1) Jacob Mil… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least 2 singers sharing the name Jacob Miller.
1) Jacob Miller (born in Mandeville, Jamaica on 4 May 1952 – 23 March 1980) was a Jamaican reggae artist. He was the first to record with Clement Dodd. While pursuing a prolific solo career, he became the lead singer for reggae group Inner Circle with whom he recorded until his death in a car accident at the age of 27.
He recorded three songs for Dodd, including “Love is a Message” in 1968, which the Swaby brothers, (Horace, later called Augustus Pablo, and Garth) played at their Rockers Sound System. While the song did not garner much success nor maintain Dodd's attention in Miller, it resulted in Pablo’s sustained interest in Miller.
Jacob was featured in the film Rockers, alongside Gregory Isaacs, Big Youth and Burning Spear. In the movie, he plays the singer of a hotel houseband, played by Inner Circle, who are joined on drums by the films hero, Horsemouth (Leroy Wallace) and play a wicked live version of Tenement Yard.
Miller had close links with Bob Marley, who was known to promote him as 'My favourite singer'. One of Jacob Millers biggest Jamaican hits 'Tired Fe Lick Weed' betrayed his political leanings as can be seen in his performance of the song in the film 'Heartland Reggae', where his open enjoyment of a 'ganja spliff' on stage was intended to be seen as a militant statement.
Millers most potent works are often attributed to the 'rockers' singles of the mid 1970's with the band Inner Circle, with tracks like 'Tenement yard', 'Tired fe Lick Weed' and 'Stand Firm' among them. However the track which has brought him the most lasting recognition is the rockers standard 'King Tubby Meets The Rockers Uptown' with Augustus Pablo. Other notable tracks with Augustus Pablo include 'Keep on Knocking, 'False Rasta' and 'Who Say Jah No Dread', all produced by King Tubby.
Jacob Miller had a unique vocal style, using staccato motifs in counter play with the rhythm section, a perfect example of which is 'Tired Fe Lick Weed'. Miller was an intelligent and original artist, and recognised his own potential to lead, releasing a re-cut of his own track 'Tenement Yard' with the title 'To Much Imitator', a straight out attack on those trying to copy his style.
With an obvious energy, Jacob Miller was a magnetic presence on stage,and his appearance at the 'One Love Peace Concert' in Jamaica, April 1978 was typical 'Killer' Miller. Mesmerising and full of life, Jacob Miller invited members of the Jamaican political coalition, the 'Peace Committee' on to the stage for a rendition of 'Peace Treaty Special', conducting crowd, band, press and guests all with his customary zeal.
Some of Millers later work has been seen by reggae purists to be too much of an attempt at finding a commercial avenue for his music, with his yearning for success becoming evident on the track, 'I've Learned My Lesson Well', from the Island Records album 'Everything Is Great' from 1979.
This album, from musical point of view, is almost totaly unconnected to his earlier 'roots' work, and exhibits the ability of the Inner Circle band to adapt to different genres, using strong disco themes here. It is with some irony then, that Jacob Millers lasting contribution to the reggae genre will be forever focused on those 'rockers' tracks, which are, at least culturally, perhaps more important than reaching 'The top 100'.
Miller died very young in a car accident, cutting abruptly short a promising career that had already taken young Jacob from 'yard' (Jamaica) to an international record deal with Island Records.
Miller had planned to perform along with Bob Marley and Inner Circle in Brasil and then to tour with them; this tour was cancelled after Miller's untimely death.
2) Wisconsin native Jacob Miller left his hometown for Portland, OR the summer of 2009 via Amtrak, bringing with him only a suitcase and an electric guitar. After one year in the city he left to travel North America, both to study and perform music while working on various farms and ranches between travels. Time spent as a farm hand in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina shaped his devotion to the finger-picking style of the region. Spending countless hours playing alongside vintage recordings and local old-timers in the surrounding areas of Appalachia, Miller delved into the inner workings of the music’s style and history.
After 7 years leading a jazz sextet and performing both internationally and throughout North America, Miller now focuses his efforts on a different kind of songwriting and storytelling. Whether it be playing for thousands at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall or for 5 people in a Midwest living room, Jacob's passion, voice and laid-back demeanor create an intimate connection with audiences far and wide.
With an affinity for minimalist pop and firm roots planted in American traditional music, Jacob Miller crafts a timeless sound unique to his voice, style and abilities.
