Papa San's new CD: GOD & I -
If you are new to Gospel Dancehall music,
as created by Papa San, enabled by the Holy Spirit, you are in for
a treat. These 12 songs are all uniquely different, each an original,
creative expression of the expressive talents of Papa San, with
some help from his friends. The more I listened to these songs,
the more I appreciated the spirit and energy, the intricate rhythms,
the distinctive melodies carried by the fine, unique vocals by Papa
San, who can sing strongly with such terrific, rhythmic, crisp diction,
that the message of each song is distinctly heard, while inspiring
one to dance around the room at the same time!
They are a wonderful blend of faith inspiring
content with Papa San's "mighty grooves, unforgettable hooks and
mile-a-minute words and rhymes," all put together with very different
melodies, Jamaican style, with elements of contemporary, Hip Hop
Gospel music added as well in some of the songs. The lyrics of the
songs, with the exception of some of the Chorus and Bridge sections
are sung in Jamaican English, which flows with the catchy rhythm
and melody carried by the vocals of each song found in this style
of Dancehall gospel music. A Jamaican English Word Glossary is included
with the CD insert, if a listener can't quite understand a word,
or phrase. It is well worth it to figure out what is being said.
This CD is perfect to listen to if you are
discouraged and feeling low, or in a joyous mood as well. The CD
will lift your spirits and bless you, reminding you of the power
of Jesus Christ to overcome, stand firm and find peace beyond understanding.
Papa San's CD Dedication: "I want to thank
God the Father for God the Son who died for my sins and gave me
God the precious Holy Spirit who enables me, strengthens me, teaches
me and gives me the ability to write these songs. So all glory,
all honor belongs to God."
Sample of Songs:
* BREATHE AGAIN-(Luke 11:3, John 15:2,
Hebrews 12:5,6, Romans 12:2)
An interesting, catchy combination of Kirk
Franklin and Papa San, a melding of two types of Gospel music; Franklin's
hip hop, contemporary Gospel chorus and bridge and the Jamaican-flavored
Christian music, created by Papa San, which complement each other
very well. These two styles of Christian dance music bring home
the prayerful message of believers' dependence on Jesus, as expressed
by Kirk Franklin and Papa San.
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus (Sung by women's ensemble): If You
ever left me, If You ever neglected me. I would never breathe again
... Don't think I'd ever breathe again. I want to feel You near
me Jeesus. I'm longing for You warm embrace soooo I can breathe
again, I want to breathe again.
Papa San: I am like a ship without a rudder
when I don't have You. Hopeless lonely man and don't know what to
do. It nuh matter if mi surrounded by mi friends and crew. Mi still
breathless and desperate for some ting new. My Lord, change my heart,
I am not ok. And it seems like mi need a spiritual x-ray. And yu
seh yu wouldn't leave whether night or day. I can do without You?
No way, no way, no way.
Chorus
Papa San: ............................Break
mi into syllables, teach how to breathe again, incredible . Wake
mi up,shake me up. Break mi up an' make mi up, Build di kind a character
weh yuh want an' straighten mi up. Can't si mi self without You
that is dangerous. Dangerous,dangerous very, very, dangerous.
Chorus
Bridge (Sung by women's chorus): Can't make
it without You. Can't make it without You Jesus. Without what will
I do. I'm crying. I'm crying out for You. I need You to help me.
Breathe. Help me. Breathe. Huh.
* POP STYLE (Show Off) - By Tyrone Thompson
(Romans 12:2, & 4-6, Galations 5:19-26, 1 Thess. 4:3).
An energetic Praise song, that urges people
to focus on developing the fruits of the Spirit, and not to love
the things and values of the world.
