In November 1998, while driving around Montego Bay, Jah Cure was pulled over by the police and arrested on charges of gun possession, rape and robbery. He was prosecuted in April 1999, found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Since the arrest, Jah Cure has firmly maintained his innocence. Jah Cure is not scheduled to be released from jail until 2007 at the earliest.
While in prison he has had access to recording equipment and has released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have topped the Jamaican charts. His first album Free Jah’s Cure was released in 2000, it was followed by Ghetto Life in 2003 and Freedom Blues in 2005. More recently Jah Cure has released the songs 'Love is', 'Longing For' and 'True Reflections', showing his unique voice and lyrical ability.
BY TYRONE S REID Observer staff reporter reidt@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007
From Jamaica Observer -- BY TYRONE S REID Observer staff reporter reidt@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007:
After eight years "behind the prison walls" of the Tower Street Adult Correctional facility in Kingston, the day that he was "longing for" - his release - came yesterday, but not with the fanfare and flourish that many Jamaicans had highly anticipated.
During his time behind bars, reggae singer Jah Cure created headlines that won him legions of fans, many who started petitions advocating his release. But yesterday, the reggae artiste, born Siccature Alcock, who was scheduled to be released at 8:00 am, walked out of the maximum security prison minutes after 5:00 am, according to guards.
But even though Jah Cure's early morning release stumped his fans, as well as journalists, scores of chalice-carrying Rastafarians were at the prison gate to greet their 'brother', a senior warder told the Sunday Observer.
"Mi seh, some chalice bun out yah this morning. Ah nuff Rasta come out in di early morning. The one dem who hear bout the early release," the warder said. "Him walk out like Nelson Mandela and him greet some of the man them before the warden escort him away."
The senior warder, who spoke to some of the people who had gathered for the 8:00 am release, said the decision was made to prevent any commotion outside the prison gates.
"I am sorry to know that people came to see him and didn't get the chance. We had to try and avoid the crowd," the warder, dressed in a bright blue uniform, told the crowd, after declining to give his name.
Yesterday, the Sunday Observer received positive comments about Alcock's character while he was an inmate on the A-North block.
"He was a well-behaved inmate. We never have no problem with him," one worker at the prison said.
Another said: "Yes man, him just love him music. Him did alright."
One female warden agreed with her co-workers, before advising us to direct any further questions to "the head office".
In the meantime, several fans who refused to believe that their "artiste" had already left the compound set up camp outside and openly expressed their opinions about his imprisonment and subsequent release.
One female vendor outside the prison, who gave her name only as Miss Yvonne, told the Sunday Observer that Alcock received many visitors each month, the majority being females.
"Him get visitors from all over the world. The other day a white girl come here from France but him didn't take the visit," Miss Yvonne said. "Him go to prison go make him name. I hope that him learn him lesson and move on with him life," she said, adding that she heard that Jah Cure made a stop at Rockfort to "wash off" after leaving the prison.
Her other interesting comments, which had everyone cracking up, included: "Mi hear seh Jah Cure pay all warden rent when him did ovah deh."
One man who said he drove from St Thomas to witness the singer's release said he was very disappointed but wished Jah Cure all the best.
"Even though him have the whole world claim that them love him, him have to be careful," he said.
Another man, a broom vendor from Clarendon, said he wanted to get a glimpse of the man whose songs he can't get enough of.
Trisha, a female fan and a feelance photographer, said people should not judge Alcock as he was capable of making mistakes and changing like other humans.
"I believe that to each his own. If it wasn't time for him to be released, he wouldn't have been released. I just hope that he has learnt from the experience," she said.
Her friend, Kelly, added: "I think he deserved to be released. I just want to get to see him in person now. I hope he wil change too."
Alcock, who was born in Hanover in 1978, was reportedly given the name Jah Cure by Capleton whom he met while growing up in Kingston.
According to police reports, in November 1998, while driving around Montego Bay Alcock was pulled over by the police and arrested on charges of gun possession, rape and robbery. He was taken before the courts in April 1999, found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Since the arrest, Jah Cure has firmly maintained his innocence. The story surrounding his case dominated media headlines and barber shop conversations for months, leading to several "Free Jah Cure" campaigns.
