Flashback Friday: Dennis Emmanuel Brown “Here I Come (Love and Hate)”

Timeless Words of Wisdom From Reggae’s Crown Prince

Dennis Emmanuel Brown released his debut album, No Man Is An Island, to the world in 1969. At 12 years old, the singer saw instant success, which foreshadowed his bright career of nearly 80 albums. This Flashback Friday, we musically livicate the “Crown Prince of Reggae” on his Earthstrong weekend, through the lyrics of his 1977 smash hit, “Here I Come” (Love and Hate).  More After The Jump…

At 9 years old, Brown shadowed his musical mentors, Byron Lee and The Dragonaires. During this time, he gained the attention of the legendary producer, Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. The producer worked with him on most of the songs for his debut album.”Here I Come” was released in 1977 on the album, Wolf & Leopards.   This album was produced on his own label, DEB  in the UK and by Weed Beat in Jamaica. The lyrics of “Here I Come” are based on Psalms 23. This psalm was written by King David, “a man after God’s own heart”(Acts 13:22):

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Here I Come- Lyrics

Love and hate can never be friends Oh no, oh no

Here I come with love and not hatred
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow I
All the days of I life
Envy no one, no wish to be with no evil man
For there’ll come the day
When you’ll be whipped by the father’s hand
Live up roots children
Live up rasta children
My head is anointed and my cup runneth over
Surely goodness and mercy
Shall follow I, all the days of I life
The spiritual song creates a euphoric feeling when you listen to it, so I can only imagine what fans who had the privilege to hear this song live felt. This is only one of his numerous hits. Bob Marley dubbed him the best singer in the world. Ironically, Dennis Emmanuel Brown died at 42 years old of a heart attack; a complication from his cocaine addiction on July 1, 1999. We leave you with footage of Dennis Emmanuel Brown performing  “Here I Come” (Love and Hate) for a live audience.

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