The 10 Best Citizen Cope Songs of All Time
Clarence Greenwood, better known by his stage name Citizen Cope, started writing poetry after being inspired by The Jackson 5. He has since evolved as an artist and has continued to be influenced by different musicians, including John Lennon, Bob Marley, Willie Nelson, and Outkast. Cope is proud to be self-made and does not rely on commercial radio to promote his music. He loves holding live shows, and among the best Citizen Cope songs you can listen to, here are ten.
10. One Lovely Day
For years, Cope entertained his fans with “One Lovely Day,” and they loved the song. Unfortunately, they only got to listen to it during live shows until Cope finally decided to have his fans listen to the song at their pleasure. According to Rolling Stone, the musician wanted the late Chuck Brown to release it, but Brown passed away in 2012 when the song was released. He penned it to give hope to anyone going through a hard time.
9. Salvation
Cope revealed to Savanna Morning News that he did not think his first record was the best by any means. Thankfully, he evolved as a singer and songwriter, and “Salvation” is one of his better songs in Cope’s opinion. “Salvation” is in his second album, “Citizen Cope,” and he once said he penned it from the point of view of a desperate man. Cope talks about a man with nothing to lose so even he does not mind being shot at and losing his sight in one eye.
8. Lifeline
Cope holds this song dear to his heart, and of all the covers musicians have done, the singer finds the cover of “Lifeline” the best. He puts a lot of thought into writing songs, so even though he admits he is not the best singer or guitarist, Cope is proud of his songwriting. Therefore, he was disappointed that someone wrote a poor review of “Lifeline,” but the singer believes the writer missed the point. The song seems to be about social injustices, but everyone has a lifeline they can hold on to, no matter the storms in their lives.
7. Pablo Picasso
Although the song is titled “Pablo Picasso,” there is no mention of the famous painter in the song. Instead, the lyrics are about a woman; the narrator is, so captivated by her and follows her everywhere she goes. He is confused why some refer to her as a painting, yet to him, she is the love of his life. Cope explained that the song is something he made up and cannot explain about the character. However, he felt every emotion displayed in the song. Still, people try to understand what he meant, thus interpreting the lyrics differently. Some believe the forty-foot-tall woman is the Statue of Liberty, others opine it is a billboard.
6. I Couldn’t Explain Why
Some things are beyond our understanding, and that is the message in this song in which Cope says he can’t explain why. For instance, he wonders why some people die too young, but only heaven knows.
5. Healing Hands
The song touches on politics, talking about how nations sell their citizens for firearms, alcohol, and tobacco. Cope even mentions the alleged affair between Marilyn Monroe and President John F. Kennedy, saying the late president left Jacky O for Monroe. It is unclear what was going through Cope’s head when he penned the lyrics to this song. However, the part about healing hands seems to tell how even when you have hit rock bottom, the right person can help you back to your feet again. It is a song of hope and appreciating those who stand by us in our darkest times.
4. Son’s Gonna Rise
Per the lyrics, Cope narrates the story of a woman he refers to as his wife on the verge of giving birth. He adds that he saves her although he does not get into details. However, in an interview with McClain Johnson, Cope reveals that the song signifies rebirth and renewal. To him, the woman giving birth is symbolic since he disclosed that it was not based on true events as the singer was not married at the time, nor was he expecting a child. Still, it was significant to him because it meant clarity, life, and joy.
3. Sideways
“Sideways” is the first song Cope wrote for “The Clarence Green Recordings” album released in 2004. The singer told RVA Magazine that he wrote it when it meant something in his life. Cope added that despite having written it in 2004, it still played a role in his life in 2022. Going by the lyrics, you can tell he was in turmoil, as he wonders which language to use to describe what he felt. Whatever emotion he meant to capture, the song captivated singers like Sheryl Crowe and Carlos Santana, who covered it.
2. Let the Drummer Kick
Despite the song only comprising a few words repeated throughout, it still is a favorite among Cope’s fans. It is such a compelling song that it even found its way to movie soundtracks. It was featured in “Coach Carter” and “Accepted” in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Since its release in 2002, “Let the Drummer Kick” has continued to inspire many not to give up because things can change for the better with time. He sings that determination will get you out while inspiration will pull you through your troubles.
1. Bullet & A Target
Some songs have been interpreted literally, and this is one of them. Cope said he once witnessed a person bringing an amputee when he started playing “Bullet & A Target” because the lyrics talk about amputees in Sierra Leone. Although it is open to interpretation depending on one’s understanding, it talks about the different situations you can find yourself in that lead to danger. Maybe it is a warning for us to think twice because choices have consequences.
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