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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.
Mr. Cop
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please Mr. Cop ....Down to the ground
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Cool down
Hear me when I say, I said
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Cool down now
Put a smile on your face while passing through
Put away the frown and that awful screw
Were just sipping a cup and having some fun
And it's better than in the streets busting gun.
Tell 'em me say tell 'em
Cool Down your temper Mr. Cop,
Cool Down
We're just licking a cup I said,
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Cool Down now
Said we are just sipping a cup
Beat dey a market marrow inna bone (?)
What don't concern ya please leave it alone
Cause the grass was meant for the cows and ass
And the herb on this land for the use of man
Tell 'em me say tell dem
Cool down your temper Mr. Cop
Cool down
We're just licking a cup I said,
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Cool Down now
Said we are just sipping a cup
(repeat)
The song "Mr. Cop" by Gregory Isaacs is an appeal to police officers to stop harassing peaceful citizens who are merely enjoying a cup of tea or smoking marijuana. Isaacs asks the police to calm down and not to let their tempers get the best of them. He suggests that the police put on a smile instead of a frown while passing through the streets, implying that people will be more inclined to welcome them if they look friendly.
Isaacs argues that he and his friends are not doing anything wrong by simply enjoying a cup of tea or smoking marijuana. He tells the police not to interfere with them and to leave them alone. He stresses that the grass was meant for the cows and ass and the herb on this land for the use of man. He is urging the police to take a more relaxed approach instead of militaristically attacking peaceful people.
The song is significant because it addresses the issue of police brutality and harassment towards innocent citizens. Isaacs is using his platform to call attention to the injustice of police officers who use their power to intimidate and harm those they are supposed to protect. Additionally, the song's message has a universal relevance that extends beyond Jamaica, where it was first recorded. The chorus's repetition of "cool down" adds to the song's smooth and relaxed tone, which helps to reinforce the artist's message.
Line by Line Meaning
Please Mr. Cop....Cool down now
Asking the police officer to calm down and not get angry.
Please Mr. Cop ....Down to the ground
Asking the police officer to calm down completely and be peaceful.
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Telling the police officer to not be aggressive and to remain calm.
Cool down
Reiterating the previous line, telling the police officer to cool down.
Hear me when I say, I said
Asking the officer to pay attention and listen to his words.
Put a smile on your face while passing through
Asking the police officer to be happy and positive while they pass through the area.
Put away the frown and that awful screw
Asking the police officer to stop looking so angry or serious.
Were just sipping a cup and having some fun
Telling the officer that they are just enjoying a drink and are not causing any harm.
And it's better than in the streets busting gun
Suggesting that it is better to be peacefully drinking than causing trouble and violence on the street.
Tell 'em me say tell 'em
Telling someone else to repeat the message he is saying.
Beat dey a market marrow inna bone (?),
Unknown or unclear line that cannot be attributed a meaning.
What don't concern ya please leave it alone
Asking the police officer to not get involved in matters that do not concern them.
Cause the grass was meant for the cows and ass
Suggesting that there are more important things that the police should focus on.
And the herb on this land for the use of man
Hinting at the use of marijuana, and suggesting that it should be used accordingly, without interference from the police.
Cool Down your temper Mr. Cop,
Reiterating the message to calm down and not be aggressive.
We're just licking a cup I said,
Reminding the police officer that they are just drinking, nothing more.
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Repeating the calming message once again.
Cool Down now
Asking the police officer to calm down immediately.
Said we are just sipping a cup
Reiterating the message that they are only drinking and are not causing any harm.
Said we are just sipping a cup
Repeating that they are only drinking, nothing more.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREGORY A ISAACS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MrSirDrew
Lyrics
Please Mr. Cop....Cool down now
Please Mr. Cop ....Down to the ground
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Cool down
Hear me when I say, I said
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Cool down now
Put a smile on your face while passing through
Put away the frown and that awful screw
Were just sipping a cup and having some fun
And it's better than in the streets busting gun.
Tell 'em me say tell 'em
Cool Down your temper Mr. Cop,
Cool Down
We're just licking a cup I said,
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Cool Down now
Said we are just sipping a cup
Beat dey a market marrow inna bone (?)
What don't concern ya please leave it alone
Cause the grass was meant for the cows and ass
And the herb on this land for the use of man
Tell 'em me say tell dem
Cool down your temper Mr. Cop
Cool down
We're just licking a cup I said,
Cool down your temper...Mr. Cop
Cool Down now
Said we are just sipping a cup
(repeat)
@eddymanijean6794
Mr Cop (version)
Gregory Isaacs
Please Mr. Cop... Cool down now
Please Mr. Cop... Down to the ground
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop... Cool down
Hear me when I say, I say
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop... Cool down now
Put a smile on your face while passing through
Put away the frown and that awful screw
Were just sipping a cup and having some fun
And it's better than in the streets busting gun
Tell 'im me say tell 'im
Cool Down your temper... Mr. Cop... Cool down
We're just licking a cup I said
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop... Cool down now
Said we are just sipping a cup
Beat dey a market marrow inna bone (?)
What don't concern ya please leave it alone
Because the grass was meant for the cows and ass
And the herb on this land for the use of man
Tell 'im me say tell 'im
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop... Cool down
We're just licking a cup I said
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop... Cool down now
Said we are just sipping a cup
Auteurs-compositeurs : Gregory A Isaacs
Pour utilisation non commerciale uniquement.
Données de : Musixmatch
@steverossiter6077
And so we loose scratch. RIP to the greats. I’ve love Gregory since the early eighties but only found this track in the last few years, what a classic.
Miss these guys. Respect!!
@ricardourbano2523
Very good
@mohamedkalokoh6690
The instumental part of this record is so sweet and powerful.
@MadBiker-vj5qj
Lee Perry at his best.
@alancook5724
Everything Gregory did shouts peace a true legend
@darascal69
A Riot wasn't necessarily about peace! Lol
@jahlincoln3618
After listening to this song I'm surprised Mr. Isaacs did not record more for Lee Perry. Awesome song...
@3pan1
He did record a few more in Black Ark; The End Of The World (1974), Warriors (1975), Jailer Jailer (1975 album only), but indeed nothing more after Mister Cop in late 1976.
@RenatoSilva-on2qi
Mr Cop um dos melhores hinos do Príncipe. Eu falo hinos pq ele não cantava músicas, eram verdadeiros hinos. 🇯🇲✌️🇧🇷
@bstistafontenele1680
Ela era o coll ruler ou seja o governador