Desmond Dekker-Israelites

[@iliveintimbuktoo]

Here's a true story. When I was 6 yo my family lived in an apartment in Alexandria, VA. One day, my brother (7) and I, walking through the complex, found a 45 rpm record in someone's trash can. It was right on top. We took it home and played it and this is what song it was. It is an amazing song and I'm certainly glad we rescued a copy off of that trash heap 40 years ago.

[@jpollardbookseller]

I think that was meant to happen!

[@hobowolfman3362]

This is amazing. ❤️

[@audieconrad8995]

One man's trash is another man's treasure!

[@maroontown779]

@@audieconrad8995 THAT IS DEEEEEEEEEP! PUT THAT IN THE BIBLE AND ALL RELIGIOUS TEXTS FOR THE QUOTE TO LIVE ON FOR EVER

[@DweeD1516]

Could have been a random record some kid got his hands on but his parents found it or heard him playing it and disapproved or maybe someone has a bad taste in music lol wonder why someone would throw something this good out. Good for you you they did though ha crazy how little things we do such as throwing something out can change someone's whole life perspective. I have had similar experiences with music as well.

[@blueschewy2558]

RIP Desmond Dekker. More than forty years later, this song still sounds fresh.

[@b_uppy]

It's just a great song.

[@PMMagro]

Great songs are like that :) Whould be a hit if released the first time today.

[@FukkBeatzz123]

Always if i play this song my grandpa starts to dance... AMAZING!

[@guz11aug]

In 1969 I was just eleven, my sister bought the single. Years later I started collecting singles and my sister gave me her record for my collection. One of my favorits...timeless

[@ufewl]

what a song, i was 61/2 when it was no1, a magical time in your life and this was a magical song to go with it, all the kids would sing the first line invariably wrong "i get up in the morning ready for breakfast". And what a snappy dresser our Desmond was!!! Well ahead of his time, I love that black and white body suit - and look at those flares!!! And there was an Indian shop which made and sold their own cheap ice lollies, 1d each - those were the days!!

[@Thee_Penguin]

My Mrs who is 45 and loves this tune has just notified me all these years she has sung "ears are alight" instead of "Israelite" 🤯🤣

[@guavajellyjam]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@richardcummins5465]

Classic 😂😂😂

[@pandabear5221]

😂😂😂

[@chizelbonzo]

Love the bass players groove so much. It's timeless happy funk.

[@ShortieLeeroy]

A timeless reggae gem.

[@auletjohnast03638]

ShortieLeeroy, Is not raggae it is SKA music. Other ska songs: 'My Boy Lollipop by Milley Small, 'Wonderful World Beautiful People by Jimmy Cliff, 'I Can See Clearly Now The Rain Is Gone' by Johnny Nash.

[@Nikolinanin]

I don't understand how anyone can dislike this.

[@rossirobert2115]

you're right friend !!

[@elizabethpinkerton9866]

@@rossirobert2115 maybe because he is mimeing. Still a great song love it.

[@ShailendraSINGH-jk2ev]

BCOZ OF GAZA GENOCIDE

[@bartonim]

It's hard to imagine a more diverse time in music--we were hearing this and so much other great stuff! This is the classic period of ska rivaled only by the 2-Tone revival of the late 70s.

[@Rocket_E]

Desmond Dekker has the coolest moves - Electrifying performance - simply joyous!

[@jwhitehead5390]

I saw Desmond decker in small pub in Dublin there were only 4 people there and he still put on a cracking show huge respect

[@Don-qb1vi]

j whitehead Lucky!!

[@sambaldwin7715]

+Senor Frog hell yes!

[@tonybrown7334]

j whitehead r

[@alanmerriman6100]

j whitehead ..l too seeing him in a pub in Dublin in my mod(s) days .meet him after the show .. got a few LPs signed. Rip.

[@oldstylez6419]

what a lucky man you are!!!! only 4 people......????????

