Story Of The Song - 'Skylarking' on a personal note

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

"Skylarking, that's what

youths do today

Skylarking, before they stand

up firm on their feet

Begging you a five cent sir

Begging you a 10 cent sir

Cannot help."

- Skylarking, Horace Andy

Horace Andy's Skylarking is a 1972 dismissal of the youths loitering on the corner, hands outstretched for a 'smalls', the song given a 1990s treatment by Garnet Silk. Andy said it was recorded at Studio One in 1974, Bagga Case and 'Horsemouth' Wallace among the musicians.

He attributes his breakout hit to divine inspiration, saying "if I never walk so straight I would never get that inspiration, never in a million years, if I was not living upright. Up to now".

Still, it was also based on observation, Andy pointing out that many of the youths are looking for handouts "even now". But he quickly conceded that although he was writing about what he saw, he was also writing about himself in his years before going to Ethiopian World Federation meetings at 17 years old. "Bagga was a member and Pablo Black (keyboard player) too," Andy said.

So "even me used to sit on the corner", Andy said.

sound system favourite

Initially it was not released as a single but, after being included on the Jamaica Today album, Skylarking became such a sound system favourite that it was released as a single.

However, as he was not going out to many events, initially Andy did not know the reaction his songs were getting.

"I realise one night I went to Skateland (in Half-Way Tree) and a sound name Prince Patrick was playing. That's when I realise my songs mashing up the place. I just could not believe it. Hearing Skylarking play on the radio, I could not believe it," he said.

He said Skylarking duly went to the top of the charts. Garnet Silk's version also did well in dancehall and on radio.