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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.
My Religion
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ladadadadadee
Man of temptation
You're not of my religion, ya
So please don't make no wrong decision
About this congregation, 'cause
Man without religion
Man of brutality
Show some humanity, yeah
Stop cursing us with misery
Nothing bounds us, still we are not free
Ladadadadadee
Ladadadadadee, yeah
Ladadadadadee
Ladadadadadee
Man of temptation
You're not of my religion, ya
So please don't make no wrong decision
About this congregation, 'cause
Man without religion
Just can't be in a righteous man position
Man of brutality, yeah
Show some humanity
Ladadadadadee
Ladadadadadee, yeah
Shoo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo, yeah
Shoo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo, yeah
The lyrics of Gregory Isaacs's song My Religion delve into the theme of religion and humanity. The song begins by addressing a "man of temptation," acknowledging that he is not of the singer's religion. He pleads that the man does not make any wrong decisions about this congregation. According to the singer, a man who does not have a religion cannot be in a righteous man's position. This might illustrate the idea that religion provides a moral compass to live a righteous life.
The lyrics of the song also call out the violent acts of the man of brutality. The singer asks the man to show some humanity and stop causing misery to others. Despite their efforts, the people are not free from the man's actions. The repetition of "Ladadadadadee" in between stanzas creates a sense of unity and solidarity between the singer and the congregation. The song seems to suggest that without religion, there is no morality, and without humanity, there is no peace.
Overall, My Religion is a song with a powerful message that explores the concept of religion and morality. The lyrics call out the importance of having a moral compass and being humane towards others. Gregory Isaacs's soulful voice and the reggae beats add depth and emotion to the song, making it a timeless classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Ladadadadadee
This line is simply repeating the same syllables in a melodic manner.
Man of temptation
This line is addressing someone who is easily swayed by negative influences.
You're not of my religion, ya
This line is stating that the singer and the addressee are not of the same belief system.
So please don't make no wrong decision
This line is requesting that the addressee refrain from making bad choices that could affect the artist.
About this congregation, 'cause
This line is referring to a group of people who share the same beliefs.
Man without religion
This line is a statement that someone who does not have a belief system cannot be considered a good person.
Just can't be in a righteous man position
This line means that without faith, it's impossible to be viewed as a good person.
Man of brutality
This line is addressing someone who is cruel or violent.
Show some humanity, yeah
This line is asking the addressee to act with compassion and kindness towards others.
Stop cursing us with misery
This line is requesting to be spared from the addressee's negative actions and emotions.
Nothing bounds us, still we are not free
This line is saying that despite a lack of physical restraints, there is still a feeling of being trapped or limited.
Shoo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo, yeah
This is a nonsensical phrase meant to be sang in a catchy, melodic manner.
Writer(s): Leroy Moore, G. Isaacs
Contributed by Kennedy D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lancelotbentinck5267
Higher vibration. Dub it Gregory.
@mentalgain
dem tune deh timeless , classic
@rickyavila673
Massive ROOTS REGGAE
@lucianamelo6425
Pow muita predta eu amo sibbaroots
@hakenerhiphop
Podría saber a qué disco pertenece este track? Gracias!
@israeldubrosas8727
Se llama Extra Clasic de 1976
@jackymore9394
Oh this song is so big pull up!!!
@stevedudeman
1 dislike. Man of Temptation was here...
@rasdamien
Unitone skank by dr Alimentado...
@followthewaydan7950
See also: Booker T Aka Nathan Skyers - Eleanor