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus 1: Jesus my Savior I love You, and
no one above You, pop style an; gwaan (go on)
Lyrics: Tings a di world (things of the
world) caan bring prosperity, Killin' each other nah guh (not going)
change di economy. Don't mek(make) majority be your priority, Put
God first, an leggo idolatry, Money and vanity, it's a necessity,
Leggo(let go) immorality, atrocity, hypocrisy, Resist di devil,
and flee from pornography, Dem (Them) deh a wi enemy, wi put dem
inna cemetery. Wi are more dan conquerors wi have,di capability
Honesty,charity, sweet personality mek wi opportunity fr Godbless
with ministry.
* Title Song: GOD AND I - By Tyrone Thompson
(Matt. 11:28-30, John 15:18-22, 2nd Cor. 12: 9-10, Romans 5:1-5,
John 14:1)
Three distinct melodies make this tune really
enjoyable to listen to, and soak up. Trials and struggles are part
of our human condition. Plus, rejection and persecution come along
with believing in Jesus. But, we have the comfort in knowing Jesus
is right there beside us. We have the Holy Spirit to encourage us,
guide us, lead us and support us in times of sorrow and pain.
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus 1: Jesus make me smile again. Jesus
make me scream again Teach mi how fi(to) walk again(yeeh)
Chorus 2: O Lord, you're di only one. That's
why mi holding on so long,(holding on so long). Every time mi play
mi life to my frens(friends). Dem listen but dem neva learn mi song.
1) My life is like a nightmare an mi future
is like a dream. Mi trapped inna di middle somewhere in between
. Mi flesh rise up an, jus wau(want) create a seen. But mi ask Christ
fi(to) keep mi heart clean (yow).More time mi tell a man a small
problem. Den dung di road mi gaan gun hear(then down the road my
gone gun hear),dem back again.....................
Bridge: (Answer from Jesus) My yolk is easy
my burden is light. I want you to prosper every day and night. I
die for you I take your stripe. It's alright, It's alright, It's
alright, It's alright. .I understand
the things that you are going through. It is nothing new cause I've
been there too. My own reject me even just as you. Falsely accused
for things I did not do.
(Papa Son's solution): Like Jacki Valesquez
I get on my knees. I realize my problem is just bun and cheese.
He's here with me and He will never leave The cross still bleed,
the cross still bleed.
Chorus 2.
2) There were times when mi feel mi coulda
liv' it up, There were times when mi feel woulda giv' it up, There
were times when mi feel mi woulda lie dung(down) inna mi bed. Anuh
(and don't) wake up an, some body find me dead. There were times
it get so tuff mi couldn't tek no more. There were times mi find
a room an, den mi shut di door. . There were times mi sey mi cry
til eye water pour, an mi aslide inna it because it flood di floor.
there were times mi member David and Solomon. There were times mi
member Joseph, Sarah Abraham. there were time a realize I'm not
the only one. Because di cross is di perfect demonstration.
STEP PON DI ENEMY - By Tyrone Thompson (Step
On the Enemy) (Galations 16-18, Romans 15:16)-
A Dancehall Gospel song that really cooks
with rhythm and energy and snappy vocals.
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: Don't ever be afraid to talk, Cause
life weh yuh live will determine yuh walk, Through di valley of
shadow mi pass an' just step pon di enemy. Satan nuh penny mi. (Satan
don't notice me). Don't ever be afraid to dance, Deep down inna
yuh heart man a dat yuh want, suh di son of perdition nuh stan'
nuh chance, step pon di enemy, step pon di enemy.
1)...............Yes mi have a right, mi
born again a free man, Sanctified justified proud to be a Christian.
Kick outdi sinner man welcome di winner man. Gimmi di Holy Spirit
just fi strengthen di inna man. Prayer, prayer fi di dan dappa dappa
dan.
I KNOW - By Tyrone Thompson - (2 Corinthians
13 -18)
In Christian ministry, it is inevitable
that opposition in some form will present itself, coming from unbelievers,
believers and / or personal weaknesses, but we can overcome opposition
through our dependence on the power of the Lord.
Composition written in a minor key - melody
carried by the vocals.
