The live version of the song ranked No. 37 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
As a single, it reached number 22 in the UK in 1975, and, in the wake of Marley's death, reached number 8. It was certified Gold in the UK, Italy and Brazil.
No Woman No Cry
Bob & The Wailers Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
Said, said, said, I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
Oba - obaserving the 'ypocrites
Good friends we have, oh, good friends we've lost
Along the way
In this great future, you can't forget your past
So dry your tears, I seh
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
'Ere, little darlin', don't shed no tears
No, woman, no cry
Said, said, said, I remember when-a we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
And then Georgie would make the fire lights
As it was logwood burnin' through the nights
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge
Of which I'll share with you
My feet is my only carriage
So I've got to push on through
But while I'm gone, I mean
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
I said, everything's gonna be all right-a
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right, now
Everything's gonna be all right
So, woman, no cry
No, no, woman, woman, no cry
Woman, little sister, don't shed no tears
No, woman, no cry
I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
And then Georgie would make the fire lights
As it was logwood burnin' through the nights
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge
Of which I'll share with you
My feet is my only carriage
So I've got to push on through
But while I'm gone
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
Woman, little darlin', say don't shed no tears
No, woman, no cry
Eh (little darlin', don't shed no tears
No, woman, no cry
Little sister, don't shed no tears
No, woman, no cry)
The song "No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley is a comforting hymn that tells us that everythingโs going to be alright. It is addressed to women, urging them not to cry, to dry their tears. The song tells the story of the life in the Jamaican ghetto, where Marley grew up. The lyrics describe a scene in the government yard in Trenchtown, where people used to congregate to mingle and socialize. The yard was a place where people could forget about their problems and enjoy the company of others. Marley likens this gathering of people to a family and describes the communal atmosphere as a positive force.
The second verse talks about the struggles and hardships of day-to-day life. It describes cooking cornmeal porridge, a staple food in Jamaica, and the singer's feet being his only carriage, suggesting that he has no money for transportation. However, Marley's message is not one of despair. Rather, he tells us that even though times may be tough, we must persevere and keep moving forward. The song's refrain serves to remind us that there is hope and that things will get better.
Overall, the message of "No Woman No Cry" is one of hope and reassurance. It is a reminder that even in difficult times, we must keep a positive attitude and look to the future with optimism.
Line by Line Meaning
No, woman, no cry
No need for a woman to cry, everything will be alright.
Said, said, said, I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
Oba - obaserving the 'ypocrites
As they would mingle with the good people we meet
Recalling a time in Trenchtown when they would sit in government yard and observe the hypocrites interacting with the good people.
Good friends we have, oh, good friends we've lost
Along the way
In this great future, you can't forget your past
So dry your tears, I seh
Acknowledging the loss of good friends, but emphasizing the importance of not forgetting the past and moving forward without tears.
Ere, little darlin', don't shed no tears
Hey, little darling, no need to cry.
Said, said, said, I remember when-a we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
And then Georgie would make the fire lights
As it was logwood burnin' through the nights
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge
Of which I'll share with you
My feet is my only carriage
So I've got to push on through
But while I'm gone, I mean
Recounting memories of times in the government yard in Trenchtown, including cooking cornmeal porridge and sharing it with others. Acknowledging the need to move forward on foot, but reassuring that everything will be alright in their absence.
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
I said, everything's gonna be all right-a
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right, now
Everything's gonna be all right
Reiterating that everything will be alright, with emphasis on the repeated phrase and adding reassurance that it will be alright now and always.
Woman, little sister, don't shed no tears
Addressing a woman, specifically a little sister, and asking her not to cry.
Eh (little darlin', don't shed no tears
No, woman, no cry
Little sister, don't shed no tears
No, woman, no cry)
Repeating the request for a little darling and little sister to not cry and reassuring that there is no need for any woman to cry.
Lyrics ยฉ Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@md.rayhankabirmd.rayhankab1174
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
'Cause, 'cause, 'cause I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
Oba observing the 'ypocrites
Mingle with the good people we meet
Good friends we have, oh, good friends we've lost
Along the way
In this great future, you can't forget your past
So dry your tears, I seh
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
'Ere, little darlin', don't shed no tears
No, woman, no cry
Said, said, said, I remember when-a we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
And then Georgie would make the fire lights, I seh
A log wood burnin' through the night
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge, I seh
Of which I'll share with you
My feet is my only carriage
And so I've got to push on through
But while I'm gone
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
Everything's gonna be all right
So no woman, no cry
No woman, no cry
I say, oh little oh little darling, don't shed no tears
No woman, no cry
No woman, no woman, no woman, no cry
No woman, no cry, one more time I've got to say
Oh little little darling, please don't shed no tears
No woman, no cry
No woman, no woman no cry
@sigma9425
It's weird to miss someone who died before you were even born.
@SZTANCSEK
You see, I remember. And many more died that year: Lennon, Bonham. In the 1980s, their era passed for some reason. These are eternal mysteries.
@kienanjacob9847
My brother you see..in the eyes of the world it may seem weird....but in the eyes of TRUTH....it is not weird at all my brother trust me..... time is just a created commodity... you and I are way beyond that sphere....jah bless you always my brother
@michaelross4187
No its not you met him though his music
@1stRoi
@@michaelross4187 Truth
@lindaabrahaml9455
Still listen
@candidephyfer4635
I saw this man in Rotterdam 1976. One of my most treasured memories. I am a 64 year woman. I am so grateful
@rafero420
I dont know if its even true but I love U
@andyc80
If thatโs true WOW you so lucky
@kkk-bc6xo
Great experience, no doubt about it!