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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.
Kill Them With Music
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You put me through tribulation.
I'm like a rock of salvation.
Another prophecy fulfill.
Jah gave me a license to kill.
I'm gonna kill them with music.
I'm gonna kill them with music.
It's my only weapon and I've got to use it.
The Lord is my life and He's my salvation.
Who shall I be afraid of ? Whom shall I fear ?
I'm gonna kill them with music.
It's my only weapon and I've got to use it.
The victory is mine.
Blind shall lead blind.
The song 'Kill Them With Music' by Gregory Isaacs is a powerful anthem about overcoming adversity and fighting back through music. The opening lines, "Victory, death before dishonor," set the tone for the song as Isaacs declares his unwavering commitment to winning the battle he is facing even if it means sacrificing his life. He then acknowledges the difficulties he has faced, acknowledging that he has endured 'tribulation,' yet he has remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to his values.
Isaacs compares himself to a 'rock of salvation' - he is unwavering and unyielding, like a solid foundation upon which others can build. He affirms that he is fulfilling another prophecy, indicating that his actions are part of a greater plan, and a divine purpose. Indeed, he perceives himself as having been given permission by Jah (God) to 'kill them with music.' For Isaacs, music is not only a means of self-expression but it is also a powerful tool for bringing about change and defeating injustice. The idea that music carries immense transformative power has been a recurrent theme in reggae music, and Isaacs is using it to take a stand against the forces that seek to keep him from achieving his goals.
The message, 'I'm gonna kill them with music,' is echoed throughout the song, and Isaacs believes that music is the only weapon he needs. The repetition of the line, 'It's my only weapon, and I've got to use it,' is a rallying cry to his supporters to use the power of music to fight against oppression in all forms. The song is a testament to the belief that music can bring about change, build solidarity, and overcome barriers that prevent people from achieving their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Victory, death before dishonor.
I am willing to die for victory rather than dishonor.
You put me through tribulation.
You have caused me great suffering and pain.
I'm like a rock of salvation.
I am a steadfast and reliable source of redemption and liberation.
Another prophecy fulfill.
I am fulfilling another divine prophecy.
Jah gave me a license to kill.
God has given me authority and power to destroy my enemies.
I'm gonna kill them with music.
I will defeat my adversaries through the power of my music.
I know they can't scape it.
I am aware that they cannot escape my musical prowess.
It's my only weapon and I've got to use it.
My music is my only weapon, and I must utilize it to achieve victory.
The Lord is my life and He's my salvation.
God is the source of my life and my deliverance.
Who shall I be afraid of ? Whom shall I fear ?
I have no reason to fear anyone, as God is my protector.
The victory is mine.
I have emerged victorious.
Blind shall lead blind.
Those who are ignorant and unenlightened will continue to follow others who are equally blind.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GREGORY ANTHONY ISAACS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eras
on Good Morning
Anyone with out deh lyrics by Gregory isaacs
Garvey Ufot
on Dieting
Lord
Lord
I sit and wonder have I sinned
As I partake of my dieting, yeah
Just to know that every day, oh yeah
My whole life depend on a food tray, yeah
An happy day, a night of pain
I wonder when this a-term will end
Cos I'm a man and I've got to go
I don't know when I'm gonna get parole
But I'm a-one day
I'm a-one day
Yes, I'm a-one day
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
The place in which that I dwell, Lord knows
Was just an old iron gate in hell, yeah
But still I survive
The foolish man always build strife
Nuh want no baton stick come bruck me bone
The worldly man, leave me alone
Cos I'm a man and I've got to go
I don't know when I'm gonna get parole
But I'm a-one day
I'm a-one day
Yes, I'm a-one day
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
Uunh
One day closer to home
I sit and wonder have I sinned, Lord God
As I partake of my dieting
Hurts to know that every day, every long day
My whole life depend on a food tray
An happy day, a night of pain
I wonder when this a-term will end
Cos I'm a man and I've got to go
I don't know when I'm gonna get parole
But I'm a-one day
I'm a-one day
I'm a-one day
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
To home
I need, aah
To home
One day closer
Garvey Ufot
on Dieting
The tune, 'Dieting', is absolutely, totally and completely the hottest and the coolest tune in this album. It is absolutely massive. It is my absolute best. Anyone who thinks otherwise has NOT listened to it yet. It is heartrending in its story -- Gregory's harrowing experience in prison -- hard in its riddim (Roots Radics at their best) and soul uplifting in its melody. Jesus! Are you guys kidding me? 'Dieting' is without parrallel in this album.
Gicharu
on A Few Words
Cool Ruler had classic voice, ......one of those voice one can't imitate. these songs sang more than 30 years ago will still be played and relevant more than a century later... R.I.P
Gicharu
on Front Door
"The white men lose", does not make sense...."While I may lose"
Gicharu
on Better Plant Some Loving
This was my best cassette of G.I , all songs with the exception of Let off Supm, were classic love songs. His collabo with Dennis Brown on Let off Supm was a gem
Vinnie
on Good Morning
Great vives!
Bruce Booker
on Out Deh
I really would like to have the lyrics of gregory isaacs dieting song.
Valmir Machado
on Night Nurse
brasill é regaee, é nois mano
Evelyne De Batavia
on If I Don't Have You
Wonderful