Slave Master
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics


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No competition, I make you my decision, yeah

Every time I hear the music and I make a dip, a dip
Slave master comes around and spank I with his whip, the whip
But if I don't get my desire
Then I'll set the plantations in fire
My temperature is getting much higher
Got to get what I require

'Cause every time we do the work sometimes we are hurt, oh yeah
Boss never do a thing but hold on to his girth
But if I don't get my desire
Then I'll set the plantations in fire
My temperature is getting much higher
Got to get what I require

Every time I hear the music and I move my hip, my hip
Slave master comes around and spank I with his whip, a whip
Slave master, I'm the shepherd you're my pastor
Say you rock ?? so long we make the work
And if I don't get my desire
Then I'll set the station on fire
My temperature is getting much higher
Got to get what I require

But if I don't get my desire
Then I set the stations in fire




My temperature is getting much higher
Got to get what I require

Overall Meaning

"Slave Master" by Gregory Isaacs is a powerful protest song that portrays the harsh reality of slavery and the oppression that came with it. The lyrics are rich in metaphorical language, powerful imagery, and a passionate tone that captures the emotions of the oppressed.


The song opens with the artist declaring his decision to stand firm and not back down from the oppressive slave master. He describes the feeling of being punished every time he tries to enjoy the music or a simple dance with his peers. The slave master is portrayed as a dominant figure who enjoys punishing and humiliating the slaves.


The chorus of the song repeats the artist's desire to get his just compensation and not back down. He declares that if he does not get his desire, he will set the plantation on fire, as his temperature gets much higher.


Isaacs uses the metaphor of music to represent the hope and freedom that the slaves had. The idea of dancing was seen as a small act of defiance, for which they were punished. The image of setting the plantation on fire represents a powerful act of rebellion that reclaims the enslaved people's power and dignity.


Overall, Slave Master is a powerful song that speaks of freedom, dignity, and protest against oppression.


Line by Line Meaning

No competition, I make you my decision, yeah
I am in charge, no one else can make decisions for me.


Every time I hear the music and I make a dip, a dip Slave master comes around and spank I with his whip, the whip
Whenever I try to enjoy myself, the slave master punishes me for it.


But if I don't get my desire Then I'll set the plantations in fire My temperature is getting much higher Got to get what I require
If I don't get what I want, I will rebel and burn down the plantations.


'Cause every time we do the work sometimes we are hurt, oh yeah Boss never do a thing but hold on to his girth
We work hard, but sometimes we get hurt. Our boss does nothing but enjoy his own wealth and status.


Every time I hear the music and I move my hip, my hip Slave master comes around and spank I with his whip, a whip
Once again, whenever I try to enjoy myself, the slave master punishes me for it.


Slave master, I'm the shepherd you're my pastor Say you rock ?? so long we make the work
I am the leader, and the overseer is just a follower. Even though he thinks he is in control, we are the ones doing the real work.


But if I don't get my desire Then I'll set the station on fire My temperature is getting much higher Got to get what I require
Once again, if I don't get what I want, I will rebel and cause destruction.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GREGORY ANTHONY ISAACS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

TheBazo71

@sherforlife1 you make a point I have always paid attention to about Gregory Isaacs - consistency of his works no matter where he does it from.

By contrast (which is by no means a comparison), notice how Peter Tosh almost makes it a point to sing differently in each live performance from either the last live performance or studio recording of the same song.

There are very few Peter Tosh live recordings which are identical to studio recordings - I take it it was his choice and signature.

Big up to these talented musicians we have been privileged to listen to.

Peace, Love and Blessings from Zambia



All comments from YouTube:

Mandy

Feel like crying watching this...That golden voice was such a big part of my childhood..miss him dearly... 🙏✨💖🙌

Ronald Crespo

Bless and Greetings From Chile..!

Lusi Myer

Me too...wish I had seen him live. 😭⚘

Brian Parks

you're not alone friend

christopher dara

me too very big lose take care

Rufdymond

Gregory was truly one of the greats, out of my record collection he holds one of the biggest parts, I have probably a couple of hundred Gregory singles. By the time of this performance his voice was slightly on the decline. I saw Gregory live numerous times, first time I think was around 1978 but for me the second time I saw him which would have been around 1981-82 is still one of the best musical performances I’ve ever seen - saw him with the full Roots Radics band (every member was present) a truly great night.

19 More Replies...

sherforlife1

Gregory performed live and he sounds like
he's in the studio..love it.

TheBazo71

@sherforlife1 you make a point I have always paid attention to about Gregory Isaacs - consistency of his works no matter where he does it from.

By contrast (which is by no means a comparison), notice how Peter Tosh almost makes it a point to sing differently in each live performance from either the last live performance or studio recording of the same song.

There are very few Peter Tosh live recordings which are identical to studio recordings - I take it it was his choice and signature.

Big up to these talented musicians we have been privileged to listen to.

Peace, Love and Blessings from Zambia

Kareema Mahmud Sayyed

That voice, class and style is unique. Rest on Gregory

michael olouasa

He was a musical genius he truly deserved the title "cool ruler"

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