Let Your Yeah Be Yeah

Jimmy Cliff

About Let Your Yeah Be Yeah

"Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" is a song written by Jamaican singer Jimmy Cliff. It was first recorded by vocal trio The Pioneers, whose version, co-produced by Cliff, reached no. 5 on the UK singles chart in 1971. The lyrics are based on Matthew 5:37 "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."In 1973 it was recorded by American rock band Brownsville Station for their album Yeah!. Released as a single, it was the band's second song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching no. 57. Cliff also released the song as a single in 1975 on Island Records, but it did not chart. A cover of this song was recorded by British reggae band UB40's singer Ali Campbell for his solo album Big Love in 1995. It was released as a single and reached no. 25 in the U. K. 


Year:
1972
3:04
60 
#2

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You keep telling me yes
But you don't mean it
You keep telling me no
And try to lean it

You're giving me buts and maybe
You know this will drive me crazy
Why can't you tell it like it is?

And let your yeah be yeah
And your no be no, now
Let your yeah be yeah
And your no be no, now

Because I'm on my guard 
And I'm watching you from head to toe
So that let your yeah be yeah
And your no be no

You wear a plastic smile
I know by your eyes
You speak with indefinite style
You're telling me lies

You've got to face reality
What is wrong with you and me?
Why can't you free your honesty?

And let your yeah be yeah
And your no be no, now
Let your yeah be yeah
And your no be no, now

Because I'm on my guard 
And I'm watching you from head to toe
So you better let your yeah be yeah
And your no be no

You keep telling me yes
But you don't mean it
You keep telling me no
And try to lean it

You're giving me buts and maybe
You know this will drive me crazy
Why can't you tell it like it is?

You better let your yeah be yeah
And your no be no, now
Let your yeah be yeah
And your no be no, now

Because I'm on my guard 
And I'm watching you from head to toe

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Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff, OM (born James Chambers on 1 April 1948) is a Jamaican musician, singer and actor. He is the only currently living musician to hold the Order of Merit, the highest honour that can be granted by the Jamaican government for achievement in the arts and sciences. more »

5 fans

Written by: JIMMY CLIFF

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


5 facts about this song

Ali Campbell version
Ali Campbell is a British singer and songwriter who was a lead singer of the reggae band UB40. He covered "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" for his 2010 solo album, "Great British Songs." - Campbell's version of the song is a unique blend of reggae and modern pop, showcasing his familiar and distinctive vocal tone. His transition from reggae to pop and back was well-received.
Brownsville Station version
Brownsville Station, an American rock band, released a cover version of "Let Your Yeah be Yeah" in their 1974 album "School Punks." - Neither their album "School Punks" nor their rendition of the song "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" charted in top lists, but they gained popularity due to their unique rock and roll style.
Jimmy Cliff version
Jamaica's own Jimmy Cliff has also covered "Let Your Yeah be Yeah." His version was part of his "Unlimited" album, which was released in 1973. The album peaked at number 109 on the Billboard 200. - Jimmy Cliff, known as a reggae legend, put his style into the song, rendering it as a smooth, reggae number. His interpretation is quite well-known in reggae circles.
The Pioneers version
The song "Let Your Yeah be Yeah" was originally performed by The Pioneers, a Jamaican reggae band. It was first released in 1971 and became a hit, reaching number 5 in the UK Singles Chart. - As a trio, members of The Pioneers—Sydney Crooks, George Agard and Jackie Robinson—are considered pioneers of the reggae genre.
Overall
"Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" has been described as an iconic reggae song, and its lyrics carry a significant message. It encourages honesty and straightforwardness, suggesting people should stick to their word, with a "yeah" really meaning "yeah". - Despite being covered by several artists, all versions of the song retain a clear reggae influence, highlighting the song's Jamaican roots and the impact of The Pioneers on the genre.

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