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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.
Private Secretary
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She was seeking for some vacancy
Said she wanna be my secretary
She never pass her GCE, no
But she said she wanna work for me
She said she don't really have a diploma
She said don't ever ever listen to no rumor, no
'Cause to work is better than to rob
She told me
She fix my desk, she fix my chair
Makes me feel that she would take good care
You're a middle-aged business man, she said
And I sure wanna give a hand
Ah ha, ah ha, ah ha
She told me
She fix my desk, she fix my chair
Makes me feel that she would take good care
You're a middle-aged business man, she said
And I sure wanna give a hand
She said she don't really have a diploma
But she sure can do the job
She said don't ever ever listen to no rumor, no
'Cause to work is better than to rob
She said she wanna be
My personal secretary
And then she smiled
She said I sure like your style
Ah ha, ah ha, ah ha
The song "Private Secretary" by Gregory Isaacs tells the story of a woman who aspires to be the personal secretary of a middle-aged business man. She is determined and confident, despite not having a diploma or passing her GCE exams. She believes that she can do the job and make a difference in his life by keeping his desk and chair in order and providing excellent support. She believes that work is better than robbing and wants to be given the opportunity to prove her worth.
The song is about more than just finding a job or having a personal secretary. It is about the value of determination, hard work and ambition in pursuing one's goals. The woman in the song may not have been the most qualified candidate for the job, but with her determination and eagerness to learn, she manages to secure the position. The song celebrates the idea that anyone can achieve their dreams if they are willing to put in the effort and work hard.
Line by Line Meaning
She was seeking for some vacancy
A woman was in search of employment opportunities.
Said she wanna be my secretary
She expressed her desire to work as a secretary.
She never pass her GCE, no
She has no General Certificate of Education.
But she said she wanna work for me
Despite lacking formal education, she wants to work for the artist.
She said she don't really have a diploma
She admitted to not having a college degree.
But she sure can do the job
She believes in her ability to perform well in the role.
She said don't ever ever listen to no rumor, no
She advised against paying heed to hearsay.
'Cause to work is better than to rob
She argued that it is more honorable to work than to steal.
She fix my desk, she fix my chair
She promised to maintain the artist's office space.
Makes me feel that she would take good care
The artist senses that she will be attentive to his needs.
You're a middle-aged business man, she said
She identified the singer as a middle-aged businessman.
And I sure wanna give a hand
She wants to assist him in his work.
She said she wanna be
She expressed her aspiration to become...
My personal secretary
...the singer's exclusive secretary.
And then she smiled
She displayed a smile.
She said I sure like your style
She complimented the artist on his demeanor.
Contributed by Logan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jamesikumi3378
The cool ruler I don't care what others people say Greg to me is the undisputed king of lovers rock no other reggae artist can come close.
@rastastorr8342
Facts brother
@germanthon9761
My top 5 is Gregory, Alton Ellis, Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson, Sanchez
@andreapettigrew5908
I love Gregory but Dennis Emanuel Brown is the man
@danablake9349
Dennis Brown
@davidmilner9790
Gregory is definitely the cooler ruler
@glockmaster9516
that line "Dont ever ever listen to the Rumor. oh noo" sounds so fuckin smooth
@ramsay200036
Lol... Iam finally a middle aged business man. First heard this at 19 years old. God bless you Gregory
@Travisbig7
Lol next move is a private secretary?
@memoofjacoboarbenzjuanarev9724
Good music to think business to. Deep thought in general.