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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.
Handcuff
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Hey mister Babylon) Take the cuff from off my hand
(Hey mister Babylon) Said I'm an upful-living Rastaman
I was just trodding in from the woods
With my pocket filled with collie goods
Now suddenly, guess what happened to me
So
(Hey mister Babylon) Look what you've done to me
(Hey mister Babylon) Now I'm a reproach among all my enemy
(Hey mister Babylon) Take the cuff from off the bredren's hand
(Hey mister Babylon) 'Cause I'm an upful-living Rastaman
Walla-woh, walla-walla-woah
(.)
I was just trodding in from the woods, Lord (walla-walla-woh)
With my pocket filled with collie goods (walla-walla-woh)
But suddenly, guess what happened to me (walla-walla-woh)
Said I rode into your state of emergency, yah (walla-walla-woh)
So
(Hey mister Babylon) Take the cuff from off my hands
(Hey mister Babylon) Said I'm an upful-living Rastaman
(Hey mister Babylon) Take the cuff from off the bredren's hand
(Hey mister Babylon) Said he's an upful-living dreadlocks one
(Hey mister Babylon)
(Hey mister Babylon) Walla-woh, walla-walla-woah
(Hey mister Babylon) The cuff from off the bredren's hand
(Hey mister Babylon)
(Hey mister Babylon)
(Hey mister Babylon)
The song "Handcuff" by Gregory Isaacs is a commentary on police brutality, specifically targeting the "Babylon" or police force. Isaacs describes how he was just walking through the woods with his stash of marijuana when suddenly he is taken into custody by the police. He pleads with them, saying that he is an "upful-living Rastaman", meaning he is a peaceful follower of the Rastafarian faith. He implores the police to let him go and take the cuffs off his hands.
Isaacs uses the term "Babylon" to refer to the police force, drawing from the Rastafarian belief that Babylon is a corrupt and oppressive system. His lyrics highlight the unfair treatment that people of color often face at the hands of law enforcement, even for such minor offenses as carrying marijuana. By identifying himself as a Rastaman, Isaacs is also making a larger statement about the ways in which police brutality and systemic racism interact with other forms of oppression.
Overall, "Handcuff" is a powerful commentary on the need for police reform and an end to systemic racism. The song's groove and Isaacs' soulful vocals add to the impact of the message, making it a timeless piece of reggae music.
Line by Line Meaning
Walla-woh, walla-walla-woah
Opening line with repeated phrase, possibly indicating distress or surprise
(Hey mister Babylon) Take the cuff from off my hand
Asking police officer 'Mister Babylon' to remove handcuffs from his wrist
(Hey mister Babylon) Said I'm an upful-living Rastaman
Asserting that he is a positive, spiritual Rastafarian despite being arrested
I was just trodding in from the woods
Walking calmly or aimlessly in nature
With my pocket filled with collie goods
Possibly carrying marijuana or other drugs in his pocket
Now suddenly, guess what happened to me
Unexpectedly encountering a negative situation
Said I rode into your state of emergency, yah
Describing the experience of entering a place with heightened security or legal issues
(Hey mister Babylon) Look what you've done to me
Blaming 'Mister Babylon' for the negative consequences of his arrest
(Hey mister Babylon) Now I'm a reproach among all my enemy
Feeling ashamed or embarrassed in front of others due to being detained by the police
(Hey mister Babylon) Take the cuff from off the bredren's hand
Requesting that the handcuffs be removed from a fellow Rastafarian
(Hey mister Babylon) 'Cause I'm an upful-living Rastaman
Repeating the assertion that he is a positive, spiritual Rastafarian despite his current situation
I was just trodding in from the woods, Lord (walla-walla-woh)
Repeating the earlier line, possibly as an indication of confusion or disbelief
With my pocket filled with collie goods (walla-walla-woh)
Repeating the earlier line, possibly to emphasize the reason for his arrest
But suddenly, guess what happened to me (walla-walla-woh)
Repeating the earlier line, possibly to indicate a feeling of shock or disbelief
Said I rode into your state of emergency, yah (walla-walla-woh)
Repeating the earlier line, possibly to emphasize the unexpectedness of the situation
(Hey mister Babylon) Said I'm an upful-living Rastaman
Repeating the earlier line, possibly as a form of protest or assertion of identity
(Hey mister Babylon) Take the cuff from off the bredren's hand
Repeating the earlier line, possibly as an urgent plea or demand
(Hey mister Babylon) Said he's an upful-living dreadlocks one
Referring to the fellow Rastafarian as a spiritual and positive person, despite their current situation
(Hey mister Babylon)
Repeating the earlier chorus line, possibly as a final plea for release
(Hey mister Babylon)
Repeating the earlier chorus line, possibly as a final plea for release
(Hey mister Babylon)
Repeating the earlier chorus line, possibly as a final plea for release
Writer(s): Gregory A Isaacs
Contributed by Nathaniel E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MyKool94
Dance hall music that rock the house in the 70's and sound better as the year goes by. These music were way ahead of their time they were sweet, they were conscious, and they were cultural. this album "MR ISAAC S" manifest Gregory talents as a solo vocalist and for those who follow Gregory musical journey will agree that whenever Gregory stray from what he do best he would stumble. He were a great song writer & singer, and a superb performer and that is why Gregory Isaacs is my idol. RIP.
@williammilne4767
Righteous, militant and sweet with restrained dub and phasing effect - this is a forgotten gem! Big bout yah Gregory!
@austinookafor5358
❤❤❤
@ihazbl0oturtle
dis good shit
🥪