As a youth, I enjoyed "Liming on the Block" with friends. We joked and talked about everything one could imagine, and most of the time we ended up playing "windball cricket" or street soccer. Today, the lime is different. People fear groups of youth liming on the block; these are different times and with this calypso presented today, there is a message for the youth. This is Calypso with clout!
This calypso speaks directly to young men about the choices they make every day. Written by Deryck St. Rose and vocalized by Joy, the song delivers a message that spending time “on the block” leads nowhere and encourages young people to focus on real goals instead. Strong words but meaningful indeed. Then there is the issue of image. The song demonstrates that the first steps toward a stronger future are pulling up your pants, respecting yourself, and finding honest work.
The song makes it clear that chasing quick money through crime only ends in prison or the cemetery. Some think that street life is where manhood manifests itself, but they are so wrong. It’s a reminder that the street life may look exciting, but it destroys more lives than it saves.
The songwriter and singer also call on the community to step up and help save the youth. We should take note of the past when Families, neighbors, and leaders worked together to guide young people and reduce the violence affecting the country. We need to embrace those days to help the youth. Everyone has a role in creating a safer environment.
A better path is always available. The song encourages learning a skill, going back to school, and using your talents in positive ways. It is a known fact that dedication, clear goals, a good education, and common sense open doors that crime never will.
Finally, the message is clear: "On De Block" challenges people in power, elected officials, to use their influence to create an environment that guides the youth to a better place. Curbing violence and crime is a start, but having more social services to help should be the goal.
Lofty goals, yes, but this has always been a challenge in Trinidad and Tobago; real change requires leadership, unity, and responsibility from everyone. The song is a start; the work is ahead of us and Kaiso Dial is here delivering the message.
Production Notes/Music Credits:
Song Title: On De Block
Singer/Performed by: Joy
Written by: Deryck St. Rose
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by: Cornell Phillip of imperial publishing
Produced and Arranged by: Cornell Phillip
Bass: Franklyn ‘Refuse’ Harris
Background Vocals: Carlyn Xavier Phillip
Graphics: Arisdale Bazil
Video Editor: Serlyn Cara-Joy Jeffrey
Origin: Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago.
Genre: Calypso 🎶
Empowering Caribbean Creatives
We present the music here for your listening pleasure and promotional purposes only, adhering to the "Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976. Kaiso Dial/Calypso Music Blog © 1990 by Santiwah is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/.
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