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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.
I'll Be On My Way
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hope I'm not intruding.
I've got something to say yeah
Lord of mercy
In case you need some assistance
Call me, and I'll be on my way
Lord if mercy
And you don't know who to turn to
Here's my telephone number baby
Call me I'll be on my way
Yes I will
If your heart needs to be mended
A telegram you can send her
Any night any day
Ill be on my way
Good gosh
To you I will be good... so good
Though You knew me in my neighbourhood
Here is my big number
Call me and I'll be on my way
Lord of mercy
I won't Intrude
Nor will I be foolish
But Lord I hope I'm not intruding
But ive got something to say yeah
Lord of mercy
In case you need some assistance
Call me
And I'll be on my way
Lord if mercy
If you need someone to talk to
And you don't know who to turn to
Here's my telephone number baby
Call me I'll be on my way
Lord if mercy
If your heart needs to be mended
A telegram you can send her
In the night or in the day
I'll be on my way
I'll be on my way
I'll be on my way
In the night or day
The lyrics of "I'll Be On My Way" by Gregory Isaacs convey a message of wanting to be there for someone who may be struggling or in need of help. The singer offers his assistance and provides his telephone number, encouraging the listener to reach out if they need someone to talk to or if their heart needs to be mended. Despite expressing a desire to help, the singer promises not to intrude or be foolish, and hopes that his offer of assistance is not seen as such.
Through these lyrics, Isaacs is displaying a willingness to be a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear or even a mailman of sorts. He seems to be anticipating that someone may be in distress or just needing a friendly ear to talk to. The lyrics demonstrate tenderness and empathy, characteristics that are often associated with Isaacs' music. As a reggae artist, his message of love and unity is a expressed throughout his repertoire.
"I'll Be On My Way" is an example of Gregory Isaacs' ability to create a mood with his music that is both comforting and empowering. The lyrics provide hope and encouragement to the listener that they are not alone and that someone cares about their wellbeing. The song has become one of Isaacs most memorable and beloved, resonating with listeners around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll give assistance,
In case you need some assistance, call me, and I'll be on my way.
I hope I'm not intruding.
I won't intrude or be foolish, but Lord I hope I'm not intruding, but I've got something to say.
I've got something to say yeah
Here's my big number, call me and I'll be on my way. Lord of mercy.
If you need someone to talk to
If you need someone to talk to and you don't know who to turn to, here's my telephone number, baby.
And you don't know who to turn to
If you need someone to talk to and you don't know who to turn to, here's my telephone number, baby.
Here's my telephone number baby
If you need someone to talk to and you don't know who to turn to, here's my telephone number, baby.
Call me I'll be on my way
If you need some assistance, call me, and I'll be on my way.
Yes I will
If you need some assistance, call me, and I'll be on my way.
If your heart needs to be mended
If your heart needs to be mended, a telegram you can send her in the night or in the day.
A telegram you can send her
If your heart needs to be mended, a telegram you can send her in the night or in the day.
Any night any day
If your heart needs to be mended, a telegram you can send her in the night or in the day.
Good gosh
Expression of surprise/exclamation of emotion.
To you I will be good... so good
To you I will be good, so good, though you knew me in my neighborhood.
Though You knew me in my neighbourhood
To you I will be good, so good, though you knew me in my neighborhood.
Lord if mercy
Expression of appeal for mercy or divine intervention.
I'll be on my way
If you need some assistance, call me, and I'll be on my way.
In the night or day
If your heart needs to be mended, a telegram you can send her in the night or in the day.
Writer(s): Gregory Anthony Isaacs
Contributed by Aria R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@steverossiter6077
As an oldie I’ve been listening to Gregory since the early 80’s. He was the boss. Not sure I’ve ever heard this track. Wow typical Greg. So smooth. RIP legend.
@adg_87
Nothing like hearing a chune by your favorite artist that you never heard before. 👍🏼
@trishosheaChelseaqueen53
💙Absolutely luv luv luv this💙Gregory at his Finest 💙
@joanstewart286
Fabulous Gregory ,still is singing as sweet, looks no different,except grey Yvonne,loved you from 1970
@lokoporreggae97
Gregory é show!
@ckmaui
“Timeless” if I had to use one word :)
@DanielOliveira-xo2yh
NOSSSSSSSSSA GOOD MUSC RASTA GREGORY ISAACS ❤
@eileenward
First time I’ve ever heard of this song but omg what a good song it is and I love Gregory isaacs singing x
@karen6181
Same as sir ,been my idol since I sat in a mates bedroom and "the gang" used to have a few 💨n my mate put nightnurse on .. game over ,have loved this legend ever since and got to see him London 85 sunsplash ,OMG WHAT A DAY ,blessings to you from the UK Bedfordshire 😇💜💕💕🎵🎵🔥🔥🌋🌡️💯💯💥💖
@yolandawilliams7221
First time I've heard this one love it... Gregory is one of my favorite artists❤❤