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
True Reflections
Jah Cure Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doing my paces, doing my time
I am spendin' my restless nights
Visioning faces, oh they all cry, cry
Prison a no bed a roses
De levity it makes me bawl
I wish that Jah could come
But I swear, that I could be a betta man
Yes, I swear, if only you could understand
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
Behind these metal bars to Jah Jah, I'm chanting
"Pray for your love divine"
I'm oh so sorry a man, deeply I'm hurting
The price ordained to be mine
Impossible to see the changes
That I've made in my life
All they see is just the boy
They left behind
And I swear, that I could be a betta man
Yes, I swear, if only you could understand
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
Don't judge me wrong
'Cause now I'm stronger than I was before
I was young and unwise
Didn't you hear my cry
Impossible to see the changes
That I've made in ma life
All they see is just the boy
I left behind
'Cause I swear, I could be a betta man
Yes, I swear, if only you could understand
I swear, I could be a betta man
Yes, I swear, if only you could understand
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
...
Jah Cure's song "True Reflection" reflects on his experience of being imprisoned and his desire for a better life. The song is an expression of his regret and wish for redemption. The opening lyrics tell of his daily routine in prison, where he is spending restless nights and envisioning faces of those he has hurt. He acknowledges that prison is not an easy place, and it has made him cry.
Jah Cure's lyrics express his desire to be forgiven and given another chance. He wishes that he could turn back the hands of time and make better choices. He acknowledges that his past actions have led him to his current situation, and he wishes for a second chance. The chorus "The faith in me shall set me free, reflections" expresses his desire for redemption and his hope that he can rise above his past.
In the second verse, Jah Cure addresses his regret and the difficulties he faces in making people see that he has changed for the better. He believes that people only see him as the boy he was before, not the man he has become. He asks not to be judged for his past mistakes and acknowledges that he is now stronger and wiser. The final chorus repeats the message that the faith in him will set him free.
Overall, "True Reflection" is a powerful song of remorse and hope for redemption. Jah Cure acknowledges his past mistakes and expresses a desire to be forgiven and given a second chance.
Line by Line Meaning
Behind these prison walls
I am currently serving time in prison, and this is where I am physically located.
Doing my paces, doing my time
I am serving my sentence, and I am keeping myself busy by engaging in routine activities or exercises.
I am spendin' my restless nights
I am unable to sleep peacefully at night because of my current situation.
Visioning faces, oh they all cry, cry
I see the faces of people who are crying, possibly because of the pain or consequences that I caused them in the past.
Prison a no bed a roses
Prison is not a comfortable or pleasant place to be in, and it is difficult to survive here.
De levity it makes me bawl
The harshness of prison life sometimes makes me cry or express my emotions outwardly.
I wish that Jah could come
I wish for divine intervention or help from God to improve my situation or to help me cope better with my current reality.
And take us back in time
I wish to go back to the past and correct the mistakes that led me to where I am today.
But I swear, that I could be a betta man
I am determined to be a better person, and I promise to work hard and prove it.
Yes, I swear, if only you could understand
If others could see the changes in me and understand my true intentions, they would know that I am capable of being a better person.
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
Through faith and self-reflection, I believe that I can overcome my current situation and become a better person in the future.
Behind these metal bars to Jah Jah, I'm chanting
Despite being confined in prison, I am still praying to God and seeking spiritual guidance.
"Pray for your love divine"
I am asking others to pray for me and seek divine intervention on my behalf.
I'm oh so sorry a man, deeply I'm hurting
I am remorseful for my past actions and feel deep emotional pain because of the harm I caused others and the consequences I am now facing.
The price ordained to be mine
I am paying the price for my mistakes and wrongdoings, but I accept that this is my fate and that I must face the consequences.
Don't judge me wrong
I am asking others not to judge me based on my past mistakes and to see the changes that I am making in my life.
'Cause now I'm stronger than I was before
I have become stronger and more resilient because of my experiences, and I am determined to use that strength to improve myself and help others.
I was young and unwise
When I made my mistakes, I was young and inexperienced and did not fully understand the consequences of my actions.
Didn't you hear my cry
I was expressing my pain and emotions, but others may not have understood my cries or heard my pleas for help.
The faith in me shall set me free, reflections
By having faith in myself and reflecting on my past mistakes, I can break free from the cycle of negativity and improve my life in the future.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: Dean Fraser, Duane Stephenson, Gladstone Wright, Lamont Savory, Sonita Walker, S Walker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SE B
This song just thugs at my heart...so emotional and truthful.
Amanda S
I love this guy! He’s the best ❤️ deep lyrics 🌈
nene haz3
this song has two different meanings love it thx jah cure for this beautiful song
PURPLE BUTTERFLY 🦋
jah cure this as so much meaning to me ..I have never been behind bars but just reflection on my life since I was for yrs old physical abuse to unimiganable..and so many other struggles . Reflecting on my life every day .... thankyou for making such a beautiful song.💖🎤🎧🎶
Zurishaday Arjona
such a beautifull song just love it
Amanda Carlin
I listen to this song a couple times a week! Hits real close to home! Love love love Jah Cure, ultimate dream to go overseas to see him live! Thanks for sharing!
Xavier Browne
I love this song I can't stop playing it
Khaya Cross
Love this song. Used to listen to it with my dad almost everyday
Nico Li
Same 💯
Jfk Jamrock
this song brings back memories....of a dark time....but the light has shine