In 1969 Desmond Dekker’s rocksteady/reggae hit, “Israelites” significantly brought Jamaican music to the rest of the world. Dekker sings about poverty caused by “the man” (a Rastafarian reference to the Israelite’s struggle in the Bible.)

Dekker’s honey-sweet tenor soulfully bounces with the choppy reggae rhythm as the backing vocals hauntingly bellow. There is a feeling of optimism from “Israelites,” as the lyrics urge: “Don’t want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde”, meaning crime is not the solution for sufferation.

This song was surprising for a hit, considering its political content. This goes to show how secondary lyrics are compared to well-written melody in the pop world. The repercussions of Dekker’s success can be seen in this gross version of “Israelites”, performed live on England’s Top of the Pops during the Two-Tone ska revival in the 80’s.

Desmond Dekker- Israelites

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