[@dailycoffee8533]

Desmond dekker what a great voice, Israelites what a great song. It is one of those golden gems that you can hear over and over and it sounds special every time. I love this song.

[@philmullins136]

I agree. Best wishes to you.

[@johntaylor4332]

The man was coolness personified,great live performer.

[@kimwoods1]

My 1 and 2 year olds do also!

[@ohearn22]

Desmond Dekker is almost as fun to watch move as he is to hear singing. What energy and enthusiasm! This video makes me smile, and remember when music really was good! RIP Desmond. You were one-of-a-kind ; )

[@darling_danke_schoen]

I get goose bumps when the bass line thumps… but especially when he hits them high notes… wow!

[@USCHO67]

handymandan100 I know I love that bass line but I wish the instrument-playing would be shown more! The other "live" (1978) vid of this song doesn't show any instruments at all. I have a sneaking suspicion that if not lip synching there may be at least some piped-in instrumentals. Are the guitar players even plugged-in in here?

[@darling_danke_schoen]

Oh I think what they did was sync a video the the original recording and then dub in the applause at the end. Desmond's lips do not match the words at times… it's purty obvious to me on watching closely

[@danielglaser1546]

Thank you and R.I.P. Desmond Dekker for bringing us some of the very first Reggae heard outside Jamaica.

[@TheMoot1]

This was the first single I ever bought at the age of 10 and it still sounds as fresh and vibrant as when I first heard it. I once could sing all the words without really knowing what they were about!

[@ThisAndThatMicrowave]

Beautiful and sad memories of the 60's. Playing upbeat for the dancing crowd, while preaching the real truth...

[@saladdays180s9]

One of the best songs ever written. Its perfect.

[@gillianphillips6991]

Wow, just came across this song and video. Brought back a wonderful memory of being 15 and crammed into a tiny pub in London, about 6 ft away from him singing this song. Never forgotten ❤️

[@rdayk]

One of the greatest rock steady tunes every recorded, and what a performer DD was! Thanks for sharing this.

[@johnnyb8825]

Sounds more like early reggae (more upbeat feel than rocksteady) but there's a fine line between them.

[@ChocolateMelanin]

This song is so relevant today. Israelites waking up to who they are ✊🏾

[@donovanwilliamsroker4734]

Chocolate Melanin, Allelulyah!!! Yes we are. Jamaican people always knew and have never forgotten.

[@Emotional2000]

Glory to the Most High for the great awakening of His people scattered throughout the world!

[@Tayanese]

Shalom❤️🦔

[@adamk7406]

@@donovanwilliamsroker4734 I know white folks who listen to songs like this one and then look shocked when I tell them who Israel really is. Like God would choose them ugly lumps in Israel today lol

[@jahmicahaustinisrael1440]

Finally somebody understands the deeper meaning behind the song. It’s just not catchy but a real reality of our people. Repent & come into The Messiah

[@argumentalcom]

i love how much he's enjoying himself while singing, you dont see that much these days

[@fehryn7369]

he's lipsyncing here but singing live he's even better

[@rubberduky1829]

For those who don't know THIS song was the first number one hit in the U.K from a reggae artist and was a top ten hit here in the U.S. The Clash even did a number of pages talking about how they were influenced by that particular sound. Such an infectious groove. First time I heard it here on KZbin, I ended looping the heck out of this song, and managed to clean my whole apartment. :)

[@imannonymous7707]

Lol I belive it I've heard the clash and most British punk bands site reggae as the biggest influence

[@actionsub]

Johnny Nash had charted in 1968 with a song called "Hold Me Tight", in an attempt to introduce the emerging ska/rocksteady/reggae sound to the US. As such, he was the first non-Jamaican to record in Kingston, and was instrumental in bringing Bob Marley to the states, having signed Marley and a handful of other Jamaican singers as songwriters. Dekker was the first Jamaican artist to hit the charts with a legit Jamaican reggae song. But here's where the story gets interesting. Some years prior to Nash's arrival in Jamaica, Desmond Dekker had been signed to a contract by Jamaican producer Leslie Kong. While waiting for his break, he worked as a welder. It was there he met Bob Marley, who was employed as a welder, too. Seeing Marley's talent, Dekker introduced him to Kong, who signed him to a contract too. Marley's first sides were recorded in 1962.

