- - -
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.
Soon Forward
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You told me that you soon forward, come turn me on, now
Turn your lamps down low, now
So we ain't gonna linger no more
In a time like this
I know the feeling is so hard to resist
So turn me on, turn me on, now
Don't you stay too long
Slow right down, I'm coming on strong
Please don't let me wait
'Cause tonight is the night for our date, yeah
So turn me on, turn me on, now
So turn me on, turn me on, now
Turn your lamps down low, now
So we ain't gonna linger no more
In a time like this
I know the feeling is so hard to resist
So turn me on, turn me on, now
So turn me on, turn me on, now
The lyrics of Gregory Isaacs's song Soon Forward are about the anticipation and excitement of being with someone you care about. The song starts with the line "Soon forward, come turn me on," a phrase that suggests the arrival of the person who the singer has been waiting for. The next line "You told me that you soon forward, come turn me on, now" reinforces the idea that the singer has been anticipating this moment and is excited for it.
The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "Turn me on, turn me on, now," is a plea for the other person to initiate intimacy. The lines "Don't you stay too long / Slow right down, I'm coming on strong" suggest that the singer is eager for physical contact, but also wants to take things slowly and enjoy the experience. The lines "Please don't let me wait / 'Cause tonight is the night for our date, yeah" further emphasize the idea of anticipation and imply that the singer has been waiting for this moment for a long time.
The repeated line "Turn your lamps down low, now / So we ain't gonna linger no more" creates an atmosphere of intimacy and sets the scene for a romantic encounter. Overall, Gregory Isaacs's Soon Forward is a song about being in the moment and savoring the excitement of physical intimacy with someone you care about.
Line by Line Meaning
Soon forward, come turn me on
You promised that you will come soon, so come and excite me
You told me that you soon forward, come turn me on, now
You assured me that you'll be here soon, so hurry up, turn me on
Turn your lamps down low, now
Dim the lights to create an intimate atmosphere
So we ain't gonna linger no more
Let's not waste time and get to the point
In a time like this
At this moment
I know the feeling is so hard to resist
I am aware that the temptation is almost too strong to resist
So turn me on, turn me on, now
Please excite me right now
Don't you stay too long
Don't take forever to get here
Slow right down, I'm coming on strong
Take your time, I'm ready for anything
Please don't let me wait
I don't want to wait any longer
'Cause tonight is the night for our date, yeah
Tonight is the night we've been waiting for
So turn me on, turn me on, now
Let's get started, excite me right now
Turn your lamps down low, now
Dim the lights to create an intimate atmosphere
So we ain't gonna linger no more
Let's not waste time and get to the point
In a time like this
At this moment
I know the feeling is so hard to resist
I am aware that the temptation is almost too strong to resist
So turn me on, turn me on, now
Please excite me right now
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: GREGORY ISAACS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sammoe1292
Reggae bass is what the roots of planet earth are made from.
@herbertmatkovits2197
I was one of the Dj's in Reggae club Hornstein (Austria), Had seen him live in Montego Bay 1997.
Respect to his Music, and Sound.
I 'll never forget Mr. Gregory.
RIPM
Hörbie
@gordonmckenzie2920
I was a warm up DJ at one of his concerts...1990s Brooklyn NY...It was craaazy!!
@marviabailey1564
One of my favorite singer Gregory gone but not forgotten one of Jamaica best real talk'
@thembadube9589
In terms of voice sweetness, I rate him at the same level as Marley and Cliff.
@Beachboy-sg4qx
Classic reggae oldies from Jamaica 🇯🇲 👍😎🧉🌴🥭🍉
@djoshua777
This is my most favorite reggae song. I could listen to it over and over and over again. I thank Gregory for making this. I will never tire of this song. I am truly sorry he left us last year but grateful for this slice of heavenly music.
@forbzie21
It’s 24th September 2020 and I’ve been playing and listening to this since 1979 and every time it just gets better, a true reggae legend and lyrical genius, Mr Isaacs, lovin it.........
@mistyblue200
Gregory thanks for introducing me to him. I have been enjoying his music.
@neattechnologiestz8636
This music is timeless. We still jamming in 2021