While in prison, the singer had access to recording equipment and has released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have done well on local reggae charts. His debut album, Free Jah's Cure was released in 2000, and was followed by Ghetto Life (2003) and Freedom Blues (2005). His popular singles include True Reflections, Love is and Longing For. -- Jamaica Observer
Jah Cure performed for the first time in Holland from http://www.radioreggaetrade.com:
Jah Cure's first performance since his release from prison on July 28 has left a lasting impression on his European fans. On Sunday August 12 at the Reggae Sundance Festival in Eindhoven, Holland, Jah Cure performed in front of 20,000 persons who were longing for this day. Below are reports from journalists who were able to capture this historic moment.
"The field felt it. Jah Cure's performance at Reggae Sundance in Holland would become a historical moment. While the world was waiting for his release, Jah Cure has given hope to many with his music. With this in mind all his songs felt much more powerful. Longing For, What Will It Take, Jamaica and Prison Walls; he did them in his distinguished way of singing. Almost complaining as if he carries a heavy weight on his back. He reaches the high notes, even if he has to press them out of his toes. That's the way the crowd likes to hear him! He stood on stage dressed all in white with his sympathetic and relaxed attitude. Compared to other artists he's different in his stage performance. He shows a lot of tranquility. I think Holland was blessed with Jah Cure on the 12 th of August 2007." - Melvin Toemin, FunX FM, Rotterdam.
"The show was amazing. The best show I have ever been to. Jah Cure gave a strong performance... Amazing!" - Julian, www.Reggaephotos.de , Germany.
"Jah Cure's debut performance since his much publicised release from prison promised much, and for once the hype around an artistes performance delivered on all fronts. He seemed completely at home on stage and was greeted by a rapturous reception from the European crowd. His rapport with the audience was instantly noticeable, and with the majestic Dean Frazer leading the Iyah Cure Band it was hard to believe that this was not an outfit that had toured around Europe and the world for some time. And this was actually their first public outing! Cure's vocal performance was on point throughout, and his fans around the world have a treat in store when he visits their region." - Ray Paul, BBC 1Xtra, United Kingdom.
"The audience sang along line by line. The atmosphere was electrifying. In the run-up to the Reggae Sundance festival it was evident that most of the over 20,000 visitors travelled there because of Jah Cure. It was history in the making! Jamaica had Bob Marley, Jamaica had Garnett Silk and now Jamaica has Jah Cure, who is on the best way to becoming a superstar. That was the consensus after his outstanding, professional, winning performance, which was the crowning glory of the festival and which put tears in so many eyes because of the beauty of his voice and the circumstances surrounding his very first performance after over eight years in prison." - Ellen Kohlings, Riddim, Germany
Jamaican fans and journalists will have the opportunity to make their own judgments at Cure's next performance at Curefest, the 3-day event focusing on the work and music of Jah Cure to be held on October 12-14, 2007 in Oracabessa Bay, St. Mary, Jamaica.
check: freejahcure.net
All by Myself
Jah Cure Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every body got the answer
Yet the question still remained yea
Do u see the difference
R is the problem still the same
Hold on my self
Hold on my self
Hold on my self
[Verse 1]
How many nights I had that dream about me waking up
Up on the other side I see u when we making up
And I open back my eyes back to reality
And realized I sleep away all my humanity
No body doesn’t love me
The power from up above me
There was signs to say I was guilty
Never needed man to trust me
Only god can judge me
He’s the only one to have mercy
When I didn’t think I’ll live another day
Now I sit and Remanist and now I stood alone
Nothing to call my own
Now baby girl to hold me
No body to console me
They try to make me guilty
But only God can judge me
[Repeat Chorus]
[2 Pac Verse 2]
It ain’t easy being me
Life as a celebrity is les than heavenly
I got these baits and these back stabbers following me around
And it’s always drama
Whenever I wanna get around mama told me
Long before I ever came up
Godda be true to what you do or get the game up
Cause things change and jealousy becomes the fact
Best friends got you wiped out destroy the map
Am on tour but still they keep on knocking at ma door
And I got no time to worry or steady want more
Every day is a test yes
I try hard but am struggling with every breath
I sit alone in my room drink
Talking out loud too
Wonder if you feel me
Am far away but can you hear me
[Repeat Chorus]
[Jah Cure Verse 3]
So many days I had a vision of me breaking out
But I decided to be strong and just wait it out
Even tho I have my ways behind the prison walls
I couldn’t get my call anytime I was away from u all
Am forgiving every body
But try no rise up against me
Thry wer saying they didn’t believe me
Never needed man to trust me
Only god can judge me
Is the only one to have mercy
When I didn’t think I’ll live another day
Now I sit and remanist and now I stood alone
Noting to call my own
No baby girl to hold me
No body to console me
They try to make me guilty
Only God can judge me
[Repeat Chorus]
The song "All by Myself" by Jah Cure starts with the chorus, which speaks about everyone having an answer to the question, but the problem still remains. The verses talk about the singer's struggles in life, and how he is seeking redemption and forgiveness. In the second verse, there's a reference to Tupac's struggles with being a celebrity and the pressures that come with it. The final verse speaks to the singer's time spent in prison and how they are trying to move on from their past.