[@xxbarneyxx]

over 40 years later.....still great!

[@nccarguy925]

I remember this song, I was about 13. Not til later did I understand the words!

[@latitudeCheck]

Ska at its best from a very talented good man. God Bless you Desmond Dekker and thank you for your musical gifts. Rest in peace.

[@graduatedan]

One of my all time favourite tunes. Thanks for the opportunity to see Desmond Dekker live.

[@Olliewestdowsett]

i worked at a festival my job was hospitality and had to look after desmond dekker we got drunk and high together the year before he died TOP GUY

[@StairwellTheCat]

Love this!!!

[@ADrunkBassist]

I love this song. I love this voice. I love this dance. I love this message. I only missed Desmond Dekker by about 4 months. I wish I could see this guy perform just one time.

[@Bessie1970]

had the honour of seeing this man perform in the early 90's. amazing.

[@emmcatherine1460]

Well done Desmond as this sounds as good to me as years ago

[@russellcampbell9198]

Heard this emanating from our kitchen radio and it seeped into a young boy's consciousness and has stayed and will stay - magic!

[@hugoaken2604]

Great to hear this number again - remember well this first reggae style song to make it big in UK. And one thing now cleared up - always thought the words were "get up in the morning , baked beans for breakfast" !

[@spikew10]

Lovely "feel good" song. I'm 13 and this should be on the radio every once in a while. It's just generally better than most of the music out there in this era. But this will never be forgotten, I always listen to this when I feel bad because it really helpes, the high vocals and lo bass. This one is a real favrouite, never ages.

[@angelwhisper49]

Love his moves..Heard this song when it hit the charts...a way back...sorry to hear and first time I know of his passing..sadly!!!

[@57highland]

+Janet Laramie This song reached #9 on the American Top 40 (Pop) chart in June 1969. I remember it well.

[@joycecalvano1580]

Haven't been back to Jamaica since 1984. Never forget it....the white sandy beaches.... swam with the fish...and the Reggae music starts the minute u get off the plane!!!?! Unforgettable beauty!!!!!! & music abounds!!!!!!

[@wellrude1]

still one of the best grooves ever!!

[@angelolopes8432]

I love this song it never gets old.One of the Classic Reggae standards plays throughout the summer.Thanks for a great video.

[@gabrielafabryczna5821]

My one year old it's crazy about this song! He is saying Reggae! And then skanking his little feet 💚💛❤️

[@miloscaredio4636]

Desmon Decker is awsome

[@johnklockyer]

Fantastic! reggae music was actually the Traditional Skinhead Music at that time...I was there! Desmond was one of the best. I only wish I could have seen him on stage. RIP

[@racketman2u]

love that bass line.

[@c0ke]

Sáquense el sombrero, éste es el primer hit universal de la música jamaicana que se paseó por el mundo entero camuflado en las listas soul. Hay un antes y un después en la proyección internacional de la música jamaicana tras este éxito.

[@keemosobby2633]

What an awesome song. Killer backup vocals.

[@philmullins136]

This is my favorite version. The backup singers make this version the best.

[@piranalu]

45".......the first little vinyl record I ever bought with my babysitting money. I'm an old lady now........and this still gets me so happy.....and dancing. Thanks! I never understood the lyrics until my 20s---always a reggae hound

[@philmullins136]

Great story. I'm 60 & love this song & video. Best wishes to you.

[@melissainnsamami1272]

One of the best RIP Desmond

[@zorro15226]

Always admired and loved this song wonderful memories it was the time when I met my sweetheart( my wife)

[@suzyhoy]

hi...saw him live when I was so young ....early 70s...brilliant

[@ferdiland1]

Im 17 years old and i can safely that in 50-60 years time this song i will have just as much love for it as i do now.

