Dreadlock Holiday by 10cc is based on true events experienced by Eric Stewart and Justin Hayward in Jamaica. They were threatened by a group of Rastafarians, which inspired the songs lyrics. It showcases the bands fondness for reggae and reflects on cultural tensions.
I was walkin' down the street Concen-tratin' on truckin' right I heard a dark voice beside of me And I looked round in a state of fright
I saw four faces one mad A brother from the gutter They looked me up and down a bit And turned to each other N.C.
I don't like cricket oh no I love it I don't like cricket oh no I love it
Don't you walk thru my words You got to show some respect 'Cause you ain't heard me out yet
Well he looked down at my silver chain He said I'll give you one dollar I said You've got to be jokin' man It was a present from me Mother
He said I like it I want it I'll take it off your hands And you'll be sorry you crossed me You'd better understand that you're a-lone A long way from home N.C.
I don't like reggae no no I love it I don't like reggae no no I love it
Don't you cramp me style Don't you queer on me pitch 'Cause you ain't heard me out yet
I hurried back to the swimming pool Sinkin' pina coladas I heard a dark voice beside me say Would you like something harder
She said I've got it you want it My harvest is the best And if you try it you'll like it And wallow in a Dreadlock Holi-day N.C.
Don't like Ja-maica oh no I love her Don't like Ja-maica oh no I love her
Don't you walk thru her words You got to show some respect 'Cause you ain't heard her out yet
I don't like cricket oh no I love it (Dreadlock Holiday) I don't like reggae no no I love it (Dreadlock Holiday) Don't like Ja-maica oh no I love her (Dreadlock Holiday) (Repeat to Fade)