Chalice was unique for being a during a time when many reggae acts relied on studio house bands.

Original 7" presses were released under the Joe Gibbs Music label in Jamaica.

The central refrain, "it will be good to be there when the gates of Zion are closed," expresses a deep longing for ultimate peace, liberation, and a sense of belonging.

The lyrics describe a difficult path—"though the road is rocking"—that the "children of Zion" must travel to reach home.