Aswad's reggae track features two vocalists trading verses about poverty, shame, and societal pressure. The refrain "Can't stand the pressure / Can't bear the pain" anchors lyrics that weave spiritual questioning with calls to reject vanity and find courage against overwhelming weight.
It's not for the dead, my friend. Mis-situation, them hunting for solution. Let all odds be as one, and then they want us to cry.
Oh, just under pressure. Oh. Can't bear the pain. Oh, can't stand the pressure.
Oh, can't bear the pain. No, Fred, not my brother. Try forbid the sisters to cry. No, say I and I, we shall bear fruit Tug it. But while pockets empty, many things I, I shall be denied. Then you take what you get. Now your shame make you hide. Oh, can't stand the pressure. Oh, can't bear the pain. Oh, gather the brave. Why standeth in the shadows, muted by your pride? Art thou not but as well fed? Why cast yourself aside? God do stand strong, yet equal not with their vanity. No sé, I dread dread. The truth, the eye of the North. Oh, can't stand the pressure. Oh, can't bear the pain.
Oh.
UB40 - The Earth Dies Screaming / Madness - Too Hot To Handle ft. UB40 / One in Ten (Live)