In 2019, Jacob released his debut record, ‘This New Home,’ which displays his abilities as a performer, writer and composer. Recorded and performed entirely by Miller in a Portland home-turned-studio, songs and ideas come together to form an album that is honest and heartfelt.
In 2020, he was also a featured performer on NBC’s The Voice; working with Nick Jonas and James Taylor among others.
On May 15th, Jacob will release new music since his debut solo release. “Quarantine,” out May 15th, is a collaborative project accomplished through isolation during the period of COVID-19 and shelter-in-place. It features 2 new singles, an accompanying music video, and a cast of PNW artists.
Mr. Officer
Jacob Miller Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Please Mr. Cop ...Down to the ground
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop
Cool down
Hear me when I say, I said
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop
Cool down now
Put a smile on your face while passing through
Put away the frown and that awful screw
Were just sipping a cup and having some fun
And it′s better than in the streets busting gun.
Tell 'em me say tell ′em
Cool Down your temper Mr. Cop,
Cool Down
We're just licking a cup I said,
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop
Cool Down now
Said we are just sipping a cup
Beat dey a market marrow inna bone (?)
What don't concern ya please leave it alone
Cause the grass was meant for the cows and
And the herb on this land for the use of man
Tell ′em me say tell dem
Cool down your temper Mr. Cop
Cool down
We′re just licking a cup I said,
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop
Cool Down now
Said we are just sipping a cup
(Repeat)
In Jacob Miller's song Mr. Officer, the singer requests the police officer to calm down and cool his temper instead of creating chaos in a group of peace-loving people just like him. Here, he says that they are just enjoying a cup of tea, and it's better than taking part in illegal activities like gun shooting. Miller requests the officer to stop frowning and show a soft smile while passing through them. The singer emphasizes that they have no ill-intentions and just want to be left alone to have their beverages.
As the song proceeds, Miller tells the officer to mind his own business and not interfere with the things that don't concern him. The singer reminds the officer that marijuana is grown on this land for the use of people and it's not his job to intervene in this matter. Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges the officer's power to control the situation but requests him to sympathize and understand their position, emphasizing that they are peaceful individuals. The lyrics carry the message not to judge someone based on their appearances and to understand and protect their human rights.
Line by Line Meaning
Please Mr. Cop... Cool down now
The artist is pleading with the policeman to calm down.
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop
The artist, once again, requests the policeman to calm down.
Hear me when I say, I said
The artist is emphasizing his request for the policeman to listen to him.
Cool down your temper... Mr. Cop
The artist is reiterating his request for the policeman to calm down.
Cool down now
The artist requests the policeman to calm down urgently.
Put a smile on your face while passing through
The artist wants the policeman to be pleasant and approachable when interacting with people.
Put away the frown and that awful screw
The artist wants the policeman to put away his stern, angry look and intimidating weapon.
Were just sipping a cup and having some fun
The people who the artist is with are just relaxing and having a good time.
And it's better than in the streets busting gun.
The artist is pointing out that it is better to relax and have fun than engaging in violence.
Tell 'em me say tell ′em
The artist wants his message to be spread.
We're just licking a cup I said
The artist wants the policeman to know that they are not breaking any law.
Cool down your temper Mr. Cop
The artist is once again requesting the policeman to calm down.
Beat dey a market marrow inna bone (?)
The meaning of this line is unclear.
What don't concern ya please leave it alone
The artist wants the policeman to avoid interfering in situations that do not involve him.
Cause the grass was meant for the cows and
The artist is making a reference to the illegal drug trade that often leads to violence and crime.
And the herb on this land for the use of man
The artist is advocating for the use of marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes.
Said we are just sipping a cup
The artist is reassuring the policeman that they are not engaging in any illegal activity.
Writer(s): Ian Lewis, Jacob Miller
Contributed by Molly N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Leon-gg3rq
Jacob and Inner Circle,pure listening bliss for generations.
@Fannyfarts
Seen colour red see colour blue . John we still love your Reggae.
@user-cm4il1sr9s
Música linda umas das melhores esta enter as minhas favoritas
@antonymurethi2708
Old is gold
@valentineguevara9935
Priceless 🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹🇹
@okonakpabio8602
I first heard this song on a Liberian radio Love FM 1995
@georgewalker2831
First heard this song in a bar called River boat Freetown Sierra Leone west Africa
@kiturselassie813
@@georgewalker2831callieweed sounds nakuru kenya
@georgewalker2831
Classic still sounds good may 2023
@stevewright3022
Love this son