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.
Nite Becomes Day
Citizen Cope Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The media the system
the people chasing pay
Somebody's got a rifle he won't turn the other cheek
Now its his turn
Things have been getting real hectic these days
An eye for an eye
They're shooting him down and he's running away
That was their turn
I believe in
The same thing that makes the night become day
Tide and the water
Sons and the daughters
Can't hide it can't fight it
Love
I'm a say it again
It's the same thing that makes the moonlight
Meet up with the sunlight
Can't fight it can't buy it
Love, I'm a say it again
When cut deep the same blood we bleed
We're not immune to addiction or disease
Got violent deaths in our family trees
Now it's our turn
Things have been seeming real ready these days
From the North to the South to the East to the West
Happiness will you put it to your chest
When it's your turn
The song "Nite Becomes Day" by Citizen Cope discusses heavy and hectic times in society, where people are focused on chasing money and possessions, resulting in violence and a lack of understanding. The lyrics mention an individual with a rifle, who won't turn the other cheek, symbolizing a society that has become numb to violence and destruction. The artist then brings the focus back to the idea of love, which is compared to the tide and water, something that cannot be fought or hidden. Love is said to be the force that makes night turn into day, and brings together the moonlight and sunlight.
The artist urges the listeners to focus on the similarities that bring people together, rather than the differences that tear them apart. The mention of addiction and disease highlights the idea that no one is immune to life's struggles, and violent deaths in family trees suggest that our actions have consequences that affect future generations. Citizen Cope emphasizes the importance of happiness, encouraging listeners to hold it close when it's their turn to face heavy and hectic times.
Line by Line Meaning
Things have been getting real heavy these days
These days have been burdened with several heavy issues
The media the system
the people chasing pay
The media and the system have been focusing on earning money due to which people have become money-driven
Somebody's got a rifle he won't turn the other cheek
Now its his turn
When someone is attacked, they tend to retaliate instead of ignoring it
Things have been getting real hectic these days
These days have been extremely chaotic
An eye for an eye
A spade is a spade
They're shooting him down and he's running away
That was their turn
People believe in retaliation when they are wronged and when someone is attacked, they tend to flee away from the situation
I believe in
The same thing that makes the night become day
Tide and the water
Sons and the daughters
Can't hide it can't fight it
Love
I'm a say it again
The singer believes that love has the power to transform bitterness into happiness, just like how the night turns into day and the tides come in and out.
It's the same thing that makes the moonlight
Meet up with the sunlight
Can't fight it can't buy it
Love, I'm a say it again
Love has the power to mix with another force just like how the sunlight and moonlight combine to create a beautiful view
When cut deep the same blood we bleed
We're not immune to addiction or disease
Got violent deaths in our family trees
Now it's our turn
All of us are human and susceptible to addiction, illness and death, and we must be prepared for whatever comes our way.
Things have been seeming real ready these days
From the North to the South to the East to the West
Happiness will you put it to your chest
When it's your turn
The world is ready for change, and we all need to grab onto the happiness that is available to us when our turn comes.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: CLARENCE GREENWOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
parkerthekat
I haven't heard this song in over 2 years. So much nostalgia. <3
Lino La Grotta
Fabulous song ❤🎶🎧
Allison McArthur
He's tapped into our soul.
Coach Rollie Workouts - Fat X 101
Great artist! Great music! I was at his concert about a year and a half ago in Hollywood, CA, and it was awesome! I missed out this year when he was in LA. FML!
Patricia Cosby
I love his music especially this one🌃💯
Robert Damia
Genius...not many "wordsmiths" around these days...refreshing and wonderfully provocative...love it.
Loly Wild
I just love their music!!! x x x
ROYALMATT1
Loly Wild his music 😎he used to DJ and produce for some , I forget , he makes most everything him self in studio , then plays it out live with a band , his band . Could be wrong , but I don’t think so .
Martha Kinney
my favorite song by them (:
Rampeleng Pule
Havent hear Citizine Cope for three years, i have to say, its worth the wait