The chorus in this song is a powerful message about how we all have answers to life's problems, but sometimes the solution is not as simple as just knowing the answer. It's about acknowledging that there are deeper underlying problems that need to be resolved before we can see a change.
The first verse speaks to the singer's struggles with relationships and how they are trying to find love and acceptance. They recognize that no one loves them more than God, and He is the only one who can judge them. The second verse, which is a reference to Tupac's life, is about the struggles that come with fame and how it can be difficult to trust others when everyone is trying to take advantage of you. Tupac's verse is powerful, as it speaks to the fact that success can bring a lot of problems, and it can be hard to stay true to who you are.
Overall, "All by Myself" is a powerful song about the struggle for redemption and forgiveness. It's a message about finding strength in difficult times and knowing that only God can judge us.
Line by Line Meaning
Every body got the answer
Despite everyone giving their opinion, the question still remains.
Yet the question still remained yea
Despite searching and asking, the answer is not yet found.
Do u see the difference
Recognize the change that is happening or has happened.
R is the problem still the same
The issue is still there, even though it may have a different appearance.
Hold on my self
Hold on my self
Hold on my self
Hold on my self
Remain strong and persevere through tough times.
How many nights I had that dream about me waking up
Up on the other side I see u when we making up
The singer dreams of reuniting with their loved one on the other side (afterlife) in an intimate moment.
And I open back my eyes back to reality
And realized I sleep away all my humanity
Waking back up to reality, the singer recognizes that they have neglected their humanity and emotions.
No body doesn’t love me
The power from up above me
There was signs to say I was guilty
The artist recognizes that God loves them, and despite feeling guilty or ashamed, there are signs that show they are being forgiven.
Never needed man to trust me
Only god can judge me
He’s the only one to have mercy
The artist only trusts in God's judgment and mercy, aware that humans are not always trustworthy or forgiving.
When I didn’t think I’ll live another day
Now I sit and Remanist and now I stood alone
Nothing to call my own
Now baby girl to hold me
No body to console me
They try to make me guilty
But only God can judge me
Reflecting on past struggles and feeling alone, the artist finds comfort in knowing that God is the only one who can judge them.
It ain’t easy being me
Life as a celebrity is les than heavenly
I got these baits and these back stabbers following me around
And it’s always drama
The second verse is by 2Pac and speaks of the difficulty of being a celebrity, and the negative attention and drama that come with it.
Whenever I wanna get around mama told me
Long before I ever came up
Godda be true to what you do or get the game up
Advice that 2Pac's mother gave before he became famous: be truthful in everything you do, or else you'll lose the game.
Cause things change and jealousy becomes the fact
Best friends got you wiped out destroy the map
When things change and jealousy arises, even close friends can turn on you and ruin your plans.
Am on tour but still they keep on knocking at ma door
And I got no time to worry or steady want more
Even while on tour, the negativity and distractions follow 2Pac, but he doesn't have the time to worry and wants to keep achieving.
Every day is a test yes
I try hard but am struggling with every breath
I sit alone in my room drink
Talking out loud too
Wonder if you feel me
Am far away but can you hear me
Feeling tested every day, 2Pac struggles but copes by drinking and talking to himself, wondering if someone out there can relate and understand him.
So many days I had a vision of me breaking out
But I decided to be strong and just wait it out
Even tho I have my ways behind the prison walls
I couldn’t get my call anytime I was away from u all
The artist had a desire to break out from prison, but chose to be patient and strong. However, they still longed to see their loved ones and couldn't contact them while in prison.
Am forgiving every body
But try no rise up against me
Thry wer saying they didn’t believe me
The artist forgives everyone, but still warns them not to come against him despite their disbelief in him.
Noting to call my own
No baby girl to hold me
No body to console me
They try to make me guilty
Only God can judge me
Like previous verses, the singer reflects on their lonely state and how only God can judge them despite others trying to make them feel guilty.
Contributed by Gavin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kevin Hope
on Longing For
nice