Starting out in 1963 with the group Bob Marley & The Wailers, he forged a distinctive song-writing and vocal style that would later resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Wailers would go on to release some of the earliest reggae records with producer Lee Scratch Perry.
After The Wailers disbanded in 1974, Marley pursued a solo career which culminated in the release of the album Exodus in 1977 which established his worldwide reputation and became one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, with sales of more than 75 million albums and singles.
Bob Marley was a member of this Rastafari movement, whose culture was a key element in the development of reggae. Bob Marley became the leading proponent of the Rastafari, taking their music out of socially deprived areas of Jamaica and onto the international music scene.
Now considered a "Rasta" prophet, Marley's adoption of the characteristic Rastafarian dreadlocks and famous use of marijuana as a sacred sacrament in the late sixties were an integral part of his persona. He is said to have entered every performance proclaiming the divinity of Jah Rastafari.
A few months before his death, Marley was baptised into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and took the name Berhane Selassie (meaning the Light of the Holy Trinity in Amharic).
His best known songs are a mixture of reggae, Roots Reggae, and rhythm and blues, which include:
I Shot the Sheriff
Exodus
Could You Be Loved
Redemption Song
No Woman, No Cry
Three Little Birds
Buffalo Soldier
Is This Love
One Love
Stir It Up
Jammin'
Get Up, Stand Up
His posthumous album Legend (1984) became the best-selling reggae album ever, with sales of more than 12 million copies.
Bob Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994; in December 1999, his album “Exodus” (1977) was named Album of the Century by Time Magazine and his song “One Love” was designated Song of the Millennium by the BBC.
Awards and Honors:
1976 - Rolling Stone Magazine's "Band of the Year"
1978 - United Nations' Peace Medal of the Third World
1981 - Jamaican Order of Merit
1994 - The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
1999 - Time Magazine's Best Album of the Century
2001 - Star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
2001- GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award
2004 - Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time (#11)
2006 - The United Kingdom's "Blue Plaque"
2006 - Bob Marley Boulevard named in Brooklyn, New York
2010 - GRAMMY Hall Of Fame (Catch A Fire)
2012 - August the 7th, proclamed Bob Marley Day (Los Angeles)
2013 - GRAMMY Tribute Performance
Marley tragically died of cancer at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida on May 11, 1981.
Religion:
Bob Marley was a member of the Rastafari movement, (not rastafaranism as that is seen as a derogortory term as Rasta's don't like being refered to as an ism) whose culture was a key element in the development of reggae music in Jamaica. Rastas belive they are outcast from their native Zion and looked on Ethiopia as their real home and Tafarai Makonnen, who took the title Haile Sellasie I(Power of the Holy Trinity in Amharic), after he became the emperor of Ethiopia, as their leader. Rastas belive H.I.M. is Jesus in flesh. Rastas are considered to be black Jews.
Rastas claim their root from King Solomon and Abbysinian queen of Sheba, through lineage of their son Menelik, emperor of Abbysinia. H.I.M. is said to be a direct decendant of Menelik. 'Ras' means Head and 'Tafarai" means Creator. 'Jah' is the shortened form of the Hebrew word Jehovah. Rastas belive in one truth and that is the truth of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Sellasie I, King of kings, Lord of lords, conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah, two hundred and twenty-fifth ruler of the three thousand year old Ethiopian empire, elect of Jah, Light of the world. Jah Rastafari live out. Rastas preach a non-materialistic, egalitarian way of life. Bob Marley became a leading proponent of the Rastafari, taking their music out of the socially deprived areas of Jamaica and onto the international music scene. Bob Marley was baptized by the Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church in Kingston, Jamaica on November 4, 1980.
Diet:
Marley's diet was ital; fruit, vegetables and fish; which is food approved by the Rastafari movement.
Family:
Bob Marley had 13 children: three with his wife Rita Marley, two adopted from Rita's previous relationships, and the remaining eight with separate women.
His children are, in order of birth:
Imani Carole, born May 22, 1963, to Cheryl Murray;
Sharon, born November 23, 1964, to Rita in previous relationship;
Cedella born August 23, 1967, to Rita;
David "Ziggy Marley", born October 17, 1968, to Rita;
Stephen Marley, born April 20, 1972, to Rita;
Robert "Robbie", born May 16, 1972, to Pat Williams;
Rohan, born May 19, 1972, to Janet Hunt;
Karen, born 1973 to Janet Bowen;
Stephanie, born August 17, 1974; according to Cedella Booker she was the daughter of Rita and a man called Ital with whom Rita had an affair; nonetheless she was acknowledged as Bob's daughter;
Julian Marley, born June 4, 1975, to Lucy Pounder;
Ky-Mani Marley, born February 26, 1976, to Anita Belnavis;
Damian Marley, born July 21, 1978, to Cindy Breakspeare;
Makeda, born May 30, 1981, to Yvette Crichton.
