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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.
One One Cocoa
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Should I confess I love you?
Should I recite beneath the pale moonlight?
And swear by the stars above you?
Could I repeat the sweetest story told?
Could I entreat, would it be too bold?
Should I confess I love you?
Could I repeat that sweetest story told?
Could I entreat, would it be too bold?
Should I reveal 'xactly how I feel?
Should I confess I love you?
And swear by stars above you?
Should I confess I love you?
The lyrics of Gregory Isaacs's song Should I speak of the dilemma of confessing one's love. The singer is uncertain about whether they should reveal their true feelings to their romantic interest. The lyrics evoke a sense of vulnerability and hesitation, as the singer weighs the potential consequences of confessing their feelings. The repetition of the questions highlights the internal struggle of the singer, who seems to be grappling with their emotions and the fear of rejection.
The phrase "beneath the pale moonlight" and "swear by the stars above you" create a romantic and dreamy setting, emphasizing the intensity of the singer's emotions. The desire to "repeat the sweetest story told" and "entreat" further emphasizes the singer's longing to be with their loved one. Despite this, they are still unsure about whether they should take the risk and reveal their true feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Should I reveal exactly how I feel?
Uncertainty about whether to express emotions.
Should I confess I love you?
Questioning whether or not to admit love.
Should I recite beneath the pale moonlight?
Considering a romantic setting to reveal feelings.
And swear by the stars above you?
Considering making a promise to the person.
Could I repeat the sweetest story told?
Wondering if it's appropriate to bring up past romantic moments.
Could I entreat, would it be too bold?
Questioning if making a bold romantic move is appropriate.
Should I reveal 'xactly how I feel?
Uncertainty about whether to express emotions.
Should I confess I love you?
Questioning whether or not to admit love.
And swear by stars above you?
Considering making a promise to the person.
Should I confess I love you?
Questioning whether or not to admit love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Nacio Brown, Arthur Freed
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@femanvate
Reggae is so powerful, and Gregory Isaacs (RIP) was one of the greatest!
Anything is possible if you work at it.
One one Cocoa fill basket: Pick one Cocoa and then pick another, and another, and you'll eventually fill your basket
@djsarahconnor9716
Once again a pristine version of this great singer, such a beautiful cadence. Merci boucoup.!!!
@edinhomadeirada6761
Lembrei de uma namorada que eu tinha eu tenho esse reggae em pen-driver bebi muita gelada ouvindo esse som hoje sou liberto da álcoolismo pra honra e glória do senhor mais sempre gostei de reggae...paz ea amor
@annhughes3869
Just love Gregory Issac. Music. Love he’s voice Gregory you will always be the cool Ruler. WickedTune 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@hairtonrocha7843
Não consigo descrever o quanto eu amo esse som
@reggaeroots1693
What a voice so sweet...gwan Gregory
@AuthenticSelector64
Young Gregory Isaacs… voice peaked by late 70s…. Gregory Isaacs best period 1978-84
@56postoffice
The Cool Ruler finally arrives. Killer tune.
@Tenayistillinreggae
Great!
@zipo311
Big up Bionic Dub for this wicked tune.