[@Elcontracorriente]

Adoro o som de Dekker cresci ouvindo isso e outros também da época e do gênero hoje recomendo a boa música a todos para que conheçam estes grandes artistas do passado.

[@briangardiner3520]

I bought this in 1971 at 11 still gets the body moving. Beautiful.

[@williamgunter6801]

I wore out the 8 track tape during the early 70's. Ten selections of the best direct from Kingston.

[@AlyselaynRai]

I LOVE this man's voice.

[@Dianne1234567890]

Met him in the early seventies,such a shy guy,with a quiet gentle voice,I even got a kiss on the cheek!! still love this song...

[@Lwyse96]

He was the first reggae artist to chart in Ireland.

[@Zarasha1]

Larry Wyse Wow.

[@ogiejii7885]

The first to get airplay anywhere, to omou.

[@RichardWillis-fn4hg]

He is a ska argtist not reggae artist

[@1santos1]

tell your dad he rules and that this is one of the greatest songs ever written. tell him THANK YOU!!!!

[@57highland]

Shirt is a-tear up, trousers are gone. I don't want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde.

[@kidfoolyjay]

after the storm their must be a calm, catch me in your farm you sound your alarm

[@glenminnick3724]

Now more than ever , an important message!

[@ho2cultcha]

i can't get enough of this video! wonderful song, subject and cinematic skill.

[@nickrobinson7283]

When this song came out I thought he was saying "Get up every morning same thing for breakfast".

[@angelwhisper49]

Lol!!!!!!!!! yeah...me too!

[@auletjohnast03638]

I thought he was saying "Wake up in the morning begging for breakfast"

[@daypeshmodd]

I thought it was ',Get up in the morning slaving for breakfast'' and to be honest, although I've known the songs for decades, I still don't know the lyrics. lol

[@johnnyfettslem7439]

Old ass comment thread but anyways. first line is “Get up in the morning slaving for bread, sir”

[@skyrainproduction3564]

Poor me, the Israelites, We Are The Real Children of Israel. We're so happy to finally know who we are, its been hidden from most of us for so long. My grand parents used to say they were aboriginals of this land. But they were so much more than that. They are Israelites.

[@buckypreseau7349]

every thing about this song is fucking awesome. my mom introduced us to this song when i was about 12, and we would beg her to put it on and we would listen over and over and bounce up and down all around the house. what a beautifull memory, thank mr desmond decker for helpin creat a magical memory for my family!

[@ablakehall4734]

The bass line MAKES this song.

[@rcstafford1]

+A BlakeHall bass line was the melody, precursor of raggae, ska, somebody help me here, haha

[@HappySunshineDay]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocksteady

[@jeffreywright2294]

RIP Desmond 🙏 ❤❤

[@michaelb4103]

And still a bad ass song in 2019 timeless

[@scottcorkery7863]

Spring, 1969...this is the first reggae song i remember hitting Top 20❤❤❤❤

[@10Rice8Fun]

171 people want to end up like bonnie and clyde

[@tanjavanprooijen7115]

Best comment ever!! :-D

[@brandi_8145]

😂

[@DanGan808]

My dad gets a huge kick outta this song for some reason! lol, me and him was laughing our asses off watching this! Good times!

[@jkrycz]

That interval is basically magical. Don't pretend you don't know which interval.

[@Jodie1995sox]

No matter how much i listen to this song i can never bet bored of it, and yes im 16. I love ska reggae. I really believe i should of been born in the 60s :(

[@malcolmcog]

I love those flares !

[@jujumulligan43]

This is one of the greatest songs ever. I didn't find out what the actual words wew till about now, 35 years later, give or take. I will always remember this tune as being very original and unique. And yes man the poor Israeli! God , Yahweh, the Great Spirit go with you for eternity..

[@StewartElworthy]

I wonder when this was filmed. The styles are definitely after 1969.