See here for comedian Bob Marley the comedian: Comedian Bob Marley
16. Trench Town Rock
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(You feel no pain)
Wo-wo-wo, I say
One good thing about music, when it hits ya
(you feel no pain)
Hit me with music, yeah, hit me with music now!
This is (Trench Town Rock) don't watch that
(Trench Town Rock) you reap what you sow
(Trench Town Rock) and only Jah-Jah know
(Trench Town Rock) I never turn my back
(Trench Town Rock) I give the slum a try
(Trench Town Rock) I never let the children cry
(Trench Town Rock) 'cause you got to tell Jah-Jah why
(Groovin') It's Kingston twelve
(Groovin') It's Kingston twelve
(Groovin') It's Kingston twelve, now
(Groovin') It's Kingston twelve
(No want you fe galang so) oh no!
(No want you fe galang so) scaba-dip, scaba
(You want come cold I up) scaba-diba-dip, scaba-dip, scaba-dip
(But you can't come cold I up)
Wo-wo-wo, I'm a groover
And the world know by now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, y'all
Oh now, I say, you feel no pain now
One good thing about music
When it hits ya (you feel no pain) feel no pain
Hit me with music, now, wo now
Hit me with music now
Hit me with music, 'arder, brutalize me!
(Hit me with music!)
This is (Trench Town Rock) I say don't watch that
(Trench Town Rock) if you are big fish or sprat
(Trench Town Rock) you reap what you sow
(Trench Town Rock) I, everyone know now
(Trench Town Rock) don't turn your back!
(Trench Town Rock) I say, give a slum a try
(Trench Town Rock) never let the children cry
(Trench Town Rock) or you got to tell Jah-Jah why
It's Kingston twelve
(Groovin') it's Kingston twelve
(Groovin') I said, it's Kingston twelve now
(Groovin') wo-wo-wo-wo, it's Kingston twelve
(No want you fe galang so) since I told you that
(No want you fe galang so) we should live with love
(You want come cold I up) and I don't do that
(But you can't come cold I up) I look da now
And then it's Kingston twelve, uh!
Good God, look a-here now (you feel no pain) uh!
Hit me with music, yeah, come on (hit me with music)
(Hit me with music), oh my brother (hit me with music) brutalize me!
(Hit me with music) oh hurt me (hit me with music)
We can trash this ourselves!
(Hit me with music)
(Trench Town Rock) don't call no cop
(Rock) we can trash things ourselves
(Trench Town Rock) got no stacks on no shelves
But let me tell ya, behave yourselves!
(Trench Town Rock)
The beginning of the song announces the power of music in the most direct way possible: "One good thing about music, when it hits ya/ (You feel no pain)/ Wo-wo-wo, I say/ One good thing about music, when it hits ya (you feel no pain)/ Hit me with music, yeah, hit me with music now!" The singer is inviting the listener to let the music take over and transport them to a place where worries and pains disappear. The rest of the song is a celebration of Trench Town, Kingston, where Bob Marley grew up. The singer praises the community, its resilience, and the way people work and support each other ("don't turn your back," "give a slum a try," "never let the children cry"). The refrain "It's Kingston twelve" is repeated several times, emphasizing the identity and pride of the place.
However, the song is not just a straightforward tribute to Trench Town. The lyrics are full of slang and coded messages that only insiders could understand, making it a kind of "secret code" to the outside world. As the singer warns, "don't watch that" and "behave yourselves." The song also criticizes the class system that oppresses the poor and divides the community into "big fish or sprat." Above all, the song is a call to unite under the power of music and fight against injustice: "we can trash things ourselves."
Line by Line Meaning
One good thing about music, when it hits ya
you'll feel no pain
(You feel no pain)
Music has the ability to calm and heal you.
One good thing about music, when it hits ya
It can be a source of comfort.
(you feel no pain)
It can take your mind off of things that are bothering you.
Hit me with music, yeah, hit me with music now!
Give me more of that healing music.
