Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Greenwood started his musical career as a DJ for the hip hop act Basehead, a group that would have a significant impact on his style as a solo-musician. Citizen Cope blends many genres of music, such as folk, blues, hip hop, rock, and R & B.
Greenwood first released a demo tape under the name Cope Citizen in the late '90s. He would follow up the release of the demo by donating songs to several independently issued compilations, movie soundtracks, as well as appearing on several fellow artist's albums.
In 2000 Greenwood signed with the DreamWorks Records label, which released his first album in September 2002, Citizen Cope. Greenwood toured to promote the record as an opener for Nelly Furtado. He performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, in 2002.
After the release of Citizen Cope, Greenwood felt the label "mishandled" the record, creating tension between the two. The tension prompted Greenwood to buy out his contract with the label, using the advance he received from his next label, Arista Records and RCA Records, to do so.
In September of 2004, Citizen Cope released his second record, The Clarence Greenwood Recordings, which earned him much critical success as well as minor touring success as an opening act for a popular touring band, Robert Randolph & the Family Band.
In 2005, Cope continued to tour the United States promoting his second major label record. In April, his song "Son's Gonna Rise" began appearing in a Pontiac commercial and was distributed as the album's second single.
The song "Bullet and a Target" was played in the end credits of the 2006 film The Sentinel, during a scene of the 2007 movie Alpha Dog, and also during a scene in the ski film Tangerine Dream.
The song "Let The Drummer Kick" was featured in the film Accepted and Coach Carter. It was also featured on the HBO series Entourage during the fourth season finale "The Cannes Kids." Entourage also featured the song "Awe" during the second part of the third season's (3B) episode "The Prince's Bride".The song "Son's Gonna Rise" was featured in the television series, One Tree Hill. The song "Sideways" was featured in the television series Scrubs.
On September 12, 2006, Citizen Cope released the new album, Every Waking Moment. He is also featured on the track "Bullet" on rapper Rhymefest's album Blue Collar, and is included on the compilation Radiodread with his cover of Radiohead's "Karma Police."
In 2008, Citizen Cope parted ways with RCA Records, but made an appearance that same year for Dido's album Safe Trip Home, in which he collaborated for a track titled "Burnin' Love."
His newest album, The Rainwater LP was released digitally in February 2010, with physical versions releasing a month later. This new set was released under his own label, RainWater Recordings. He is currently on tour promoting this new album.
Let The Drummer Kick
Citizen Cope Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let the drummer kick that
Let the drummer kick
Let the drummer kick that
Relations
Creation
Determination
Equation
Humiliation
Reincarnation
Situation
Elation
Identification
Retaliation
Education
Inspiration
No substitution
Solution
Conclusion
Let the drummer kick
Let the drummer kick that
Let the drummer kick
Let the drummer kick that
Relations (Apollo had to break 'em)
Creation (A gift, a blessing)
Incarceration (What keeps you down)
Determination (What gets you out)
Equation (When they said you could make it)
Humiliation (What you feel when they say it)
Reincarnation (N-A-V)
Situation (Why we've got to sing)
Elation (Let the drummer kick, so many in need)
Identification (Gives you the right to shoot)
Retaliation (What would it do)
Education (Gives you the right to choose)
Inspiration (Is what pulls you through)
No substitution (No subsitute)
Non-inclusion (You've got to bust through)
Drug infusion (For the chosen few)
Mass confusion (When they say that they died for you)
Solution (It can take a hold of you)
Conclusion
Inspiration (Is what pulls you through)
Let the drummer kick (Inspiration)
Let the drummer kick that (Inspiration)
Let the drummer kick
Let the drummer kick that
You don't even have to wait
You don't even have to wait
Let the drummer kick
Let the drummer kick that
The song "Let the Drummer Kick" by Citizen Cope is a message of empowerment and inspiration, urging the listener to break through the obstacles and limitations that hold them down. The recurring line "Let the drummer kick" is a call to action, a reminder to keep pushing forward despite setbacks and failures.
The verses of the song list various challenges and struggles, including relationships, incarceration, humiliation, and discrimination. These are all obstacles that can hold us back, but the chorus serves as a reminder that we have the power to overcome them.
The song also touches on themes of identity and self-determination. The chorus mentions identification and education as key factors in overcoming challenges, while the line "No substitution, non-inclusion, drug infusion" suggests that there are no shortcuts to success, and that true empowerment comes from within.
Overall, "Let the Drummer Kick" is a powerful and uplifting song with a message that is both timely and timeless, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Let the drummer kick
Encouraging the drummer to play and set the rhythm
Let the drummer kick that
Continuing to urge the drummer to play and set the tone
Relations (Apollo had to break 'em)
Acknowledging challenges in relationships and the difficulty in overcoming them
Creation (A gift, a blessing)
Recognizing life as a precious and valuable gift
Incarceration (What keeps you down)
Describing the feeling of confinement or being held back
Determination (What gets you out)
Highlighting the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming obstacles
Equation (When they said you could make it)
Addressing the challenges of proving oneself to others
Humiliation (What you feel when they say it)
Describing the negative emotions that come from being embarrassed or belittled
Reincarnation (N-A-V)
Possibly referencing Navajo religion and the concept of rebirth
Situation (Why we've got to sing)
Expressing the importance of music and singing in difficult situations
Elation (Let the drummer kick, so many in need)
Feeling elated and uplifted by the music, which can provide much-needed relief
Identification (Gives you the right to shoot)
Recognizing the importance of official identification, which provides certain rights
Retaliation (What would it do)
Questioning the value of seeking revenge or retaliation
Education (Gives you the right to choose)
Stressing the importance of education in providing options and choices
Inspiration (Is what pulls you through)
Recognizing the transformative power of inspiration in difficult times
No substitution (No substitute)
Emphasizing the unique value and irreplaceability of certain things, possibly the music or the drumming
Non-inclusion (You've got to bust through)
Asserting the need to break through barriers of exclusion or marginalization
Drug infusion (For the chosen few)
Highlighting the dangers and limitations of drug use
Mass confusion (When they say that they died for you)
Commenting on the confusion and complexity of issues related to sacrifice and death
Solution (It can take a hold of you)
Acknowledging that finding solutions can be all-consuming and overwhelming
Conclusion
Ending the song, possibly leaving the listener to reflect on the themes and messages conveyed
Inspiration (Is what pulls you through)
Repeating the idea that inspiration can help one get through difficult times
You don't even have to wait
Suggesting that one can take action immediately without delay
Let the drummer kick
Repeating the opening line of the song, possibly as a call to action or a show of appreciation
Let the drummer kick that
Repeating the previous line, emphasizing the importance of the drumming
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Clarence Copeland Greenwood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind