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.
The River
Citizen Cope Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They'll lay you down by the river
They'll shoot you down by the river
Leave you to drown by the river
They'll say it's love when its not
They'll send you to war and you'll
Return in a pine box
They killed that little child in the park
They'll take you down to the river
They'll lay you down by the river
They'll shoot you down by the river
Leave you to drown by the river
They'll say it's love when its not
They'll send you to war and you'll
Return in a pine box
Somehow they'll claim it's your fault
They killed that little child in the park
See I never wanted to lose your love
I just wanted to choose your love
Lost in a moment of confusion
Now it's all an illusion
They'll take you down to the river
They'll lay you down by the river
They'll shoot you down by the river
Leave you to drown by the river
They'll say it's love when its not
They'll send you to war and you'll
Return in a pine box
Somehow they'll claim it's your fault
They killed that little child in the park
New River
The lyrics of Citizen Cope's The River describe the cruel, indifferent nature of those in power who manipulate and exploit the vulnerable. The repeated refrain, "They'll take you down to the river, they'll lay you down by the river, they'll shoot you down by the river, leave you to drown by the river," underscores the violent and unjust ends to which people can be subjected. There is no love or compassion in these actions, even though they may be disguised as such. The lines "Somehow they'll claim it's your fault, they killed that little child in the park" suggest that those in power often deflect blame onto others to justify their actions.
The second verse shifts the focus to the personal level. The singer admits that they have lost someone they loved, but not by choice; it was a moment of confusion that led to the illusion that they had lost the relationship. This verse may be interpreted as a reflection on the societal pressures and circumstances that can come between people and tear them apart. Ultimately, the song is a warning against the power structures that harm and exploit others, and a plea for empathy and understanding towards those who have suffered under them.
Line by Line Meaning
They'll take you down to the river
They'll lead you to a place of danger
They'll lay you down by the river
They'll put you in harm's way
They'll shoot you down by the river
They'll use violence against you
Leave you to drown by the river
They'll abandon you to suffer the consequences
They'll say it's love when its not
They'll deceive you with false emotions
They'll send you to war and you'll
Return in a pine box
They'll send you to fight and you'll die
Somehow they'll claim it's your fault
They killed that little child in the park
They'll blame you for their own misdeeds
See I never wanted to lose your love
I didn't want to lose our relationship
I just wanted to choose your love
I wanted to make a conscious decision to be with you
Lost in a moment of confusion
Confused and uncertain
Now it's all an illusion
It's all a deceptive mirage
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: CLARENCE COPELAND GREENWOOD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PottyMouthPolitician
This guy is completely underrated. The greatest never get there man.
@RobertF-
One of if not The most underrated musician out there. Keep up the great work.
God bless, peace out
@c.s5606
I just want a man like this to hold me while we dance 💃🏻 to this 😭😭😭
@lewismorrison9123
Thank you for a new song! Its been awhile but your music always hits me in the feels. Keep up the great work !
@heathavery7892
One things for sure , you will get from Cope, no surprises.
@tturner112084
A guy told by about citizen cope in 2010 im glad i listened to him, underrated but at the same a perfect level of fame he can walk around without getting bombarded by ppl
@bryanpedigo9859
Ty brad for turning me onto this awesome artist!!!
@womanzuzu9688
youre gonna make me halfta travel.. i love you dude. thanks for gettin me through the times
@PhoenixUGMusic
This guy keeps getting better and better
@mikev9570
This dude speaks to me