One Third has joined the list of artistes to have violent content in their lyrics with their newest single ‘Garrison Anthem’.
The song was released on the fraction entertainment label and is a remake of One Republic and Timberland’s Apologise. While the rhythm is similar, lyrically, the songs vary greatly. Garrison Anthem says, “If any bwoy violate a go end up six feet underground/ call wi name to the Feds full clip a go throw dem you down.”
They continue to make reference to several communities that have been affected by violence in recent times such as Norwood, Flanker, May Pen, Seaview and Portmore.
When questioned about the content, Miguel, who is a member of the group, said they were just giving the public a taste of their version of the news.
“How is it that they report the news in light of the violence in society?,” he questioned.
Nuh pretty up
He continued, “We are not making up anything. Dem nuh pretty up anything on the news. Wi naah pretty up anything. Wi jus’ a deliver our version of the news. We are just saying it as it is.”
Miguel says the song was written by all three members of the group – Adrian, Al and himself. He says while the language is strong, it also serves as a warning.
“It’s a warning ’cause if you step into these communities and you do something and the people feel you are violating, they will step to you,” he revealed.
He says their intention is not to promote violence as they are also part of the Ministry of National Security’s violence prevention and dispute resolution efforts. They played their part in this effort when they performed at Russia in Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland. Prior to performing Garrison Anthem, Miguel says they explained the song and their intentions.
Miguel says the response to the song has been tremendous but more so from the dancehall community. He says the song was well received when they performed in Turks and Caicos last week. He disclosed that they have been getting calls from Japan and Australia since the song’s release.
“A lot of people said that radio wouldn’t play it but a lot of them have been embracing it. People are constantly talking about it,” Miguel said.
If any bwoy violate a go end up six feet underground/call wi name to the Feds full clip a go throw dem you down – Garrison Anthem
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