- - -
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.
Poor and Clean
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
so many years I've been slaving in your factory
never had a chance to talk to the boss
and for so long I've been living in this
old community, where no one knows my fate
yet I pay the cost
No one knows my fate yet I pay the cost
but I would rather live poor and clean
I said I've got to live clean
cause JAH has got to pass down judgement
I said I wanna be clean
can't you see what I mean?
wanna be strong
all day long
I would rather to live poor and clean
than to live rich in corruption
I wanna be clean
can't you see what I mean?
a rich mans heaven is a poor mans hell
By pertex manu
The lyrics of Gregory Isaacs's song Poor and Clean depict the struggles of a working-class person who has been living in poverty for years. The first line of the song, "a rich man's heaven is a poor man's hell", highlights the juxtaposition of the luxurious life of the wealthy with the impoverished state of the poor. The singer of the song talks about his experiences working in a factory, where he never got the opportunity to talk to the boss despite years of service. He lives in a community where no one knows his fate and despite paying the cost, he's barely managing to make ends meet.
However, the singer emphasizes that he would rather live poor and clean than live rich in corruption. He understands the importance of leading a life that is morally upright and just, and that goods acquired through dishonest means will only lead to a life of dissatisfaction and moral decay. The repeated line "wanna be strong, all day long" implies that he is willing to face the struggles and challenges that come with leading a righteous life to maintain his principles. The lines "JAH has got to pass down judgement" signify that ultimately, justice will be served and the righteous will be rewarded.
In conclusion, Gregory Isaacs's Poor and Clean is a powerful and insightful song that highlights the importance of leading a morally upright life, even in the face of poverty and oppression.
Line by Line Meaning
a rich mans heaven is a poor mans hell
Wealth and success can bring happiness to some, but to others, it can lead to misery and suffering.
so many years I've been slaving in your factory
I have spent countless years working hard in your factory, laboring tirelessly until my hands and body ache.
never had a chance to talk to the boss
Despite my long tenure at this factory, I have never once had the opportunity to speak with the boss and truly express my concerns or needs.
and for so long I've been living in this old community, where no one knows my fate
I have resided in this area for a considerable period of time, yet I feel like a stranger without any real sense of belonging or direction.
yet I pay the cost
Despite my hard work and sacrifices, I am constantly paying a price for my lack of upward mobility and recognition at the factory.
but I would rather live poor and clean than rich in corruption
I value integrity and honesty more than material wealth, and I would much rather live a simple, honest existence than one that is riddled with deceit and moral decay.
I said I've got to live clean cause JAH has got to pass down judgement
I believe in living an honorable life, as I know that I will be held accountable for my actions by a higher power.
I said I wanna be clean can't you see what I mean?
I desire to live a life that is pure and free of dishonesty, and I hope that others can understand and respect my convictions.
wanna be strong all day long
I strive to possess inner strength and resilience, even in the face of adversity and hardship.
I would rather to live poor and clean than to live rich in corruption
I hold true to my values and would rather live in poverty with a clear conscience than be wealthy and morally bankrupt.
I wanna be clean can't you see what I mean?
I am committed to living a clean and honorable life, and I hope that my actions speak louder than words.
a rich mans heaven is a poor mans hell
This line serves as a poignant reminder that success and wealth can come at a tremendous emotional and psychological cost for those who lack access to it.
Contributed by Zachary J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@doubaal1310
A rich man's heaven is a poor man's hell...So true
@malikyayo-og2sr
Ooh Grego reck that thing❤
@khanyisantsizi8573
I use to play this song everymorning ,when I was a Trawlerman
@Cheeseatingjunglista
Row Fisherman, Row!!!! 😊
@ynglesmadeit
searching so long for this very hard tune⬆⬆⬆⬆⬆
@stephenmuhengere7002
GI was great and will remain one of those talented reggae musician. Poor and clean rather live rich in corr.....p...tion. Released in 1979
@DaBerrix
That's my song since childhood ! They shall play this on my funeral 💚
@ilyasVa
Da Berrii you won’t be able to hear this😂
@DaBerrix
ilyas 😂😂💯
@franklinemwaka8162
Deep