Introduction: Because I know where I'm going,
yes Wen me tell dem seh listen mi.
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: I an, I an, I know who mi calling
on (Cause) mi know weh mi going an, mi coming from San guide and
protected by the Holy One ny-na-no-ny-no. I an, I an, I know who
mi calling on (Cause) mi know weh mi going an, mi coming from San
guide and protected by the Holy One ny-na-no-ny-no
Bridge: Sung by choir- I was waiting all
day long (all day long) Just for to hear my song oooo. but you never
paid it any mind you claim that I was wrong. Why you're standing
in my way? (standing in my way), Criticizing when I pray
I CALL HER BLESSED - (Ephesians 5:25-29 -
Love your wife as Christ loved the church)
Expresses the marital love between Papa
San and his wife, Abigail, a spouse that God led him to, though
he didn't know it at the time. Great
melody, sung with feeling, with nice supporting rhythm section.
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus: I am blessed with a woman from outta
Mount Zion, She's my Abigail, virtuous woman, bones of my bones,
my personal companion, one flesh, it complete di mission.
1. My love, my dove, my undefiled. I love
the way you walk. I love the way you smile. You have stolen my heart,
my sister, my bride, you've stolen my heart from one glance of your
eyes, How much more pleasing is your love than wine, because you
give me fresh fruits from outta yu vine. What I have is yours because
you are mine and for better and for worst.....And even all the time,
watch ya, yu a di stem in a di apple of mi Family, it woulda fall
if yu nuh hold it pon di apple tree, yu show mi love ina di middle
of yu tragedy, yu bear mi children and yu run di Nursery, yu even
know how to fight principalities,cause yu never compromise yu Christianity
2. Fair as the moon and clear as the sun,
words of encouragement a flow offa yu tongue. Thou art beautiful,
my forever young, a stream of living Water weh always a run.......
* DE BLOOD By Rohan Harrison / Tyrone Thompson
(Revelations 20:1-3, Genesis 3:15, Hebrews 10:19-23, 1 John 3:21,
22, Matt. 7:7)-
A great, high-spirited example of Christian
Jamaican Dancehall music, created by Papa Son. Song has an interesting,
intricate Jamaican rhythm, (rhythm instruments, bongos and steel
drums), which give rhythmic support for the melody carried solely
by Papa San, who clearly sings the Jamaican English lyrics with
feeling and spirit. The listener will need the glossary to figure
out some of the words, but it is all worth it. Police siren can
be heard on and off throughout the song.
Lyrical Samples: The translations are in
the ().
"It is written that you'll be castin di
bottomless pit and bound for a thousand years."- Papa San.
Introduction: Starts off with a reporter
on the street, reporting "the bust"(arrest) of Satan, described
in Revelations 20:1-3. She reports, "We are coming to you live at
the corner of the endtimes and relation street. Devoted Christian
and soldier for Christ Papa San and what appears to be an Angel
are moving to banish the deceitful, deceptive and deceiver, Lucifer.
Scott, it would appear where we stand that Lucifer is fighting a
losing battle; it is only a matter of time now. Back to you, Scott."
In the background, through a bullhorn, Satan
is told that he is surrounded....... "It is written that you'll
be cast in DI bottomless pit and bound for a thousand years."- Papa
San.
Chorus: (Papa Son calls out to Satan to surrender).
Satan come out aid huh Hans up, DI Blood (Jesus) is against huh
WI(we) have huh surrounded. A Angel de Yah fib chain yuh(An angel
is here to chain you) Put yuh inna di bottomless pit you are grounded.
1. .....Torment Saul but yuh can't touch
David. Christ bruise yuh head fram dung inna Genesis (Genesis 3:15).
Give mi di sword fr cut yuh up to pieces. Yuh nuh have, nuh right
to cum rob mi bisniz. Stealin' fram di poor an di under privilege.
