Steel Pulse, formed in 1975 in Birmingham, England, is renowned for its roots reggae music infused with a strong political message. The band has always used their platform to address social issues, and “Leggo Beast” is no exception. Released as part of their album “True Democracy,” the song paints a vivid picture of a complex character and her life, adorned with metaphors and cultural references that dig deep into societal norms and personal ethics.
In this post, we’ll dissect the lyrics of “Leggo Beast,” explore the cultural context that shaped it, and uncover the hidden messages that make this song a timeless piece of art. Expect to gain insights into the lyrics, the story behind the song, and how it reflects Steel Pulse’s broader message.
The Meaning of “Leggo Beast” by Steel Pulse
“Leggo Beast” by Steel Pulse, it’s a powerful anthem that encapsulates the spirit of resistance and the quest for liberation. The pulsating rhythms and evocative lyrics transport listeners into a narrative of struggle, resilience, and hope. Steel Pulse masterfully weaves together elements of reggae and dub to create a soundscape that is both haunting and uplifting. At its core, “Leggo Beast” is a call to break free from the chains of oppression, whether they be societal, political, or personal. It challenges listeners to confront their own “beasts,” urging them to rise up and claim their freedom. This track stands as a testament to the enduring power of music as a tool for social change and personal empowerment.
Lyrics
Leggo beast lips of flattery eyes of lust
Leggo beast she says carnal love is a must
Leggo beast feet abide not a home
Leggo beast loves to play while her husband gone
I know a lady lady of easy virtue
I know a lady lady of easy virtue
Uptown living living is all she knew
And at her door step door step
Traps she would lay for you
To lead men lead men astray
Like a vulture vulture
Lurks its prey yeh yeh I say
A rose in her hair
The pretty clothes she wears
At the passers by she winks her eye
Fools take up the offer
They say stolen waters is sweet
She has no consideration no
That’s why she lies and cheat
Leggo beast
In the twilight of the evening
The moon shines bright
Bread is pleasant when eaten in secret
Bosom of fire must resist it
This woman is flirting this woman deceiving
This woman misleading this woman is cheating
Choose to her content and fancy
Husband’s gone she hanky pankies
Husband’s gone
I know a lady lady of easy vinue
Uptown laay lady of easy virtue
Leggo–Leggo–Woman you cheat too much
Leggo beast me say fe stay at your yard
Leggo beast loves to play
Loves to play while her husband’s gone
Leggo Beast Lips of Flattery Eyes of Lust
The opening lines of “Leggo Beast” set the stage for a tale of temptation and deceit. The “lips of flattery” and “eyes of lust” immediately introduce us to a character who uses her charm and allure to manipulate others.
Deconstructing Temptation
Temptation is a recurring theme in many of Steel Pulse’s songs. In “Leggo Beast,” the protagonist embodies temptation itself. Her flattery and lustful eyes are tools she uses to lead men astray. This portrayal raises questions about the nature of temptation and the power it holds over individuals, especially those who are weak-willed or searching for something more.
The Power of Flattery
Flattery can be a powerful weapon. It can make people feel valued and admired, even if it’s insincere. In the context of the song, the “lips of flattery” signify the protagonist’s ability to lure men into her trap by making them feel special and desired. This technique is common in many stories of deceit, where the deceiver uses charm to gain the trust of their target.
Lust and Its Consequences
Lust is another dominant theme in this verse. The “eyes of lust” suggest that the protagonist is driven by carnal desires. Lust, often portrayed as a destructive force, can lead individuals to make irrational decisions. In “Leggo Beast,” it’s one of the primary motives behind the protagonist’s actions, adding a layer of complexity to her character.
Leggo Beast She Says Carnal Love Is a Must
This line further elaborates on the protagonist’s motivations. By declaring that “carnal love is a must,” we understand that physical desires are paramount to her.
Carnal Love Explored
Carnal love, or physical affection, is depicted here as a necessity, not just a desire. This raises interesting questions about human nature and the importance of physical relationships in our lives. For the protagonist, carnal love is not just a part of life, but a driving force behind her actions.
Societal Reflections
By emphasizing carnal love, the song also reflects on societal attitudes towards physical relationships. In many cultures, carnal love is often stigmatized or seen as taboo. “Leggo Beast” challenges these notions by presenting a character who unabashedly prioritizes physical desires, forcing listeners to consider their own beliefs and biases.
