyrics from: http://hjem.get2net.dk/sbn/reggae)
Verse 1:
Bb Eb
Don't blame the children,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Blame the teachers; they taught the children.
Chorus 1:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Verse 2:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Everyone's face you look on; wears a frown.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
And the feeling you get; put's you down.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Cost of living is rising high, while; poverty flowing,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
The rain is falling, but no, seeds are growing.
Chorus 2:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Verse 3:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Wanti wanti; can't get it;
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Getti getti; dem no want it.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Havi havi; no want it, while,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Wanti wanti; can't get it, so...
Chorus 3:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Chorus 4:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars, laugh on the wars.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars, laugh on the wars, yeah.
Chorus 5:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Verse 4:
Bb Eb
Don't blame the children,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Blame the teachers; they taught the children.
Verse 5:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Everyone's face you look on; wears a frown.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
And the feeling you get; put's you down.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Cost of living is rising high, while; poverty flowing,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
The rain is falling, but no, seeds are growing.
Chorus 6:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Coda:
Bb Eb
Don't blame the children,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Blame the teachers; they taught the children.
Bb Eb
Don't blame the children,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Blame the teachers; they taught the children.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Bb Eb
EADGBE EADGBE
688766 x68886
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
...........................................
---------------------.............
...........................................
*WAR INA BABYLON*
-----------------
>1. ONE STEP FORWARD
>2. UPTOWN BABIES DON'T CRY
>3. I CHASE THE DEVIL
>4. WAR INA BABYLON
>5. NORMAN
>6. STEALING IN THE NAME OF JAH
>7. TAN AND SEE
>8. SMOKEY ROOM
>9. SMILE OUT A STYLE
...........................................
1...ONE STEP FORWARD... by Max Romeo
-----------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
(Lyrics from http://hjem.get2net.dk/sbn/reggae)
Intro:
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na,
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na.
Chorus 1:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Verse 1:
Bbm Fm
One day you are Dreadlocks, (well Dread),
Bbm Fm
Next day you are baldhead, (clean shave).
Chorus 2:
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon,
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Verse 2:
Bbm Fm
Are you a commercialized? Grabbing at the cash-backs?
Bbm Fm
This is a time of decision; tell me, what is your plan? Yeah.
Chorus 3:
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon,
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Verse 3:
Bbm Fm
Straight is the road that leads to de-struction, (ooh yeah),
Bbm Fm
The road to righteousness is narrow. Ah let me tell you say;
Bbm Fm
Indictive feelings, enter feeling,
Bbm Fm
The truth is a fact, tell me;
Bbm Fm
Are you a con man, or are you a dreadlocks, eh?
Chorus 4:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Break:
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na,
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na.
Verse 4:
Bbm Fm
The road is rough and the hill is steep, (ah let me tell you say);
Bbm Fm
The mountain is high and the valley is deep, (oh yeah, oh yeah).
Chorus 5:
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon,
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Chorus 6:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Break:
Bbm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah,
Fm
Ah, let me tell you say, ah, let me tell you say.
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, ah, let me tell you say.
Chorus 7:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Verse 5:
Bbm Fm
Straight is the road that leads to de-struction, (ooh yeah),
Bbm Fm
The road to righteousness is narrow. Ah let me tell you say;
Bbm Fm
Indictive feelings, enter feeling,
Bbm Fm
The truth is a fact, tell me;
Bbm Fm
Are you a con man, or are you a dreadlocks, eh?
Chorus 8:
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon,
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Chorus 9:
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
One step forward, two steps backward, down inna Babylon.
Bbm Fm
Onward, forward, don't step backward; step out of Babylon.
Coda:
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na,
Bbm Fm
Ooh yeah, ooh yeah, na na na na na na.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Bbm Fm
EADGBE EADGBE
x13321 133111
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
2...UPTOWN BABIES DON'T CRY... by Max Romeo
------------------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
Eb
Verse 1:
Eb
See the little lad selling kiss-cup?
Shouting; kiss ca-pop, kiss ca-pop, kiss ca-pop, kiss ca-pop's.
Verse 2:
Eb
See the little lad selling Star?
Shouting; Star news, read the news, read the news, read the news.
Bridge 1:
Bb Ab
He is doing it you see, to help his mummy pay the fee,
Eb
For little junior to go to school.
Chorus 1:
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what hungry is like.
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what suffering is like.
