Simmer Down

The Skatalites

About Simmer Down

"Simmer Down" was the first single released by The Wailers, accompanied by the ska supergroup, The Skatalites, and produced by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd in 1963. It was the number one hit in Jamaica in February, 1964. The song was directed to the "Rude Boys" of the ghettos of Jamaica at the time, sending them a message to cool down or "Simmer Down" with all the violence and crime going on in Kingston. The subject matter of "Simmer Down" made The Wailers stand out amongst their contemporaries. The Wailers at this time contained Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Junior Braithwaite, Cherry Smith, and Beverley Kelso. It was Bob Marley's first hit and his career as a songwriter and performer took off from there. In spite of "Simmer Down"'s success, Peter Tosh, one of the three original Wailers, said in an interview that he hated it. Later, the song was covered by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones for their EP Ska-Core, the Devil, and More, as well as by The Specials for their cover album Today's Specials. 


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Simmer down, you lickin' too hot, so
Simmer down, soon you'll get dropped, so
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, that why won't you, why won't you, why won't you simmer down
Simmer down
Long time people dem used to say
What sweet nanny goat a go run him belly, so
Simmer down, oh control your temper
Simmer down, for the battle will be hotter
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, oh that I'm a leaving you today
Simmer down

Simmer down, oh you hear what I say
Simmer down, a that I'm leaving you today
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down

Chicken Mary, hawk de near and when him de near, you must beware, so
Simmer down, oh control your temper
Simmer down, for the battle will be hotter
Simmer down, and you won't get no supper
Simmer down, and you know you bound to suffer
Simmer down, simmer, simmer, simmer right down
Simmer down, like you never did before
Simmer down, oh, oh, oh
Simmer down, can you hear what I say
Simmer down, you lickin' too hot so
Simmer down, and you know soon you'll get dropped, so
Simmer down, why won't you simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, simmer down, simmer down
Simmer down, simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, oh simmer, simmer down
Simmer down, like you never did before

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The Skatalites

The Skatalites are a ska band from Jamaica. They played initially between 1963 and 1965, and recorded many of their best known songs in the period, including "Guns of Navarone". They also played on records by Prince Buster and backed many other Jamaican artists who recorded during that period. They reformed in 1983 and have played together ever since. more »

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Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


3 facts about this song

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
"Simmer Down" is one of the songs performed by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, an American ska punk band that was formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1983. - The band is recognized as one of the pioneers that fused hardcore punk with ska elements. - "Simmer Down" is actually a cover of the original song by The Wailers, which the Mighty Mighty Bosstones brought their unique ska punk style to.
The Skatalites
The Skatalites originated from Jamaica and are one of the most important bands for the early development of reggae and ska music. - For nearly a year (1964 - 1965), they played a crucial role in popularizing ska, backing many of the vocalists in Jamaica at the time. - Their version of “Simmer Down” was instrumental in contributing to the progression and acceptance of ska music internationally.
The Specials
The Specials, also known as The Special AKA, is a British band formed in 1977 in Coventry. They have been instrumental in popularizing the ska revival movement in the United Kingdom. - They are recognized for their multiracial lineup during a period of racial tension in the UK. - The Specials also performed a sterling cover of "Simmer Down." Their version was heavily influenced by their signature style, which combines ska with punk rock and new wave.

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