...We’re fighting hard but its not with our fists and recruiting soldiers livicated to this mission, to dissect this bullshit system.”
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| Bassist Bobby-Lee |
Rebellious and militant lyrics reverberate a call to all those hungry for a positive change from the self-destructive direction our world seems to be heading. A call to arms, of sorts, by a band from Arlington, Virginia by the name SOJA - short for Soldiers Of Jah Army - in their song “To Whom It May Concern.” A reggae band that released their first full length album in 2002, SOJA has grown to become one of the most original and influential reggae bands in the world today. Their music has a diverse sound, with rhythms inspired by each band member’s own taste, yet always carries a rootsy melodic vibe. Most impressive (to me at least) are the lyrics and the messages in each and every one of their songs. Each song contains heart-felt, well thought-out, conscious lyrics intended to tell a story, giving the listener multiple sides of the coin; allowing the listener to consider his own interpretations. The most important aspect of every song is its message, which is one of positivity, yet critical of the vain materialistic society that we live in - this modern Babylon (see definitions 1 and 4).
It wasn’t until a friend in high school introduced me to SOJA and I listened to this band’s music that I truly became a lover of reggae music. Only after hearing their songs did I realize and understand that there exists a significant, heavy sustenance behind the easy-going hypnotic melodies encapsulated in reggae music. “True Love” was the very first song I’d heard from this band and I became an instant fan. The song comes off SOJA’s debut full-length album “Peace in a Time of War,” released in 2002. Unlike the many pop songs that litter the cluttered radio waves glamorizing vanity and selling sex, here was a real love song. A song that poetically captures and questions the idea of a true, unconditional love is felt in the emotionally poignant vocals and lyrics of lead singer and guitarist Jacob Hemphill. “What is love really if it only affects one aspect of life? That’s like a musician who only accepts his own musical type. That’s like a preacher who only respects Sunday morning and not Saturday night. That’s how this soldier can come to reflect that love is more than a man and a wife.” This song became one of SOJA’s instant classics, especially in Hawaii.
Another really big song on this album that still remains one of my favorites is “Rasta Courage.” It carries such a strong theme of self-identity and being true to oneself; striving for a sense of morality even in the face of opposition. In this case, standing true to values that may contradict the mainstream American values and ideals of capitalistic imperialism. With lyrics like, “I never give up on good vibes and I never give up on truth. Never trade my sanity for living in Babylon crew. Vanity will never drive this man insane. This man will walk alongside Jah again. We see all the pressures to conform today, and I may sometimes bend but only as not to break. ‘Cause a life of iniquity for laziness‘ sake is a deal with the devil Rasta just can’t make.” Or the heeding last cries of the final verse, “Looking back now upon all of the evidence. 400 years and what them years have really done. We talk of peace but at the first sign of war, bredren ain’t bredren and sistren ain’t sistren no more. Without forgiveness how will any wars cease? While the heathen rage, Rastaman sitting at ease. No one will move a muscle for some moral justice, and with no justice there’ll be no peace.” The final lines of the song pierce hauntingly as a warning to all of humanity.
These are just two great songs from a list of many. Other favorites from this album include “Peace in a Time of War,” “Reality,” “Mother Earth,” and “Non-Partial, Non-Political.”
Their second full-length album, released in 2005, was entitled “Get Wiser,” and continued the band’s legacy of conscious lyrics and ever-evolving musicianship. Some of my favorites from this album include “Open My Eyes,” “Faith Works,” “Be Aware,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Sorry,” “Bring Back the Truth,” and “Devils.”
In 2009 the band released their most recent full-length album, entitled “Born In Babylon.” Of any of the albums, I feel this is one that most directly deals with the issues facing the world today, contemplating our place as American citizens in the whole scheme of things. Its an interesting view of the philosophies of Rastafarian culture identifiable in many reggae songs, but from the perspective of kids (the band members) who grew up not in poverty, but in the government saturated community of Washington DC - the heart of Babylon. The music on this album is hard roots drum and bass, wide-ranged guitar and vocal melodies, and multi-faceted lyrics with multi-faceted messages. Some of my favorites on this album include “Used to Matter,” “You and Me,” “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” “Summer Breeze,” “Waking Up,” “Thunderstorms,” and “Here I Am.”
Besides their full length albums, the band has two EP’s, “Soldiers of Jah Army,” released in 2000, and “Stars and Stripes,” released in 2008. Both of which have amazing songs like “Watch Them,” “Zion Livity,” “Stars and Stripes,” and “Bleed Through.” In 2008 they also released a DVD entitled “SOJA Live in Hawaii,” in which the band toured four of the main islands and documented their trip, providing live footage mixed with interviews and adventures. This is a DVD I truly treasure, especially since living in California for school, because it definitely brings back great memories of home.
As good as SOJA’s music is on their albums, the band is even more amazing live in concert. I’ve had the great privilege of experiencing quite of few of their concerts both in California and Hawaii. Their shows overflow with infectious energy. This is a band that continues to grow and evolve, yet always remains true to the roots essence of what its all about - delivering positive, thought-provoking messages to enlighten and inspire.
The band is currently working on their fourth full-length album, which I am anxiously awaiting the release of. I also have reason to believe that this album will be even closer (than albums prior) to what SOJA and its music is all about. What’s my reasoning? In the last concert of theirs I saw, they performed a track off this upcoming album called “Changes.” One of the lines in the song perfectly encapsulates what I believe to be SOJA’s ultimate mission, which is to help people “look at this world less like a square and more like a circle.”
But I hope you don’t take my word for it when I say this band is the real deal. Take a listen and decide for yourself. Like the lyrics in their song Bring Back the Truth, “Think for yourself or be thought for, and fight for yourself or be fought for, but find for yourself or be lost forever...”
Aloha a Mālama Pono,
Messenjah
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