Mi nuh need nuh evidence , mi ketch yuh red handed. (I don't need
evidence, I caught you red-handed) Punishment fr yuh fr all yuh
put inna bondage. Flyah(fire) pon(on) yuh Satan cau(cause) yuh toast
like sandwich. Yuh nuh understand mi language, aye!
Bridge: Mi fight, mi war pon mi knee(on
my knees)anuh nutten (and it isn't nothing!). Cause mi have a direct
connection to heaven. And mi know how to get rid a ol, leaven, Cho,
call pon mi Fadah twentyfour seven, Cause wn mi call mi must get
a response. Cause di fadah nuh like keep a distance. Mi always approach
Him like an infant. Abba Fadah help cum instant. (1 John 3:21, 22,
Matt. 7:7)
* CAN'T FLEE FROM YOUR PRESENCE (Genesis
3:8, Jonah 1:3,4, Matt.18:14, Acts 17:24-28)
Papa San's comments: "I used to try to do
just that, all the time, and it just doesn't work. I would see people
going to church, but that never interested me. I didn't ever think
of God protecting me. I carried a gun and thought that was protection,
but I never could really flee from His presence. He is omnipresent.
He's everywhere.....all-in-all."
Lyrical Samples:
Chorus 1: Oh me, oh me, oh my my, Oh me,
oh me, oh my my, Oh me, oh me, oh my my, Oh me, oh me (well den)
Chorus 2: If I tek(take) di (the) wings a
di morning an fly, If I should lay my bed inna di sky, How can I
flee from Your presence? No way, God him a mi evidence yea.
1)Yuh coulda tek up a wing an, fly like an
eagle. It nuh mek sense yuh try tell mi where can yuh run to Him
deh deh before you reach (yow) waiting to get yuh. An (and) if yuh
end up inna problem (yow), He's there to rescue. Hiding behind yuh(you(r)
shadow, He's there to find you. Him deh strait a head an, Him deh
right behind yuh. He's omnipresent an, one of a kind to inna di
bottom of di sea, He's right there to join yuh. Why? Jonah did try
but di burden kind a heavy, Flee from God an, end up inna fish belly,
Cry out to God but im nevva hav(e), a celly(phone), Den him realize
eh (the) father hav him a ready.
* ARMOUR - by Tyrone Thompson (Ephesians
6:10-17, Philippians 2;12, Romans 8:1)
Be prepared for spiritual warfare, by putting
on the full armor of God. Be fortified and strengthened through
the Holy Spirit.
A truly Jamaican, lively Dancehall original
Gospel song, from the composition to the vocals and chorus.. Use
of the glossary is strongly advised. Has a stirring, driving rhythm,
with a catchy, varying melody written in a minor key. Bass guitar
and keyboards join in at the chorus, in a counter melody and supportive
chords which support the melody and Papa San's sharp vocals. Back
up singers help during verses, Chorus and Bridge.
Lyrical Samples: My favorite parts of the
song are both Choruses and the Bridge.
Chorus 1: A coulda (could have) New Testament
or Pentecostal, Oonu (You (plural) betta put it on, oonu betta on
put it on. Oonu coulda walk go a church,wid di bible inna yuh hand,
Oonu (You (plural) betta put it on, oonu betta on put it on. Oonu
coulda fast twice a week and yuh prayer coulda long, Oonu (You (plural)
betta put it on, oonu betta on put it on. Baptist, Methodist or
Presbyterian, Oonu (You (plural) betta put it on, oonu betta on
put it on.
Chorus 2: Put on di armour, Stand firm an,
nuh (don't) tek(take) di devil's torture. Joint heirs oonu have
di living water. Gimme (give me) di sword a di Spirit speak it,
anuh (and don't) put it inna yuh pocket (watch it yow)
Bridge: Wi have di powah(power) fi (to)
mek (make) evry demon get fraid. (Powah- (choir), fi lick out cancer
and aids,(Papa San). Powah - fi raise all di dead from di grave,
Powah- fi mek (make) rasta man.not a slave. Powah - fi get ridda
false doctrine. Powah - fi clean up yuh dirty livin'. Powah - fi
mek niyah ma sing Jesus, Jesus di is the King. Powah - fi mek deff
people hear mi. Powah - fi mek Stevie Wonder si. Powah - fi convert
half a G.P. an tek dem psychic fools awfa mi tv.