[@pelegrihenri4993]

+Barbara Elworthy when I saw this video for the first time I thought about a "the persuaders" sometimes there was an including scene of night clubs of the seventies.

[@cynthiazirkwitz4494]

Dunno about that... styles in England were definitely advanced on North America's-- I had a friend who went to the UK in 1969 and came back with these kinda duds, so it could be '69-- but likely in the 70s sometime.

[@RokiMowntinHi]

I also wondered.... isn't that the Smothers Brothers, with long hair, giggling together? Weird.

[@bm6563]

Such a cool video all round.

[@canadianeastcoaster5142]

great tune

[@yeenman]

I saw him once in Long Beach with my Nigerian friend Obi, best ska show EVER. Period.

[@tytantyrell]

jamaican roots my island rock!@#$

[@loobyloo1955]

They used to blast this song at the fair on the River Lea in London. Literally the best of days growing up in London with all the fabulous music.

[@rdbrewer6493]

I thought this was a Jewish doo-wop group from somewhere in NYC. I figured the beat derived from Jewish ethnic music. Wrong. Wrong. WRONG. Love it.

[@DoreenGordon-xr3wi]

I'm never going to forget you. Will always remember your great contribution to reggae music.

[@rodneyw51]

little did he know he really was a isrealite

[@brockwilborn2542]

This was the only reggae song we got in the late 60s. Loved it. Thank you KHJ in Los Angeles, California.

[@virgilsolozzo3510]

you catch me on your farm you sound your alarm .....

[@rayflaherty3441]

Irie rasta! Calling this song iconic is an understatement; cuts straight through to iyah. I was 8 living in Kingston in 69. My family was there for 2 years as one of the few Peace Corps families.

[@michaelsatterlee2950]

THIS is not Ska, it's called Bluebeat, and it KILLS !!!

[@berrygoodstuff]

Wow I haven't heard this song for years until I heard it on NPR this morning. Thank you for posting♥

[@jmbtotal]

Get up in the morning, slaving for bread, sir So that every mouth can be fed Poor me Israelites, ah Get up in the morning, slaving for bread, sir So that every mouth can be fed Poor me Israelite My wife and my kids, they packed up and leave me Darling, she said, I was yours to be seen Poor me Israelites Shirt them a-tear up, trousers is gone I don't want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde Poor me Israelites After a storm there must be a calm They catch me in the farm You sound your alarm Poor me Israelites I said I get up in the morning, slaving for bread, sir So that every mouth can be fed Poor me Israelites I said my wife and my kids, they are packed up and leave me Darling, she said, I was yours to be seen Poor me Israelites Look me shirts them a-tear up, trousers are gone I don't want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde Poor me Israelites After a storm there must be a calm They catch me in the farm You sound your alarm Poor me Israelites Poor me Israelites, poor me Israelites, poor me Israelites

[@speakuscorner]

Big classic! 🔥👏🏾🎶

[@TonyHarristkh]

cool

[@swicheroo1]

I used to listen to the same Desmond Dekker on my commute from LA to Santa Barbara--the same tape over and over--when I taught a class at UCSB. Seared into my memory. Never got tired of it.

[@batistalamontray9295]

I I'm Israelite. .

[@tameza1]

me too

[@ivorwhitlock1095]

i am 59 mate and i will always dance to this great music, regards to your grandad, he got good rythm and great taste

[@travissmov4768]

HEBREW ISRAELITES....STAND UP!

[@Charles-tg2rb]

I have loved this ever since first hearing it in the movie drugstore cowboy. Great movie, awesome tune.

[@DezOneTwo]

Drugstore Cowboy

[@ellylohuys]

The first single ever I bought when I was 12 years old in 1969. I still love it

[@xXLittleGirl]

Ahhh, I remember this song! When I was little my dad used to listen to this song so often! I'm so glad I've found it :)

[@steppingupgirl]

I just loved this when I was 12. I'm 53 now. Yep, the original reggae. Long before Bob Marley. I knew I'm smart.

[@larrywoolridge5359]

Love this song