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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.
i'm sorry
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I didn't mean to make her blue
If I am wrong then I am sorry
Deep in my heart I know its true
I love her and I leave her
Swear to god I won't decieve her, no
It's only becoz I hate to see my woman cry
I will return real soon and I will heal your aching wound
Don't care what may
Even tho we're far apart theres a place for you in my heart
And i'll return one day
I love her and I leave her
I swear to god I won't decieve her,
It's only becoz I hate to see my woman cry
So wipe your tears and say goodbye
So I wipe your tears and say goodbye
If I am wrong then I am sorry I didn't mean to make her blue
If I am wrong then I am sorry, so sorry
Deep in my heart I know its true. Yeah!
I'll return one day, i'll never go astray (humhumhumhum)
I really need you woman
I see you soon
I'll return one day
In Gregory Isaacs's song "I Am Sorry," the singer expresses remorse for hurting his lover's feelings. He acknowledges his mistake and apologizes, genuinely wanting to rectify the situation. He assures her that he loves her and didn't mean to make her sad. However, he continues to leave her, but it's not because he doesn't care, it's because he doesn't want to see her cry. He promises her that he will be back soon and mend any wounds, even if they are far apart. The lyrics express a deep love and longing for the woman, and the melody is soulful, bringing out the emotion in each word.
The song reflects a common theme in Gregory Isaacs's music, which is love, heartbreak, and relationships. The lyrics are easy to understand, and the music soothes the soul, making it a popular track among reggae fans. Many of the artist's songs focus on societal issues, but in "I Am Sorry," he turns his attention to his personal life. He reveals his vulnerability and shows remorse, a side not often depicted in his music. Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of love, contrition, and hope, with a memorable melody and delivery.
Line by Line Meaning
If I am wrong then I am sorry
I am apologizing if I did something wrong and hurt someone.
I didn't mean to make her blue
I didn't intend to make her sad.
Deep in my heart I know its true
I am aware and acknowledging my mistake in my heart.
I love her and I leave her
I have strong feelings for her, but I still choose to leave her.
Swear to god I won't deceive her, no
I promise to be honest with her and not cheat on her.
It's only because I hate to see my woman cry
I care about her and don't want to see her upset.
So wipe your tears and say goodbye
Don't be sad, just say goodbye.
I will return real soon and I will heal your aching wound
I will come back and make things right between us.
Don't care what may
I don't care what comes my way, I'll still come back to her.
Even though we're far apart, there's a place for you in my heart
Despite the distance, she still holds a special place in my heart.
And I'll return one day
I will come back to her someday.
So I wipe your tears and say goodbye
I am telling her not to be sad and to say goodbye to me for now.
I'll never go astray (humhumhumhum)
I'll never lose my path and will always return to her.
I really need you woman
I genuinely need her in my life.
I see you soon
I will see her soon again in the future.
If I am wrong then I am sorry, so sorry
I am apologizing again for any mistake I made.
Writer(s): GREGORY ISAACS, OPAL DERON GOWDIE
Contributed by Jeremiah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@IsaacKinyua-yk2jn
Gregory will always remain to be the icon of all time.
@iankuria1534
Its amazing how this sips into the soul... the rhythm, vocals and lyrics are perfect
@lawrencenjawe9875
I had this beautiful song on my Lonely Lover cassette tape in the early 80s...My very first Gregory Isaacs release I bought.... Memories ❤️❤️🎶
@danielmugo3123
I love her and I leave her.
@naronaknky4934
😌🔥💯🙏🏾big tune...thanks Gregory..jahlove❤️ 2022 tjrs dans la playliste..
@meireribeiro7003
Em 2021 ouvindo gregory..🥰💃
@thetweenz396
Special dedication to Joe #Ngara massive, keep resting in peace 🙏🏽
@matthewmcarthur1823
This song forces me to feel emotion..very powerful very inspiring
@lawrencenjawe9875
On me too sir....on me too.!!!!😄😄😄😄
@gaiuswaweru7390
So sorry