1865 (96 Degrees In The Shade) Lyrics
Third World
Lyrics
said it was 96 degrees in the shade
ten thousand soldiers on parade
taking i and i to meet a big fat boy
sent from overseas
the queen employ
excellency before you i come
with my representation
you know where i'm coming from
you caught me on the loose
fighting to be free
now you show me a noose
on the cotton tree
entertainment for you
martyrdom for me
96 degrees in the shade
real hot in the shade
some may suffer and some may burn
but i know that one day my people will learn
as sure as the sun shines, way up in the sky
today i stand here a victim the truth is I'll never die
96 degrees in the shade
real hot in the shade
Song & Lyrics Facts
Third World's "1865 (96 Degrees in the Shade)" is a reggae classic released on their 1977 album of the same name. Written by band members Michael "Ibo" Cooper, Stephen "Cat" Coore and Richard Daley, the song details the plight of slaves in Jamaica during the colonial era.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the suffering endured by those living under oppressive conditions and call for an end to colonialism. Released on October 22nd, 1977, it became one of Third World's most popular songs and has been covered by numerous other artists since then.