- - -
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 Am Coming Home
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
underneath my nails
and the wind will rise up
to fill my sails
so you can doubt
and you can hate
but I know, no matter what it takes
I'm coming home
tell the world I'm coming home
let the rain wash away
all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits
and they've forgiven my mistakes
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
tell the world I'm coming...
Still far away
from where I belong
but it's always darkest
before the dawn
so you can doubt
and you can hate
but I know, no matter what it takes
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
tell the world I'm coming home
let the rain wash away
all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits
and they've forgiven my mistakes
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
tell the world I'm coming...
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
tell the world I'm coming home
let the rain wash away
all the pain of yesterday
I know my kingdom awaits
and they've forgiven my mistakes
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
tell the world I'm coming... home
"I Am Coming Home" by Gregory Isaacs is a song that depicts the journey of a person who has made mistakes and is ready to come back home. The lyrics are powerful and express the person's determination to come back no matter what people say or think. The song represents a story of redemption, and the message is that no matter how far someone has strayed in life, there is always a way back home.
The first verse talks about the blood under the singer's nails, implying that he has been through a tough journey. The wind rising up to fill his sails indicates that he is now moving forward and is determined to make it. The chorus of the song is very powerful, emphasizing the line "I'm coming home" repeated thrice, ultimately revealing the central theme of the entire song. The second verse talks about how he is still far from where he belongs, but it is always darkest before the dawn. This metaphor implies that even though the journey may be tough, in the end, it is worth it.
This song has a way of inspiring people who need motivation to get back on track. It's a song about hope, resilience, and forgiveness. The choice of words is powerful and the tone of the song is soothing, with the reggae beat that makes it easy to listen to.
Line by Line Meaning
And the blood will dry
I have been through difficult times and perhaps even caused harm to others, but I am moving on.
underneath my nails
Proof of the struggles I've endured can still be seen on my person.
and the wind will rise up
The future is uncertain, but I am willing to take my chances.
to fill my sails
I am moving forward with determination and purpose.
so you can doubt
Others may underestimate me, but I am confident in myself.
and you can hate
Some people may hold grudges against me, but I am choosing to forgive myself and move on.
but I know, no matter what it takes
I am prepared to work hard and overcome obstacles to achieve my goals.
I'm coming home
I am returning to a place where I feel like I belong.
tell the world I'm coming home
I am eager to announce my return to a better version of myself.
let the rain wash away
I am leaving behind the negativity and pain of my past.
all the pain of yesterday
I am choosing to focus on tomorrow instead of dwelling on past struggles.
I know my kingdom awaits
I have a strong sense of purpose and direction in my life.
and they've forgiven my mistakes
I am willing to accept responsibility for my past actions and move on with a clean slate.
Still far away
I have not yet fully realized my goals, but I am determined to get there.
from where I belong
I am not currently in a place where I feel completely happy or fulfilled.
but it's always darkest
Even when things seem bleak, there is still hope for a better tomorrow.
before the dawn
I am willing to endure hardship and struggle before I can achieve a brighter future.
I'm coming...
I am determined to succeed and will not let anything stand in my way.
Writer(s): Clifton Chenier
Contributed by Blake F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lawrencenjawe9875
Early Gregory Isaacs tune..Rare stuff. Thank you Bionic Dub and YouTube 👍 without you, there's absolutely no way I would've gotten onto this.
@gamingwithrobloxcb6282
OMG been looking for this tune from time Love Gregory singing. Listening now Oct 2020 FIRE Fire🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@trishosheaChelseaqueen53
💙Gregory💙Suave💙Charismatic 💙Gorgeous 💙Top Tune💙
@wallacedejesusferreiragodo9580
Eu curti essa pedra.
@mickydub3
ONE OF MY TOP 10 " GREGORY " LOVERS 100% " TOP CLASS " STUFF " GWAAAARRRN " GREGORY " GWAAAARRRN "
@BionicDub
+Micky Dub 100% AGREE
@seanyboy....7448
JB INTERNATIONAL...🌎🌍🌏👈🏾👈🏻👀💯
@jimmyzulberti3813
king of king lover
@Snappy-ut4bj
Yeah man! Alright don’t fuss or fight.
@kennethsmith355
Nice!