54-46 That's My Number
The Maytals
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I said yeah (I said yeah), listen what I say (listen what I say) I said hear me now, listen what I say (listen what I say) I said stick it up mister Hear what I say, sir Get your hands in the air, sir And you will get no hurt mister Do what I say sir Just what I mean sir Get your hands in the air, sir And you will get no hurt, no I said yeah (I said yeah), listen what I say (listen what I say) I said hear me now, listen what I say (listen what I say) Second thing they say I must join the office Third thing they say, "Son, give me your number now" He'd say "What's your number?" I don't answer He'd say "What's your number, man?" I don't answer He'd say "What's your number now?", he'd say "What's your number now?" I said "fifty four forty six, that's my number" Fifty four forty six, that's my number, one more time Fifty four forty six, that's my number Fifty four forty six, that's my number I said yeah (I said yeah), listen what I say (listen what I say) I said hear me now, listen what I say (listen what I say) I said yeah (I said yeah), listen what I say (listen what I say) I said yeah (I said yeah), listen what I say (listen what I say) Stick it up, mister, hear what I say, sir, yeah Get your hands in the air, sir And you will get no hurt, you say Turn out your right pocket Ah, give me a printed shirt, sir Make up your shirt up I ain't have no luck now Stick it up, mister, hear what I say, sir, yeah Get your hands in the air, sir And you will get no hurt, mister, oh oh Stick it up, mister, hear what I say, sir, yeah
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Written by: FREDERICK HIBBERT
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Originality"54-46 That's My Number" is considered as one of the original reggae songs, which contributed greatly to the popularity of reggae music worldwide in the late 1960s.
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Inspirational SourceThe song was inspired by Frederick "Toots" Hibbert's 18-month incarceration for possession of marijuana. The numbers in the title represent Hibbert's prison number during his incarceration.
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Band Name"The Maytals" is actually the original name of the band, "Toots and the Maytals." Besides Hibbert, the band includes Henry "Raleigh" Gordon and Nathaniel "Jerry" Matthias.
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Different VersionsThe song has two versions. The original, which was released in 1968, was titled "54-46 That's My Number," and the re-recorded version, which came out in 1970, was labeled as "54-46 Was My Number."
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Commercial Success"54-46 Was My Number" became the band's first international hit. The song reached the UK top 30 chart, reinforcing The Maytals' status as one of the true pioneers of reggae music.
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Lyrics MeaningThe song lyrics narrate Hibbert's prison life and his proclamation of innocence. It also expresses his frustration with the system.
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Song CoversThe song has been covered by numerous artists and bands over the years, including Aswad, Yellowman, Buju Banton, and The Clash. This bears testament to The Maytals' influence in the music field.
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Popular Music SamplesElements of "54-46 That's My Number" have been sampled in other popular music. Most notably, Sublime's "Date Rape" and Chumbawamba's "Tubthumping" incorporate elements from the original song.
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Concert CloserThis song is typically how "Toots and the Maytals" close their live shows, often extending it into a longer version to engage the audience.
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Music AwardsIn recognition of their contribution to music, "Toots and the Maytals" were awarded the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2005.
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Citation
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"54-46 That's My Number Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 27 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/33669416/The+Maytals/54-46+That%27s+My+Number>.
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