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.
Son
Citizen Cope Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like a rocket
Headed to town now
You can't stop it
Got wheel in my hand
As I stand
On the floor
Of the board
On the road
Got this woman in the back seat
Yeah she's my wifey
In the middle of the delivery
Man she saves me
To this day I don't know why
She picked me up
When i was down on the road
With the wind when it blowed
Well a son's gonna rise in a mile
In a mile
In a mile
You'll be feeling fine
In a mile you will see
After me
You'll be out of the dark, yeah
You'll get your shot
Citizen Cope's "Son's Gonna Rise” is a song about overcoming obstacles in one's life. The opening verse describes the singer driving down the highway, feeling unstoppable while his partner helps him through whatever obstacle they are facing. The chorus proclaims that in just one mile, things will turn around and the darkness will dissipate, giving the listener hope for the future.
The lyrics suggest that the song is about a difficult and challenging journey. The line "Got this woman in the back seat, yeah she's my wifey” implies that the singer has a significant other who is supportive of their journey. The repeated phrase “in a mile” suggests that change and success is close but not yet attained, emphasizing that the journey towards overcoming obstacles is a gradual process. The line “With the wind when it blowed” suggests that even though obstacles will come, they will eventually pass like the wind.
Overall, the song is a message of hope and perseverance. The lyrics point out that dark times will come and go, but if one has the support and drive to push through, they will eventually find their way out of those difficult times. The phrase "Son's Gonna Rise" symbolizes the idea that no matter what happens, there’s always a chance for new beginnings and success.
Line by Line Meaning
Rollin' down the highway
Traveling at high speed on the road
Like a rocket
Quick and unstoppable movement towards the destination
Headed to town now
Going towards the city
You can't stop it
Progress is inevitable
Got wheel in my hand
Driving the car
As I stand
Seated in the driving position
On the floor
Feet are on the car floor
Of the board
Refers to the car
Of this car
Talking about the vehicle being driven
On the road
Travelling on the highway
Got this woman in the back seat
Traveling with his wife in the back of the vehicle
Yeah she's my wifey
Affectionate term for his wife
In the middle of the delivery
She is helping him in some way
Man she saves me
She is his savior or protector
To this day I don't know why
He is unsure of why she chose to help him
She picked me up
She helped him when he was down on luck or feeling low
When i was down on the road
Refers to a difficult time in his life when he needed help
With the wind when it blowed
The hard times that he faced in his life
Well a son's gonna rise in a mile
Something good is about to happen
In a mile
Refers to a short time or distance
In a mile
Still referring to the short distance or time
You'll be feeling fine
Everything will be okay
In a mile you will see
Things will start to look up soon
After me
He is the one going through tough times now but it will not last forever
You'll be out of the dark, yeah
Life will improve and things will become better
You'll get your shot
There will be chances to make things right
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: CLARENCE COPELAND GREENWOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dylanquinn7773
If you’re listening to this in 2024 then you’re old. Like me
@madlenny5181
if you're listening to this in 2021. you've come so far legend!
@madlenny5181
@Benjamin Price i do know alott about battling with addiction my friend. battled it for years and now am almost 2 years sober. i just want you to know your not alone. and your pain will become easier in time if you are strong enough to be sober. i know from your words and remorse you are strong enough . best of luck brother and i wish you happiness away from harm and rugs. much love and respect
@madlenny5181
@Benjamin Price in a mile you'll be feeling fine. much love
@lilacjewel
I love CC....still one of my favorite artists & Albums. I had this song and "Let the Drummer Kick" as my ringtones a few years ago. Never gets old:)
@bigsisterreflections
Peace and blessings to you all, what is good will win <3
@mercedesreynolds3421
Yeessss
@damindecosta2021
The fact u came to the comment section in 2023 , u are a fudging legend in heart. Cheers
@connergerun5726
whoever is listening to this still in 2020 is an OG
@heatherwilliams803
Thanks. About time someone said it. Lol