Eb
They have mummy and daddy, lot's of toys to play with.
Nanny and granny, lot's of friends to stay with.
Chorus 2:
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what hungry is like.
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what suffering is like.
Eb
They have mummy and daddy, lot's of toys to play with.
Nanny and granny, lot's of friends to stay with.
Interlude:
Eb
Verse 3:
Eb
Hear that little baby crying?
Yes, she's crying, she's crying, she's crying because she's hungry.
Verse 4:
Eb
You can hear her mama saying;
It ain't easy, ain't easy, ain't easy when you're poor you see.
Bridge 2:
Bb Ab
And speaking of life in the ghetto, where sur-vival is the motto;
Eb
And putting it to you; poverty is a sin.
Chorus 3:
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what hungry is like.
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what suffering is like.
Eb
They have mummy and daddy, lot's of toys to play with.
Nanny and granny, lot's of friends to stay with.
Chorus 4:
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what hungry is like.
Bb Ab Eb
Uptown babies don't cry; they don't know what suffering is like.
Eb
They have mummy and daddy, lot's of toys to play with.
Nanny and granny, lot's of friends to stay with.
Outro:
Eb
Uptown babies don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. (Mummy and daddy),
They don't know what suffering is like. (Mummy and daddy).
Uptown babies don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. (Mummy and daddy),
They don't know what suffering is like. (Mummy and daddy).
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Eb Bb Ab
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
x68886 688766 466544
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
3...I CHASE THE DEVIL... by Max Romeo
------------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
(Lyrics from: http://hjem.get2net.dk/sbn/reggae)
Intro:
(n.C)
Lucifer, Son of the Mourning; I'm gonna chase you out of earth!
Am
Chorus 1:
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase Satan out of earth,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase The Devil out of earth.
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race.
Verse 1:
Dm Em
Satan is an evilous man, but him can't chocks it on I-man.
Dm Em
So when I check him my lassing hand, and if him slip; I gaan with him hand.
Chorus 2:
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase Satan out of earth,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase The Devil out of earth.
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race.
Verse 2:
Dm Em
Him haffi drop him fork and run; him can't stand up to Jah Jah son.
Dm Em
Him haffi lef' ya with him gun; dig off with him bomb.
Chorus 3:
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase Satan out of earth,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase The Devil out of earth.
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race.
Verse 3:
Dm Em
Satan is an evilous man, but him can't chocks it on I-man.
Dm Em
So when I check him my lassing hand, and if him slip; I gaan with him hand.
Chorus 4:
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase Satan out of earth,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna put on a iron shirt, and chase The Devil out of earth.
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race,
Am Em Dm Am
I'm gonna send him to outa space, to find another race.
Coda:
Am Em Dm Am
Move ya with your gun, mi sey fe lef' ya with your bomb...
(Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Am Em Dm
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
577555 x79987 x57765
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2005 ([email protected])
4...WAR INA BABYLON... by Max Romeo
----------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
(Lyrics from: http://hjem.get2net.dk/sbn/reggae)
Intro:
C
It sipple out deh!
Chorus 1:
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
Verse 1:
G
De baba men nuh like de dreadlocks man,
C
De dreadlocks man nuh like de baba man, no.
G
De po-lice men nuh like de dreadlocks man,
C
De dreadlocks man nuh like de po-lice man, no.
Chorus 2:
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
Verse 2:
G
When come pride, then cometh shame,
C
A man pride shall bring him low yeah, oh yeah.
G
Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit,
C
And you know it's true, yeah, oh yeah.
Chorus 3:
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
It sipple out deh, oh yeah.
G
True, true, true; it sipple out deh,
C
So wha' fe do? Mek we slide out deh, oh yeah.
G
True, true, true; it sipple out deh,
C
So wha' fe do? Mek we slide out deh, oh yeah.
Verse 3:
G
Marcus Garvey prophesise, say;
C
"One mus' live 10 miles away, yeah, in this time".
G
I-man satta at the mountain top,
C
Watching Babylon burning red hot, red hot.
Chorus 4:
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
C
It sipple out deh; so wha' fe do? We slide out deh, oh yeah.
G
War inna Babylon, tribal war inna Babylon.
C
Let me tell; it sipple out deh, a wha' you seh?
C
It sipple out deh; so wha' fe do? We slide out deh, oh yeah.