This is (Trench Town Rock) don't watch that
Take notice of Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) big fish or sprat now
All people are equal in Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) you reap what you sow
Your actions will have consequences in Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) and only Jah-Jah know
Only God knows your true intentions in Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) I never turn my back
I won't abandon Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) I give the slum a try
I'll do my best to help improve Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) I never let the children cry
I won't let the children suffer in Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) 'cause you got to tell Jah-Jah why
You need to justify your actions to God in Trench Town Rock.
(Groovin') It's Kingston twelve
We're grooving in Kingston twelve.
(Groovin') It's Kingston twelve
We're having a great time in Kingston twelve.
(Groovin') It's Kingston twelve, now
Let's keep grooving in Kingston twelve.
(Groovin') It's Kingston twelve
It's the place to be!
(No want you fe galang so) oh no!
Don't act that way!
(No want you fe galang so) scaba-dip, scaba
Don't be disrespectful.
(You want come cold I up) scaba-diba-dip, scaba-dip, scaba-dip
Don't think I'm easily intimidated.
(But you can't come cold I up)
You can't make me afraid.
Wo-wo-wo, I'm a groover
I love to dance and enjoy music.
And the world know by now, now, now, now, now, now, now, now, y'all
Everyone knows that about me.
Oh now, I say, you feel no pain now
Let the music soothe your soul.
One good thing about music
It can make you forget your troubles.
When it hits ya (you feel no pain) feel no pain
It's a powerful and healing force.
Hit me with music, now, wo now
Play more music!
Hit me with music, 'arder, brutalize me!
I want to feel the music intensely.
(Hit me with music!)
I'm in the mood for some great tunes.
(Trench Town Rock) I say don't watch that
Pay attention to Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) if you are big fish or sprat
No one is better or worse in Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) you reap what you sow
Your actions have consequences.
(Trench Town Rock) I, everyone know now
Everyone knows I love Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) don't turn your back!
Don't leave Trench Town Rock behind.
(Trench Town Rock) I say, give a slum a try
Let's work together to improve Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) never let the children cry
Protect the innocent children of Trench Town Rock.
(Trench Town Rock) or you got to tell Jah-Jah why
You answer to God for your actions in Trench Town Rock.
It's Kingston twelve
Kingston twelve is a great place to be.
(Groovin') it's Kingston twelve
Let's dance and groove together in Kingston twelve.
(Groovin') I said, it's Kingston twelve now
Let's have some fun in Kingston twelve.
(Groovin') wo-wo-wo-wo, it's Kingston twelve
We're having a blast in Kingston twelve.
(No want you fe galang so) since I told you that
I've already warned you not to act that way.
(No want you fe galang so) we should live with love
We should treat each other with kindness and respect.
(You want come cold I up) and I don't do that
I won't give in to intimidation tactics.
(But you can't come cold I up)
I won't be intimidated by anyone.
I look da now
I'm ready for whatever comes my way.
And then it's Kingston twelve, uh!
Let's keep the good times going in Kingston twelve!
Good God, look a-here now (you feel no pain) uh!
Wow, this music is incredible!
Hit me with music, yeah, come on (hit me with music)
Yes! Let's keep the music coming.
(Hit me with music), oh my brother (hit me with music) brutalize me!
Let's feel the music together.
(Hit me with music) oh hurt me (hit me with music)
Let's really get into the music.
We can trash this ourselves!
We don't need anyone else; we can handle this on our own.
(Trench Town Rock) don't call no cop
Let's handle our problems ourselves.
(Rock) we can trash things ourselves
We don't need anyone else to create a good time.
(Trench Town Rock) got no stacks on no shelves
We don't need lots of money or fancy things.
But let me tell ya, behave yourselves!
Let's have fun, but let's not get out of control.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@WILODSM
All the people who saw Bob performed live: you guys are the luckiest people that ever put feet on this earth!!!!!!
@1pittmanj
I agree with that statement 1000 percent. So jealous
@ColbyYadz
@@1pittmanj you did see it. in this video. i know its not much, but imagine the odds of being born in a time you can even be able to witness this, and even moreso what will come BECAUSE of it! enjoy your ride of life and see what comes from all this crazy beautiful music
@p.b.-letspickacardandsee8576
Saw The Wailers in Liverpool live! 👍🏿
WHAT a gig 😎
✌🏿❤️💛💚
😇
@Arthookitup
Santa Cruz civic auditorium ❤️💛💚
@anitakos1375
💚💚💚❤️❤️❤️
@warriorhippie
This song does something unexplainable to my soul.
@furahdread8330
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTnzetmc45w&list=TLPQMTMxMjIwMjEjesn57Ruhfg&index=26
@caingerdanger
Amen
@response207
you reap what you sow