McGregor's career began at the age of seven. In 1963 he joined with Ernest Wilson and Peter Austin to form The Clarendonians, and began to record for the legendary Studio One label. Freddie worked with producer Niney The Observer during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
His popularity soared in the early 1980s with the release of "Bobby Bobylon". Other popular hits of Freddie's include "Big Ship", "Push Comes To Shove", "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely" and "I Was Born A Winner"; as well as cover versions of many early reggae standards. He has also worked with producers Junjo Lawes, Linval Thompson and Gussie Clark. McGregor has also toured extensively for many years.
He established the Big Ship Recording Studio, and has produced many artists including Luciano and Mikey Spice. He is a member of the Twelve Tribes organization.
UK singles chart discography
* "Just Don't Want To Be Lonely" (1987) - Chart Number 9
* "That Girl (Groovy Situation)" (1987) - Chart Number 47
Natural Collie
Freddie McGregor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Smoking natural collie
Getting inspiration
Spreading it through the nation
Spreading it
Cause that's my work
Yes, I'm spreading it
Cause there's nothing else to do
People? look around you
Can't you see we're living in poverty?
This pain is too much for me
Oh Jah, oh Jah, oh Jah
Save the people
Free them from captivity
This pain is too much to be
Oh Jah, oh Jah, oh Jah
In the Jah, Jah Kingdom
You've got to be full of wisdom
Knowledge and overstanding
Giving you my command
Jah commands you
To do his work
And if you don't
You'll raise up stones
People? look around you
Can't you see we're living in poverty?
This pain is too much for me
Oh Jah, oh Jah, oh Jah
Save the people
Free them from captivity
This pain is too much to be
Oh Jah, oh Jah, oh Jah
The song "Natural Collie" by Freddie McGregor touches on themes of inspiration, spreading positivity, and the need for social justice. The first verse sees McGregor discussing how he's deep in thought and smoking natural collie (colloquial term for cannabis) to get inspiration. He then talks about his mission to spread his positive messages throughout the nation as it is his work and there is nothing else he would rather do. The second verse turns to the hardships that he sees around him, specifically referencing poverty and captivity. He prays to Jah (a term for God in Rastafarianism) to save the people and free them from these oppressive conditions. McGregor then closes out the song by calling on people to be full of wisdom and knowledge, and follow Jah's command to do his work, or else risk being replaced by stones.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a call to action for societal change. McGregor acknowledges the struggles of his community, but also sees the potential for upliftment and spreading positivity through music and personal inspiration. He firmly believes in following Jah's commandments and doing his part to create a better world for all.
Line by Line Meaning
Been down in the valley
I have experienced hard times and challenges
Smoking natural collie
Using marijuana as a way to find solace and inspiration
Getting inspiration
Finding motivation and ideas from the world and the people around me
Spreading it through the nation
Sharing my inspiration with others across the country
Spreading it
Sharing what I have learned and experienced with others
Cause that's my work
My life's purpose and mission is to spread my inspiration
Yes, I'm spreading it
I am actively sharing my wisdom and knowledge
Cause there's nothing else to do
This is the most important task I could ever undertake
People? look around you
I am calling for people to be more aware of their surroundings
Can't you see we're living in poverty?
We live in a world where there are vast inequalities and many people suffer
This pain is too much for me
The injustice and suffering that I see is overwhelming and unbearable
Oh Jah, oh Jah, oh Jah
A cry for God to help people through their struggles and difficulties
Save the people
A plea for liberation and freedom from oppression
Free them from captivity
End the suffering and bondage that people experience
In the Jah, Jah Kingdom
In an ideal society that reflects God's vision for the world
You've got to be full of wisdom
To fully appreciate and understand this vision, wisdom is necessary
Knowledge and overstanding
Knowledge is important, but even more so is having a deep understanding of the world around us
Giving you my command
Sharing my personal philosophy and advice
Jah commands you
God instructs us to live a certain way and follow a certain path
To do his work
Part of the path God has set for us is to do good work and help others
And if you don't
If you fail to live up to Jah's commands
You'll raise up stones
You will face the consequences of your actions and be held accountable for your choices
Writer(s): Fredrick Alphanso Mcgregor, Earl Chinna Smith
Contributed by Henry D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@PauloJunior-yy2ej
♪♫ Been down in the valley
Smoking natural collie
Getting inspiration
Spreading it through the nation
Spreading it
Cause that's my work
Yes, I'm spreading it
Cause there's nothing else to do
People... Look around you
Can't you see we're living in poverty
This pain is too much for me
Oh jah, oh jah, oh jah
Save the people
Free them from captivity
This pain is much to be
Oh jah, oh jah, oh jah
In the jah, jah kingdom
You've got to be full of wisdom
Knowledge and overstanding
Giving you my command
Jah commands you
To do his work
And if you don't
You'll raise up stones ♪♫
@llkoolray1
Making a strictly reggae, play list for my 60th birthday thats coming up. This tune automatically qualifies.
@yansousa107
Love ballad is a nice choice too .
@MV-gt1qu
And a happy one to you my friend
@Nic-rh8ri
Give thanks to Jah Rastafari 🇪🇹 The Power Of The Trinity 🇪🇹 Did you play any black uhuru,ranking joe,culture, dennis brown, lee perry, burning spear, Eek-A-Mouse, johnny clarke, big youth, junior byles, max romeo.just to name a few.All Glory To Jah Rastafari 🇪🇹 King Of Kings 🇪🇹 Lord Of Lord's 🇪🇹 His Imperial Majesty 🇪🇹 The Conquering Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah 🇪🇹 Elect Of God 🇪🇹 The Root Of David Hath Prevailed 🇪🇹I&I give thanks and praises everyday to Jah for guidance and protection from the wickedness and unrighteous evil way that is Babylon 🇪🇹 Babylon will fall and go down in a hail of blood and brimstone 🇪🇹 Rastafari liveth and reigns over us all 🇪🇹
@llkoolray1
too many legends to list but yes brethren, many of the artists you speak of. It was a perfect 60th at Roots Garden nite club! I got a dedication from the dj " jah golden pen" by Sylford Walker. Boom shak a lak! @@Nic-rh8ri
@ruthdixon7807
one the sweetest sax solo I've ever heard. fantastic.
@nrrbull
One of the best feelings ever. The first time I heard this song.
@thejaramogi1
Keep it a secret! Share it when one deserves it.
I heard this from a friend when it was still fresh in 2012.
And today I shared it with a colleague who is a reggae fan, and he never heard of it.
His expression was priceless!
@goldiemanchester6237
Lol this me right now
@mikewilkins2030
I heard it through earl chinna smith in the yard vids! He was improvising over it with the guitar! I was like what song is that! Lol its a remake of Norman corners you are my starship! Wicked tho