G
True, true, true; it sipple out deh,
C
So wha' fe do? Mek we slide out deh, oh yeah.
G
True, true, true; it sipple out deh,
C
Let me tell; we slide out deh.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
G C
EADGBE EADGBE
355433 x35553
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
5...NORMAN... by Max Romeo
-------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
Am
Verse 1:
Am
Norman the gambler, rides around in a rambler,
Diamonds and pearls in the back.
Am
Occupation house master; he lives off the less,
Running from the East, to the West. (Let me tell you more);
Chorus 1:
Am
Norman never lose, always wins;
Yet Norman never give away a thing.
If you ask for a-less, he said he wants more.
Verse 2:
Am
Norman the gambler, rides around in a rambler,
With pretty girls in the back.
Bridge 1:
Am
He always set the pack; Norman always jumps the Jack.
Every hand that he shows is a flusherers' trick (?)
(Let me tell you more);
Chorus 2:
Am
Norman never lose, always wins;
Yet Norman never give away a thing.
If you ask for a-less, he said he wants more.
Bridge 2:
Am
He always set the pack,
Norman always jumps the Jack, yeah!
Interlude:
Am
Verse 3:
Am
Norman the gambler, rides around in a rambler,
Diamonds and pearls in the back.
Am
Occupation house master; he lives off the less,
Running from the East to the West. (Let me tell you, see);
Chorus 3:
Am
Norman never lose, always wins; yet Norman never give away a thing.
If you ask for a-less, he said he wants more. (Let me tell you, see);
Bridge 3:
Am
He always set the pack, Norman always jumps the Jack.
Every hand that he shows, is a flusherers' trick. (A-do you hear?)
Verse 4:
Am
Norman the gambler, rides around in a rambler,
Diamonds and pearls in the back.
Am
Occupation house master; he lives off the less,
Running from the East to the West. (Let me tell you, see);
Chorus 4:
Am
Norman never lose, always wins; yet Norman never give away a thing,
If you ask for a-less, he said he wants more, more, more. (A-do you hear?)
Bridge 4:
Am
He always set the pack, Norman always jumps the Jack.
Every hand that he shows, is a flusherers' trick (?)
Outro:
Am
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Am
EADGBE
577555
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
6...STEALING IN THE NAME OF JAH... by Max Romeo
----------------------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
G D C G (x2)
Bridge 1:
G D C G
Stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Verse 1:
G D C G
My father's house of worship, has be-come a den of thieves;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Verse 2:
G D C G
They fed our mothers with sour grapes, and set our teeth on edge;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Chorus 1:
C D C D
Strike the hammer of justice, and set my people free,
C D A7 D
Strike the hammer of justice, or let my people be.
Verse 3:
G D C G
They tell us of a Heaven, where milk and honey flow;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Verse 4:
G D C G
They said this place called Heaven; the rich man cannot go;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Chorus 2:
C D C D
Yet the Reverend drives a fancy car, buys everything tax-free,
C D A7 D
The people have to sacrifice, to give in chari-ty.
Verse 5:
G D C G
My father's house of worship, has be-come a den of thieves;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
Interlude:
G D C G, G D G (x2)
Coda:
G D C G
Stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
G D C G
Stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing, stealing;
G D G
Stealing in the name of the Lord.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
G D C A7
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
355433 x57775 x55553 575655
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
7...TAN AND SEE... by Max Romeo
------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
D A, Em D (x5)
Verse 1:
A
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A
The more you look is the less you see,
The less you look is the more you see.
The more you look is the less you see,
The less you look is the more you see.
A
I steal it, keep it, a-why stop? So nobody beat up you got.
Chorus 1:
A
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
A
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
Interlude:
A
Verse 2:
A
Don't say you have never been told, 'cos it was written by great man of old.
But half has never yet been told; Jah Jah is in full control.
Chorus 2:
A
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
A
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
Verse 3:
A
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
Chorus 3:
A
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
A
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
Verse 4:
A
The more you look is the less you see,
The less you look is the more you see.
The more you look is the less you see,
The less you look is the more you see.
A
A long time I man did a-wonder, yeah, (a long time), long, long time ago.
A long time I man did a-tell you say, (a long time), long, long time ago.
Chorus 4:
A
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
When your hand in the lion mouth, me said me take time pull he out.