A Character Driven by Desire
The protagonist’s declaration that carnal love is essential adds depth to her character. It portrays her as someone who is unapologetically driven by desires that society often frowns upon. This frankness makes her a compelling, albeit controversial, figure in the narrative.
Leggo Beast Feet Abide Not at Home
This line suggests that the protagonist is restless, constantly on the move, and seldom found at home.
Understanding Restlessness
Restlessness can be both a physical and emotional state. In “Leggo Beast,” the protagonist’s inability to stay at home might symbolize a deeper sense of dissatisfaction or a search for fulfillment. This restlessness could be a result of her unquenchable desires or a need to escape from the constraints of a traditional lifestyle.
The Symbolism of Home
Home is often seen as a place of comfort and stability. By stating that the protagonist’s “feet abide not at home,” the song contrasts her lifestyle with the conventional idea of home. This could imply that she rejects or does not fit into societal norms that value a stable, home-bound life.
A Life of Wanderlust
The protagonist’s constant movement also adds to her allure and mystery. She is not bound by the typical responsibilities and expectations that come with home life. Instead, she lives a life of wanderlust, free from the ties that bind most people. This makes her an intriguing character, albeit one that might be seen as irresponsible or reckless.
Leggo Beast Loves to Play While Her Husband Is Gone
This line introduces another character—her husband—and highlights the protagonist’s infidelity.
Infidelity in Focus
Infidelity is a central theme in “Leggo Beast.” The protagonist’s actions while her husband is gone paint a picture of betrayal and dishonesty. This not only affects her husband but also reflects on her character and the choices she makes.
The Absent Husband
The mention of the husband adds another layer to the narrative. His absence suggests a lack of attention or presence in the protagonist’s life, which might partly explain her actions. It raises questions about the dynamics of their relationship and whether his absence contributes to her behavior.
A Complex Relationship
The relationship between the protagonist and her husband is complex. While she deceives him, the song does not provide details about his side of the story. This ambiguity allows listeners to fill in the gaps and consider various perspectives, making the narrative more engaging and thought-provoking.
I Know a Lady Lady of Easy Virtue
The repetition of “lady of easy virtue” emphasizes the protagonist’s moral flexibility and willingness to engage in questionable behavior.
Defining Easy Virtue
“Easy virtue” is a euphemism for promiscuity. By describing the protagonist as a lady of easy virtue, the song highlights her readiness to engage in relationships without much consideration for morality or loyalty. This characterization sets the stage for understanding her actions throughout the narrative.
The Dichotomy of Virtue
Virtue is often associated with moral excellence and righteousness. By juxtaposing the protagonist’s easy virtue with societal expectations, the song challenges listeners to think about the concept of virtue and how it is perceived. Is the protagonist inherently immoral, or is she simply living by her own set of rules?
A Reflection on Society
The focus on easy virtue also reflects societal attitudes towards women and their sexuality. The protagonist’s behavior might be judged harshly by some, but it also raises questions about the double standards that exist when it comes to judging men and women’s actions.
Uptown Living Living Is All She Knew
This line provides a glimpse into the protagonist’s background, suggesting that she comes from a privileged, urban lifestyle.
The Influence of Upbringing
The protagonist’s “uptown living” implies a life of privilege and affluence. This background might have shaped her attitudes and behaviors, including her sense of entitlement and desire for excitement. Understanding her upbringing helps explain some of her actions and adds depth to her character.
Urban versus Rural
The mention of uptown living also sets up a contrast between urban and rural lifestyles. Urban areas are often associated with fast-paced, glamorous lives, while rural areas are seen as more traditional and stable. This dichotomy might influence how the protagonist views the world and her place in it.
Privilege and Responsibility
With privilege often comes a sense of responsibility. However, the protagonist’s actions suggest that she might not feel bound by the same responsibilities as others. This raises questions about the impact of privilege on one’s sense of morality and duty.
At Her Door Step Door Step Traps She Would Lay for You
This line paints a vivid picture of the protagonist’s deceptive nature, using traps to lure unsuspecting victims.
The Art of Deception
Deception is a key element of the protagonist’s character. By laying traps at her doorstep, she actively seeks out opportunities to deceive and manipulate others. This behavior underscores her cunning and resourcefulness, making her a formidable and intriguing figure in the narrative.
