Remembering Joseph Hill of Culture

Remembering Joseph Hill on his birthday today - January 22, 2019 - by posting this eulogy I wrote over 12 years ago after learning of his passing. 

Joseph Hill & Culture

As we ponder the great loss of Joseph Hill we reflect on his many works. Going back to the foundation of reggae music, Joseph brought forward a sound vibe that still echoes in my brain. As a top-notch vocalist, song writer, and human I'll never forget Josephs influence on me as a reggae listening youth. "Psalm of Bob Marley" brought a tear to my eye, now we need a "Psalm of Joseph Hill." With his straight forward lyrical statements he left no doubt about his meaning, now we need more straight shooters like him. His admonitions in "Youth Man Move" moved you to dance, moved you to take control of your destiny. In "Work On Natty" he stresses the importance of hard work, of being diligent in the face of poverty. I ask Joseph "Tell Me Where You Get It?" Now I ask the world to "Stop The Fussing and Fighting," and to "Let Love Shine Bright." Now I see Joseph ascending to "Holy Mount Zion," but his fans will keep "Chanting On" for I-ver more.

"Peace and Love,"

Jesse
August 2006



"Chanting On"

Feel like chanting on, I'm in the spirit
Feel like chanting on, I'm in the mood
(repeat)

When I look up in the mountain
And see all the things
When I check up on the lightning
And even the thunder too

Feel like chanting on, I'm in the spirit
Feel like chanting on, I'm in the mood
(repeat)

In my home there is an ants nest
And I check the way they live
And they live so much united
That human its a shame

Feel like chanting on, I'm in the spirit
Feel like chanting on, I'm in the mood
(repeat)

When I check up on the children
Every morning walk to school
About war and fuss they're innocent
They depend on us for love

It makes me....

Feel like chanting on, I'm in the spirit
Feel like chanting on, I'm in the mood
(repeat)

When I check up on the prisoners
See how rough they live
And I check up on the birds dem
And even their strange song to sing

It makes me....

Feel like chanting on, I'm in the spirit
Feel like chanting on, I'm in the mood
(repeat)

When I check up on the crocodile
How rough his skin look
And sometime between them there is loving
So why cant we love one another too?

It makes me....

Feel like chanting on, I'm in the spirit
Feel like chanting on, I'm in the mood
(repeat)


 

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