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Gregory Isaacs (born on 15 July 1951 in Fletchers Land, Kingston, Jamaica and died on 25 October 2010 in London) was a Reggae singer and songwriter. Gregory Anthony Isaacs is known as "The Cool Ruler" for his seductive crooning vocal style. Gregory attributed his greatest musical influences to R&B greats Sam Cooke and Percy Sledge, in addition to Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe.
In the late 1960s, Gregory first performed in a vocal trio called The Concords, after being encouraged by Byron Lee. By 1970 the group had split up. He subsequently formed his own label, African Museum.
In the late 1970s he emerged as one of the most prolific and popular recording artists in Jamaica. He released a number of self-produced singles on his own African Museum (JA) label with Errol Dunkley. Much of Isaacs' output reflected the 'conscious' themes of Roots Reggae, but Isaacs was equally adept at interpreting more mainstream Lovers Rock material. Early hits include "My Only Lover", "Sinner Man" and "Mr. Cop", recorded at Lee Perry's Black Ark Studio.
A period in the 1970s with the GG's label and its producer Alvin Ranglin produced hits like "Border" and "Number One".
Personal problems affected him, particularly battles with a cocaine addiction and a possession charge, which prevented him from touring in North America for a significant part of his career, until a pardon could eventually be secured.
Isaacs recorded with a number of producers, including the Riddim Twin's (Sly & Robbie) Taxi Records, who gave them their first hit with 1979's "Soon Forward" , After a series of releases with Sly & Robbie, Gregory built a strong relationship with Gussie Clarke of the Music Works label. In addition to these local Jamaican labels, The Cool Ruler had had releases on Trojan, VP, Virgin's Front Line and English producer Tad A. Dawkin's Tad's Records. Isaacs would would eventually sign with Chris Blackwell's Island Records which resulted in the international release of Night Nurse (1982) and Out Deh! (1983).
Perhaps his most popular recordings in his native Jamaica are "All I Have Is Love", "Mr. Brown" and "Hard Drugs", the latter being an anti-drug anthem that dominated radio in the late 1980s and was released as a hidden track on England's Tad Records All I Have Is Love, Love Love LP.
In the 1990s Gregory's African Museum label continued to release all of Gregory Isaacs' music, and that of artists he produced. He continued to record and perform live in the 2000s, and it has been estimated that Isaacs has released over 500 records in his career, which includes singles and compilations.
Isaacs, who was 59 years old, died of lung cancer on 25 October 2010 at his home in London where he spent part of his time. A sad loss to the world.
All I Have Is Love
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some of the men will buy you diamonds and pearls
And those are the things that mean a lot to some girls
But all I have is love, darling, all I have is love
Now they will take you places that you want to go
And show you things that you've never seen before
Maybe I'm poor, but it's you I really adore
If you won't accept it then you can walk straight out the door
'Cause all I have is love, darling, all I have is love
Some of the men will buy you diamonds and pearls
And those are the things that mean a lot to some girls
But all I have is love, darling, all I have is love
Woohoo... yeah he yeah alright... na na na na...
The lyrics of Gregory Isaacs's "All I Have Is Love" speaks to the idea that love is the most important thing in a relationship, rather than material possessions or lavish experiences. The song suggests that some men may try to win a woman's affection by showering her with expensive gifts, but the singer is not able to do that. Instead, he professes his love and explains that despite not having the financial means to offer her anything else, his love should be enough.
Isaacs says that though he might not be rich, he truly loves this woman and that should be what's most important. He suggests that if she doesn't understand or appreciate that sentiment, then she can leave because all he has to give is love. The singer's voice is filled with emotion and sincerity, making the lyrics even more impactful. He sings the chorus throughout the song, emphasizing the idea that all he has to offer is love.
This song is a classic example of how love and affection can transcend material possessions or money. It tells the story of a man who may not be able to buy fancy gifts, but is able to offer his love and devotion. The lyrics are simple but powerful and will resonate with anyone who values love over material possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
Some of the men will buy you diamonds and pearls
There are men who will use their material wealth to gain your affection.
And those are the things that mean a lot to some girls
Some women place great value in the material possessions that men offer them.
But all I have is love, darling, all I have is love
I may not be materially wealthy, but all I can offer you is the genuine love that I have in my heart.
Now they will take you places that you want to go
Other men will offer you travel and adventure, showing you new parts of the world.
And show you things that you've never seen before
They will introduce you to new experiences and try to broaden your horizons.
But all I have is love, darling, all I have is love
Despite not being able to offer you the same material or travel opportunities, I can offer you a love like no other.
Maybe I'm poor, but it's you I really adore
I may not have money to my name, but my feelings for you are genuine and unwavering.
If you won't accept it then you can walk straight out the door
If my love is not enough for you, you are free to leave instead of staying unhappy in a relationship.
'Cause all I have is love, darling, all I have is love
Overall, my love for you is all that I can offer and is what I hope is enough to make you happy.
Some of the men will buy you diamonds and pearls
Reiteration of the idea that other men may use material possessions to woo you.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: GREGORY ANTHONY ISAACS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pride745
Still listening in June 2023! “Some men will buy you diamonds & pearls, but all I have is love “. Cool Ruler lives on 😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️
@velroneramdon2289
One of the best reggae singers Mr Gregory isaacs
@therootoflife5290
I'm listening to this legendary song for over 30 years, and it still sounds great in my ears and soul
@therootoflife5290
Respect from Tanzania 🇹🇿
@Pride745
The ‘Cool Ruler’ will always live on. Music so sweet ❤
@ubarcusaugier6627
2023 still a Classic Love song ❤
@cue1806
❤❤❤ Gonna sing this to my wife at our daughter's wedding. She knows what it is. I aont never lie.
@neilwarwick4346
KILLER. RIP STAR..
@therootoflife5290
Every now and then, I visit here coz all I have is love
@romarioferreira2648
Eu so tenho amor !!!