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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.
Story Book Children
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've got mine and it's a shame
Two grownup worlds
That will never be the same
Why can't we be like story book children?
Down in the land, hand in hand, across the meadow
Why can't we be like story book children?
Where everything is grand for tomorrow
You've got his ring, you've got his heart
You've got his baby, and woah it's too late
To turn away and start all over again
Oh no, don't tell me it's too late, babe
Why can't we be like story book children?
Down in the land, hand in hand, across the meadow
Why can't we be like story book children?
In a wonderland, in a wonderland
Where everything is grand for tomorrow
Why can't we be like story book children?
Down in the land, hand in hand, across the meadow
Hold my hand one more time
Why can't we be like story book children?
In a wonderland, in a wonderland
Where everything is grand for tomorrow
Oh, how happy we would be
If only we were story book children
The lyrics of "Story Book Children" by Gregory Isaacs tell the story of two people who are in love but their worlds are different, and they both struggle to make their relationship work. The singer acknowledges this sad reality and asks why they can't be like storybook children, who enjoy life in a wonderland where everything is grand for tomorrow. The reference to storybook children indicates a longing for simplicity, innocence, and the freedom to dream about a brighter future without the constraints of adult life.
The lyrics suggest that the woman has a personal history with another man - she has his ring, his heart, and his baby. The singer knows deep down that she is too invested in that relationship, and it’s too late to turn back now. He begs for one more chance to hold her hand and start again.
The repetition of the questions "Why can't we be like storybook children?" and "Where everything is grand for tomorrow?" highlights the sadness and desperation of the singer who longs for a happier existence. The song is deeply touching and relatable because it speaks to the universal human desire for happiness, belonging, and second chances.
Line by Line Meaning
You've got your world
You have your life and I have mine.
And I've got mine and it's a shame
We are living separate lives and it is unfortunate.
Two grownup worlds
As adults, we have created our own separate worlds.
That will never be the same
These worlds will never be shared or combined.
Why can't we be like story book children?
Why can't we have an innocent, simple relationship?
Down in the land, hand in hand, across the meadow
Like children in a whimsical world, holding hands and exploring together.
You've got his ring, you've got his heart
You are already committed to someone else, with a ring and a relationship.
You've got his baby, and woah it's too late
You also have a child together, which further complicates things and makes it difficult to change course.
To turn away and start all over again
It would be difficult, if not impossible, to end this relationship and start fresh.
Oh no, don't tell me it's too late, babe
We might still have a chance, and the idea of losing that chance is upsetting.
In a wonderland, where everything is grand for tomorrow
A place where everything is perfect and there is hope for the future.
Hold my hand one more time
Let's try to reconnect and find a way to move forward together.
Oh, how happy we would be
If only we could find a way to be together and be happy, like in a fairy tale.
If only we were story book children
If only we could have a love story as simple and pure as a children's book.
Contributed by Oliver W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rodtimaosccplhp
Story book, story book, children
You've got your world
And I've got mine and it's a shame
Two grown-up worlds
That will never be the same
Why can't we be, like story book children?
Down in the land, hand in hand, across the meadow
Why can't we be, like story book children?
In a wonderland, with nothing planned for tomorrow
Story book, story book, children
You've got his ring, you've got his heart
You've got his baby
And when it's too late to turn away
And start all over again
Oh no, don't tell me it's too late, babe
Why can't we be, like story book children?
In and out the rain, hand in hand, across the meadow
Go ahead, one more time
Why can't we be, like story book children, yeah
In a wonderland, with nothing planned for tomorrow
How happy we will be
If only we were story book children
How happy we will be
If only we were story book children..
@robertobrito4490
I was looking for this song for 38 years. I finally found. I cried.
@Blue_eye_devil
big ups
@KAriedoll
I’ve had that relief/feeling for other songs. I know what you mean 😂
@liamfirlej1142
Flip sake lol
@liamfirlej1142
I have been looking for a certain of gregory for the same time . Leaving on the first train tomorrow?
@anjee.3261
Who's full-joying this classic in 2018🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲
@theresasmith2898
⚘️💯❤️🙏 only Gregory can capture everyone's stories at some point in life xx love R.I.P
@1996Olympian
Why can't we be like storybook children? Love your music, Gregory! RIP
@monamorris7254
Legend! Thank you Gregory Isaacs. May you RIP.
@mikenorledge4110
I still love the Cool Ruler and his music but Gregory was not always his own best friend