… Read Full Bio ↴Born in Manchester (Jamaica) on April 28, Degree often had to hide as a
child from his strict christian parents in order to get a taste of
what was happening on the airwaves. It was only a few years
later in his early 20's, that Degree was hitting those same
airwaves with his brilliant imitation of a grandmother in his
first number one hit 'Granny'- his first recording for Main
Street producer Danny Browne. 'Granny' reigned in the
dances and charts for one year straight, and that humorous
vine has thrived throughout Degree's career and is a
component he naturally possesses.
Degree's impressive parade of number one hits continued
both at home and abroad, and lends great credence to the
fact that he certainly does know what he's talking about.
Tunes such as 'Granny, Brinks, Mr Dweet Nice, Bodyguard,
Papa Lover, Hold Yuh Tonight, Spark plug and countless
others have had fans skanking .
General Degree is also renowned for his provocative lyrics
that always leave just enough up to the imagination. The
little they do leave, is also plenty for them not to be certified
XXX-rated. Girls crying for his 'Pianist' is the perfect example
of a Degree double-entendre, that gets his earthy message
across whilst leaving the censors with nothing to do. The
reason why Degree's suggestiveness works so well is because
of the pure invention in his work. It's a trademark that
ensures no two Degree tunes sound similar, even if the
subject matter might be. Always vocally ambidextrous on a
rhythm, his spoken voice lingers at double bass. Reflecting
this, the 1998 smash "Bag a Tings" has become the blueprint
for an almost monotone flow that has been utilized by many
deejays since.
'Cartoon Character', 'Traffic Blocking', 'Boom Boom' among
others, kept the artiste on the charts and satisfied his fans
appetite for more of the 'Bush Baby'- which happened to
be the title track of the album for which he copped a Reggae Soca Award for
best
dancehall album.
Being often described as a "consistent" DJ, Degree has entered the 21st
century with new ideas and a slew of new hits. Tracks like 'My Girls'
'Inna', 'Man Shortage', 'Bounce Somebody' and most recently 'The Specialist'
have proven
his consistency, and are doing well both locally and on the international
market.
A new album is in the works for the entertainer in 2003. So once again the
wheels are turning for yet another lyrically creative production from Degree
and will be an addition to his growing catalogue.
Not to be outdone by the young bloods in the business, Degree has and will
continue to rank among the best, and has pledged to maintain and continue
contributing to the development and success of dancehall music.
When I Hold You Tonight
General Degree Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I took the next train
Passed by people putting flowers on graves
And we got delayed
When I arrived, you had vanished like steam
And left me in a diesel day
So I walked around and spent ten pounds
In amusement arcades
It's a kind of loneliness
It's a kind of emptiness
But I'm not trying, I'm just rehearsing for the perfect day
When I want you, I'll come looking for you
When I want you, I'll come looking for you
Yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will
Yes, I will
Yeah, I took a spoon to the swimming pool
To drain your trace away
And I changed my name
So only my looks remain
And if looks could kill
I'd need a license for my face
'Cos where his fists put bruises
A scheming smile now takes their place
Felt like I was in a field looking for a pin
It's a kind of loneliness
It's a kind of emptiness
But I'm not trying, I'm just rehearsing for the perfect day
When I want you, I'll come looking for you
When I want you, I'll come looking for you
Yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will
Yes, I will, yes, I will
When I want you, I'll come looking for you
When I want you, I'll come looking
Yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will
Yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will
The lyrics to General Degree's "When I Hold You Tonight" describe a sense of longing and emptiness for a lost love. The singer begins by recounting a journey to try and reconnect with someone who has seemingly disappeared. They describe passing by graves and being delayed along the way, perhaps referencing the trials and tribulations of life. When they finally arrive, the person they were looking for is gone like steam, leaving the singer feeling alone and empty.
The second verse moves into a description of the singer's attempts to move on from this lost love. They take extreme measures, such as taking a spoon to the swimming pool to "drain their trace away" and changing their name so only their looks remain. They describe replacing the physical bruises left by their past relationship with a "scheming smile," suggesting a new kind of emotional manipulation. The chorus repeats the sentiment that the singer will come looking for their love when they want them, giving the impression that this is not the end of their story.
Overall, these lyrics seem to express a sense of desperation and longing for someone who is not easily found. The imagery of graves and bruises suggest the weight of past troubles, but the determination to "come looking" again implies a sense of hope for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
You sent greetings from Liverpool
You contacted me from Liverpool
And I took the next train
I immediately traveled to meet with you
Passed by people putting flowers on graves
I witnessed people honoring the dead
And we got delayed
Our meeting was postponed
When I arrived, you had vanished like steam
When I arrived, you were nowhere to be found
And left me in a diesel day
And left me in a gloomy mood
So I walked around and spent ten pounds
I wandered and spent money
In amusement arcades
In places for entertainment
Felt like I was in a field looking for a pin
I felt lost and searching for something small
It's a kind of loneliness
It's a type of feeling alone
It's a kind of emptiness
It's a type of feeling empty
But I'm not trying, I'm just rehearsing for the perfect day
I'm not actively searching, just preparing for the right moment
When I want you, I'll come looking for you
I will find you when I desire your company
Yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will
I am determined to find you
Yeah, I took a spoon to the swimming pool
I used a spoon to remove your traces from the pool
To drain your trace away
To remove all traces of you
And I changed my name
I altered my identity
So only my looks remain
So my physical appearance remains the same
And if looks could kill
And if appearance alone could harm
I'd need a license for my face
I would require permission to be seen
'Cos where his fists put bruises
Because where physical violence caused injury
A scheming smile now takes their place
A deceitful grin appears instead
When I want you, I'll come looking for you
I will search for you when I feel the need
Yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will
I am resolute in my pursuit
Yes, I will, yes, I will
I am determined to find you
When I want you, I'll come looking for you
I will search for you when I want your company
Yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will
I am steadfast in my intention
Yes, I will, yes, I will, yes, I will
I am unwavering in my decision
Writer(s): Cleveland Browne, Cardiff Samuel Butt, Wycliffe Johnson Copyright: Dub Plate Music Publishers Ltd., Steely & Clevie Productions Ltd.
Contributed by Reagan R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@GeneralDegree
Follow Me on Instagram: @GeneralDegree1
@angellaeisan1800
Hey gen
@angellaeisan1800
Omg avoid that hey gen I was drinking in my feeling and was going to ask you if you know someone in Montreal who claims hes your cousin now I mad a ass outta myself people dont drink and be in your feeling cuz this can happen to you 🤦🏽♀️
@GeneralDegree
@@angellaeisan1800 i have family in Montreal
@smilerdon
Follow back smiles712
@damarifunnyvideos4640
Ok
👍
@NoNewfriends4087
Who still listen to in 2024
@gangsterforlife176
Active
@JacqulineJumine
Who is listening in 2023
@thechumbucket_
😵💫