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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.
Sweeter the Victory
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lord, My people wanna be free
Just like the blind would like to see
But the hotter the battle will be
The sweeter the victory
Give us faith to face another day
Guide the sinner now, to (?) our way
That we shall overcome someday
Alright Lord
Give an 'elping hand
to each and ev'ryone
We do all the work each and every day
And still for all we don't get no pay
But I know that things won't last this way
'Cause we shall overcome someday
The song "Sweeter the Victory" by Gregory Isaacs is a powerful plea for freedom and justice. In the opening lines, Isaacs expresses the desire of his people to be free, just like the blind would like to see. He recognizes that the battle for freedom will not be easy, but emphasizes that the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. He calls upon the Lord to give his people the faith and strength they need to overcome the obstacles in their way.
Isaacs also addresses the social and economic inequalities faced by his people. He highlights the fact that they work hard every day, but don't get compensated fairly for their labor. He acknowledges that this state of affairs cannot continue indefinitely, and that one day, his people will overcome the unjust system. He again calls upon the Lord to give them a helping hand, as they continue to fight for their rights and their freedom.
The song "Sweeter the Victory" is a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. It speaks to the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice, and highlights the role that faith and strength play in overcoming oppression. It is a call to action, urging listeners to keep fighting for what is right, even when the battle seems impossible.
Line by Line Meaning
Hear me Lord
The singer wants God to listen to him
Lord, My people wanna be free
The singer prays that his people be liberated from oppression
Just like the blind would like to see
The singer compares his people's desire for freedom to the blind who wish to see
But the hotter the battle will be
The more difficult the struggle becomes
The sweeter the victory
The more satisfying the eventual success
Give us faith to face another day
The singer requests for courage and belief to overcome each new day's challenges
Guide the sinner now, to (?) our way
The singer asks for God's guidance in leading sinners towards the path of righteousness
Give us strength, dear Lord I pray
The artist seeks divine strength to overcome difficulties
That we shall overcome someday
The artist is confident that his people will eventually triumph
Alright Lord
The artist is affirming his connection with God
Give an 'elping hand
The singer requests for God's help
to each and ev'ryone
The artist desires that everyone receive God's help
We do all the work each and every day
The singer highlights the hard work of his people
And still for all we don't get no pay
The singer denounces the lack of reward for their efforts
But I know that things won't last this way
The singer believes that change will occur
'Cause we shall overcome someday
The artist remains optimistic that they will be victorious
Contributed by Carson L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Eras
on Good Morning
Anyone with out deh lyrics by Gregory isaacs
Garvey Ufot
on Dieting
Lord
Lord
I sit and wonder have I sinned
As I partake of my dieting, yeah
Just to know that every day, oh yeah
My whole life depend on a food tray, yeah
An happy day, a night of pain
I wonder when this a-term will end
Cos I'm a man and I've got to go
I don't know when I'm gonna get parole
But I'm a-one day
I'm a-one day
Yes, I'm a-one day
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
The place in which that I dwell, Lord knows
Was just an old iron gate in hell, yeah
But still I survive
The foolish man always build strife
Nuh want no baton stick come bruck me bone
The worldly man, leave me alone
Cos I'm a man and I've got to go
I don't know when I'm gonna get parole
But I'm a-one day
I'm a-one day
Yes, I'm a-one day
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
Uunh
One day closer to home
I sit and wonder have I sinned, Lord God
As I partake of my dieting
Hurts to know that every day, every long day
My whole life depend on a food tray
An happy day, a night of pain
I wonder when this a-term will end
Cos I'm a man and I've got to go
I don't know when I'm gonna get parole
But I'm a-one day
I'm a-one day
I'm a-one day
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
One day closer to home
To home
I need, aah
To home
One day closer
Garvey Ufot
on Dieting
The tune, 'Dieting', is absolutely, totally and completely the hottest and the coolest tune in this album. It is absolutely massive. It is my absolute best. Anyone who thinks otherwise has NOT listened to it yet. It is heartrending in its story -- Gregory's harrowing experience in prison -- hard in its riddim (Roots Radics at their best) and soul uplifting in its melody. Jesus! Are you guys kidding me? 'Dieting' is without parrallel in this album.
Gicharu
on A Few Words
Cool Ruler had classic voice, ......one of those voice one can't imitate. these songs sang more than 30 years ago will still be played and relevant more than a century later... R.I.P
Gicharu
on Front Door
"The white men lose", does not make sense...."While I may lose"
Gicharu
on Better Plant Some Loving
This was my best cassette of G.I , all songs with the exception of Let off Supm, were classic love songs. His collabo with Dennis Brown on Let off Supm was a gem
Vinnie
on Good Morning
Great vives!
Bruce Booker
on Out Deh
I really would like to have the lyrics of gregory isaacs dieting song.
Valmir Machado
on Night Nurse
brasill é regaee, é nois mano
Evelyne De Batavia
on If I Don't Have You
Wonderful