* ALL GOD - Tyrone Thompson (Matt. 14: 25-32,
1 John 5:14-15, Matt. 7:7, 1 John 3:21-22, Phil:. 4:6-7) -
An uplifting Worship and Praise song, done
Dancehall style with elements of contemporary Gospel, that raises
the rafters in glorious praise of our Creator.
Lyrical Samples: The translations are in
the ().
Chorus 1: God a God a God, God a God a God,
Yow God a God, God a God a God, God a God a God, yes, God a God.
Chorus
1): No retreat, no retire, always have an
answer to wi (our) prayer. Him inna di smoke, Him inna di fiyah(fire),
yo yo yow, Destroy Sodom an Gomorrah. Bridge: Never tired, never
bored, never fret, never worry, never feel insecure, Ever living,
ever sure, ever right, ever faithful, ever,He is for ever more.
2). Who walk di sea of Galilee tell Peter fi come brake di law of
gravity? God. Who drop sweat like blood by showing us His love in
di garden of gethsemane? God. Dem give Him a big cross fi carry
put two thief beside Him crucified Him at calvary? God. Him did
dead an, den bury an, rose on di third day an, caught up in victory.
God. Who kno yuh ways an, yuh weakness reveal what in de heart of
an hypocrite. He's all God. Establish judgemnet an, justice be careful
of di sins dem(them) whey(where) yuh practice. God. In every region,
evry dimnesion, evry height, evry depth, Him nuh need yuh opinion.
God. Just remember Him mek(make) di first man and give Him a companion
seh Him fi have dominion.
STAY FAR - (Psalm 23, 2nd Cor .4:16, Phil.
3:13,14, Romans 12:2) - Fred Jerkins / Lashawn Daniels / Rohan Harrison
/ Tyrone Thompson
The song starts with a most interesting call
to worship that is sung in syncopation to a catchy rhythm and beat
and melody. A song to encourage resistance from worldly temptations
and to stand firm with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Comments from Papa San: "There are a lot
of people in this world who feel hopeless. I've known that feeling,
too, before I was successful in music and after. There were many
times in my life I could have been shot by gangs, or killed in shoot-outs
with police, and for many that's just an accepted way of life. But
with Jesus as the center of my life, those feelings of hopelessness
can't touch me anymore. If He can do it for me, He can do it for
you. I want people to hear this song and know that same hope in
Him that I have found."
Lyrical Samples: The translations are in
the ().
Call to Worship: Put yu han, inna di, Hand
inna di air an, seh yeh ooo, Hand inna di air an, seh yeh (Put your
hands in the air)
Chorus: (Listen) From mi a likkle bwoy (Since
I was a little boy), di devil waan kill me. Sent all di tings a
di word (sent all the things of the world) fi trill mi (to thrill
me). But wen mi get save di Holy Ghost fill mi. Satan him affi (have
to) stay far
1 Papa San walk through di valley of the
shadow of death I fear no evil. And wen mi a walk mi nuh worry and
fret of bad minded people. Jus, be still. Hey missah man mek (make)
yu quick so fi kill. Yuh feel seh (that) yuh mighty but yuh small
like squirrel. Yuh waan move mountain but yuh caan climb a hill.
It better yuh chill dill dill. Jus(t) be still, yuh betta seek Christ
can yuh need to be fill. Yuh mek too much noise yuh a empty barrel.
Bwoy yuh a bully mek yuh tink suh cruel fallah di Father's will.
Julie Carr - Music Reviewer for ChristianMusic.com