A
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
No need to jump and prance; danang see no spoil no dance.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
D A Em
EADGBE EADGBE EADGBE
x57775 577655 x79987
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
8...SMOKEY ROOM... by Max Romeo
------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
Intro:
(n.C)
Fire burning bright and the ashes is white.
E A (x2)
Chorus 1:
E
You feel the rhythm? (You feel the rhythm?)
A
You like the rhythm? (You like the rhythm?)
E
This ya rhythm, (dis ya rhythm),
A
A Jah Jah rhythm, (a Jah Jah rhythm).
E
You feel the rhythm? (You feel the rhythm?)
A
You like the rhythm? (You like the rhythm?)
E
This ya rhythm, (dis ya rhythm),
A
A Jah Jah rhythm, (a Jah Jah rhythm).
Verse 1:
E A
Fire burning bright and the ashes is white, (ashes is white),
E A
The dry is long and the weed is strong, strong, strong, strong.
E A
I plant the seed and grow the weed,
E A
Buy da the weed; da columbian weed, (the Somai weed).
Chorus 2:
E
You feel the rhythm? (You feel the rhythm?)
A
You like the rhythm? (You like the rhythm?)
E
Then move to the riddim, (move to the riddim),
A
Groove to the riddim, (groove to the riddim).
E
Rock to the riddin, (rock to the riddim),
A
Roll to the riddim , (roll to the riddim).
E A
Dis ya rhythm, (dis ya rhythm), a Jah Jah rhythm, (a Jah Jah rhythm).
E A
I-tal rhythm, (i-tal rhythm), vital rhythm, (fital rhythm).
E A
Irie rhythm, (Irie rhythm), the Somai riddim, (the Somai riddim).
Verse 2:
E A
Dubb'n' in a smokey room, (smokey room),
E A
Smoke from me nose cover me like gloves, (cover me like gloves).
E A
The dry is long and the weed is strong, strong, strong, strong.
E A
I plant the seed and grow the weed.
Chorus 3:
E
Move to the riddim, (move to the riddim),
A
Groove to the riddim, (groove to the riddim),
E
Rock to the riddim, (rock to the riddim),
A
Roll to the riddim, (roll to the riddim).
E A
Dis ya rhythm, (dis ya rhythm), a Jah Jah rhythm, (a Jah Jah rhythm).
E A
I-tal rhythm, (i-tal rhythm), vital rhythm, (fital rhythm).
E
Dub to the riddim, (dub to the riddim),
A
Rub to the riddim, (rub to the riddim),
E
Scrub to the riddim, (scrub to the riddim),
A
Do it to the riddim, (do it to the riddim),
E
Any-thing to the rhythm, (anything to the rhythm).
(Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
E A
EADGBE EADGBE
x79977 577655
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
9...SMILE OUT A STYLE... by Max Romeo
------------------------.............
*from 'War Ina Babylon' (1976)*
(Lyrics from: http://hjem.get2net.dk/sbn/reggae)
Verse 1:
Bb Eb
Don't blame the children,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Blame the teachers; they taught the children.
Chorus 1:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Verse 2:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Everyone's face you look on; wears a frown.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
And the feeling you get; put's you down.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Cost of living is rising high, while; poverty flowing,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
The rain is falling, but no, seeds are growing.
Chorus 2:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Verse 3:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Wanti wanti; can't get it;
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Getti getti; dem no want it.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Havi havi; no want it, while,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Wanti wanti; can't get it, so...
Chorus 3:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Chorus 4:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars, laugh on the wars.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars, laugh on the wars, yeah.
Chorus 5:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Verse 4:
Bb Eb
Don't blame the children,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Blame the teachers; they taught the children.
Verse 5:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Everyone's face you look on; wears a frown.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
And the feeling you get; put's you down.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Cost of living is rising high, while; poverty flowing,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
The rain is falling, but no, seeds are growing.
Chorus 6:
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Smile out of style, laugh on the wars you face back in town.
Coda:
Bb Eb
Don't blame the children,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Blame the teachers; they taught the children.
Bb Eb
Don't blame the children,
Bb Eb Bb Eb
Blame the teachers; they taught the children.
(Repeat to Fade)
CHORD DIAGRAMS:
---------------
Bb Eb
EADGBE EADGBE
688766 x68886
Tabbed by Joel from cLuMsY, Bristol, England, 2006 ([email protected])
...........................................
Maximum The Horm (...)
Maxine Brown
Maxine Nightinga (...)
Maxwell
May J.