The Metaphor of Traps
Traps are often used as metaphors for situations that are difficult to escape from. In “Leggo Beast,” the protagonist’s traps symbolize the allure and danger of temptation. Once someone falls into her trap, they might find it challenging to break free, further highlighting her manipulative nature.
Victims of Deception
The mention of traps also shifts the focus to the victims of the protagonist’s deceit. These individuals, lured by her charm and flattery, find themselves caught in her web. This dynamic adds complexity to the narrative, as it explores the consequences of her actions on others.
To Lead Men Lead Men Astray
This line reiterates the protagonist’s role in leading men away from their moral compass.
The Impact of Being Led Astray
Being led astray implies a deviation from one’s intended path. In the context of “Leggo Beast,” the protagonist’s actions cause men to stray from their values and responsibilities. This theme raises questions about personal accountability and the influence of external forces on one’s decisions.
The Role of the Seductress
The protagonist embodies the archetype of the seductress—a character who uses her allure to lead others astray. This archetype is prevalent in literature and music, often symbolizing temptation and moral ambiguity. By portraying the protagonist in this light, the song taps into a universal theme that resonates with many.
Moral Consequences
Leading men astray has moral implications not just for the protagonist but for her victims as well. The song invites listeners to consider the consequences of such actions on both parties, exploring themes of guilt, regret, and redemption.
Like a Vulture Vulture Lurks Its Prey Yeh Yeh I Say
Comparing the protagonist to a vulture emphasizes her predatory nature, constantly seeking out new victims.
The Vulture Metaphor
Vultures are scavengers, often seen as symbols of death and decay. By likening the protagonist to a vulture, the song underscores her predatory instincts and the destructive nature of her actions. This metaphor paints a vivid picture of her relentless pursuit of new victims.
Predatory Behavior
Predators actively hunt and pursue their prey. The protagonist’s behavior mirrors this, as she seeks out opportunities to deceive and manipulate. This comparison adds a layer of menace to her character, highlighting the danger she poses to those around her.
The Prey
The mention of prey shifts the focus to the victims once again. By likening them to prey, the song emphasizes their vulnerability and the predatory nature of the protagonist’s actions. This dynamic creates a sense of tension and urgency in the narrative.
A Rose in Her Hair
The rose in the protagonist’s hair is a symbol of beauty and allure, contrasting with her deceptive nature.
The Symbolism of the Rose
Roses are often associated with beauty, love, and romance. By placing a rose in the protagonist’s hair, the song highlights her outward charm and attractiveness. However, this symbol also contrasts with her inner deceit, creating a dichotomy between appearance and reality.
Beauty as a Tool
The rose symbolizes the protagonist’s use of beauty as a tool for manipulation. Her physical allure draws people in, making them more susceptible to her deceit. This theme explores the power of appearance and the ways in which it can be used to influence others.
The Contrast
The contrast between the rose and the protagonist’s actions adds depth to her character. It suggests that there is more to her than meets the eye, inviting listeners to look beyond surface appearances and consider the complexities of human nature.
The Pretty Clothes She Wears
The protagonist’s clothing further enhances her allure and charm, making her a captivating figure.
Fashion and Identity
Clothing is an important aspect of identity and self-expression. The protagonist’s “pretty clothes” contribute to her overall allure, making her an attractive and captivating figure. This theme explores the role of fashion in shaping perceptions and identities.
The Power of Appearance
Appearance plays a significant role in how people are perceived. The protagonist’s stylish clothing enhances her ability to deceive and manipulate, as it contributes to her overall charm. This theme highlights the power of appearance in influencing others and shaping interactions.
Layers of Deceit
The protagonist’s clothing, like the rose in her hair, adds another layer to her deceit. It suggests that her outward appearance is carefully curated to draw people in, masking her true intentions. This theme invites listeners to consider the layers of deceit that can exist in human interactions.
Conclusion
“Leggo Beast” by Steel Pulse is a rich and complex song that explores themes of temptation, deceit, and morality. Through its vivid imagery and metaphoric language, the song paints a compelling portrait of a character who embodies these themes in various ways. By dissecting the lyrics and understanding the cultural and societal context, listeners can gain a deeper appreciation for the song and its message.
For music enthusiasts and trivia buffs, “Leggo Beast” offers a treasure trove of insights and stories. It invites listeners to look beyond the surface and consider the deeper meanings behind the lyrics. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Steel Pulse or new to their music, “Leggo Beast” is a song that will captivate and intrigue you.