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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.
Loving Pauper
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The way that you're accustomed to,
Can't take you out to fancy places,
Like other fellows that I know can do,
I'm only able to romance you,
& make you tingle with delight,
Financially, I'm a pauper,
But when it comes to lovin I'm alright.
Don't show me what you're friends are wearing,
I really don't want to see,
Don't tell me what your friends are buying, girl
'Cause money doesn't grow on trees.
I got so many patches on my clothes, girl
A hole in the bottom of shoe
Financially, I'm a pauper,
But when it comes to lovin I'm alright.
Alright alright
You do really think I can buy you girl,
Or drive you in a GT car,
If you're hungry, girl, I can't feed you,
For my money, girl, you won't get far,
Tell me about the things that excite you,
That makes you tingle with delight,
Tell me where to hold & touch you,
So you got to tell me, I'm alright.
Alright alright
The song "Loving Pauper" by Gregory Isaacs is a heartfelt ballad about a man who is fully aware of his financial shortcomings and his inability to provide for his partner the way "other fellows" can. He admits to not being able to take her out to fancy places or buy her expensive things, but he is able to love and romance her in a way that satisfies her.
The lyrics are so poignant because they reflect the reality of many relationships – the importance of love and emotional connection over material things. The first verse of the song declares the singer's inability to provide his partner with the luxurious lifestyle she desires. However, he is quick to highlight his romantic abilities, stating that he can make her "tingle with delight."
In the second verse, he implores her not to compare him to her other friends in terms of wealth and luxury. He admits to not having a lot of money, but he assures her that his love for her is all that she needs. He also acknowledges his own shortcomings, stating that he has holes in his clothes and shoes. The song's heartfelt and honest lyrics showcase the vulnerability of the lover and the depth of his love despite his financial constraints.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not in a position to maintain you,
I can't financially support you at the level you're accustomed to.
The way that you're accustomed to,
The lifestyle you are used to living.
Can't take you out to fancy places,
I can't afford to bring you to expensive establishments.
Like other fellows that I know can do,
There are other men who can provide for you in that way.
I'm only able to romance you,
All I am capable of doing is showing you love.
& make you tingle with delight,
And bring pleasure to your body.
Financially, I'm a pauper,
I have no money or wealth.
But when it comes to lovin I'm alright.
But in terms of loving you, I'm good enough.
Don't show me what you're friends are wearing,
I don't want to be compared to your friends' wealth or style.
I really don't want to see,
I don't want to be made to feel inadequate.
Don't tell me what your friends are buying, girl
You don't have to tell me about the things your friends are buying.
'Cause money doesn't grow on trees.
Because there is a limited amount of money and resources in the world.
I got so many patches on my clothes, girl
My clothes are old and worn out, with patches everywhere.
A hole in the bottom of shoe
My shoes have a hole in them.
Financially, I'm a pauper,
I have no money or wealth.
But when it comes to lovin I'm alright.
But in terms of loving you, I'm good enough.
You do really think I can buy you girl,
You shouldn't expect me to be able to buy you things.
Or drive you in a GT car,
I can't afford to drive you around in a fancy car.
If you're hungry, girl, I can't feed you,
I am unable to provide food for you.
For my money, girl, you won't get far,
I don't have enough money to provide a lavish lifestyle.
Tell me about the things that excite you,
Tell me what makes you happy or excited.
That makes you tingle with delight,
That brings pleasure to your body.
Tell me where to hold & touch you,
Tell me where you enjoy being touched.
So you got to tell me, I'm alright.
You need to communicate with me about what you want and need, and I will do my best to provide.
Alright alright
An expression of agreement, acceptance or satisfaction.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GREGORY ANTHONY ISAACS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@eddymanijean6794
Loving Pauper
Gregory Isaacs
I'm not in a position to maintain you,
The way that you're accustomed to,
Can't take you out to fancy places,
Like other fellows that I know can do,
I'm only able to romance you,
& Make you tingle with delight,
Financially, I'm a pauper,
But when it comes to lovin I'm alright.
Alright alright
Don't show me what you're friends are wearing,
I really don't want to see,
Don't tell me what your friends are buying, girl
'Cause money doesn't grow on trees.
I got so many patches on my clothes, girl
A hole in the bottom of shoe
Financially, I'm a pauper,
But when it comes to lovin I'm alright.
Alright alright
You do really think I can buy you girl,
Or drive you in a GT car,
If you're hungry, girl, I can't feed you,
For my money, girl, you won't get far,
Tell me about the things that excite you,
That makes you tingle with delight,
Tell me where to hold & touch you,
So you got to tell me, I'm alright.
Alright alright
@eddymanijean6794
Loving Pauper
Gregory Isaacs
Je ne suis pas en mesure de te soutenir,
La façon dont vous êtes habitué à,
Je ne peux pas t’emmener dans des endroits chics,
Comme d’autres gars que je sais peuvent faire,
Je ne suis capable que de te romancer,
& Te faire frissonner de plaisir,
Financièrement, je suis pauvre,
Mais quand il s’agit d’aimer, je vais bien.
D’accord, d’accord
Ne me montre pas ce que tes amis portent,
Je ne veux vraiment pas voir,
Ne me dis pas ce que tes amis achètent, ma fille
Parce que l’argent ne pousse pas sur les arbres.
J’ai tellement de taches sur mes vêtements, ma fille
Un trou dans le bas de la chaussure
Financièrement, je suis pauvre,
Mais quand il s’agit d’aimer, je vais bien.
D’accord, d’accord
Tu penses vraiment que je peux t’acheter fille,
Ou vous conduire dans une voiture GT,
Si tu as faim, ma fille, je ne peux pas te nourrir,
Pour mon argent, ma fille, tu n’iras pas loin,
Parlez-moi des choses qui vous passionnent,
Qui vous fait frissonner de plaisir,
Dis-moi où te tenir et te toucher,
Alors vous devez me dire, je vais bien.
D’accord, d’accord
@jean-nt7or
True legend
@dawnempress5014
COOL RULER GOT THIS TUNE LIKE NOBODY ELSE ...❤❤❤❤❤💛💚❤️💛💚👑🎤🔥
@theresasmith2898
⚘️🙏 love this so much voice unmistakable perfection
@thewiseoneize
WOW!! I really don't know why this track doesn't have 11 million hits. We miss you and we love u gregory. This song help to shape who I am!...thewiseoneize
@donnadavies4630
thewiseoneize love this
@Leigh.T.777
❤❤❤
@MIZZCORINA
MR. ISAACS what a LEGEND!
@helioalves1602
Very NICE!!!!
@trishosheaChelseaqueen53
💙Perfection from the Great Gregory Isaacs 💙
@lokoporreggae97
Mais 1 pra coleção 🔊🇯🇲