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
Blackman Redemption
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A Dreadlock Congo I!
Natty Congo
A Blackman Redemption!
A Blackman Redemption!
No need, no need to get jumpy,
No need and-a no need to get bumpy,
No need to get jumpy!
Youth and youth agree to:
Cool runnings can you dig it?
Cool runnings yeah, one more time! A-beg ya:
Cool runnings can you stop it?
Cool runnings
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out.
Tell you about the Blackman Redemption, can you dig it? (Oh, yeah!)
A Blackman Redemption, can you stop it?
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
Coming from the root of King David
Through to the line of Solomon,
His Imperial Majesty is the Power of Authority:
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread, spread out.
No need, no need, no need to get jumpy,
And-a no need, and-a no need to walk away.
Let me tell bout ya:
Cool runnings, can you dig it?
Cool runnings, it's one more time we want it;
Cool runnings,
Cool runnings,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out. Spread out, spread out.
Spread out, spread out.
It's just-a Blackman Redemption
Can you dig it Good, Lord! Good, Lord! Good, Lord!
Blackman Redemption, can you stop it? Oh, no! Oh, no!
Blackman redemption
The song "Blackman Redemption" by Bob Marley and The Wailers talks about the Blackman's journey to redemption. The opening lines describe the singer as a "Dreadlock Congo I," and talks about the "Natty Congo," which refers to the person's natural, unprocessed hair texture. The song then talks about the need for calmness and peace, as there is "no need to get jumpy," and how unity and agreement are important values.
The chorus repeats the phrases "Cool Runnings" and "Spread out," which seem to be calls for people to relax and spread out, possibly to create more space and less tension. The song then references King David and Solomon, tracing the singer's lineage back to the roots of Judaism. The song reinforces the idea that His Imperial Majesty is the Power of Authority.
Overall, the song seems to be an invitation to unity and calmness, while referencing the Blackman's journey to redemption. It emphasizes the need to spread out and relax, while maintaining a connection to one's roots and history.
Line by Line Meaning
Natty Congo
Refers to an individual with dreadlocks from the Congo region of Africa.
A Dreadlock Congo I!
Proudly stating their identity as a Congo-native with dreadlocks.
A Blackman Redemption!
Celebrating the liberation and redemption of black people.
No need, no need to get jumpy,
Advising against being fearful or anxious.
No need and-a no need to get bumpy,
Suggesting not to get agitated or aggressive.
And-a no need - and-a no need to get bumpy,
Reiterating the importance of not being aggressive or confrontational.
No need to get jumpy!
Encouraging calmness and peace.
Youth and youth agree to:
Calling for unity and agreement among young people.
Cool runnings can you dig it?
Asking if everyone is on board with the peaceful vibes.
Cool runnings yeah, one more time! A-beg ya:
Requesting once again for everyone to embrace peace and unity.
Cool runnings can you stop it?
Challenging anyone who may be trying to disrupt the peace.
Spread out, spread out,
Urging people to create space and distance.
Tell you about the Blackman Redemption, can you dig it? (Oh, yeah!)
Posing a question and then affirming that people should be excited to learn about the liberation of black people.
A Blackman Redemption, can you stop it?
Asking if anyone can stop the progress being made towards black liberation.
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
Expressing disbelief that anyone could stop the movement for black liberation.
Coming from the root of King David
Referencing the lineage of the African people as descendants of ancient royalty.
Through to the line of Solomon,
Continuing to describe the esteemed lineage of African people.
His Imperial Majesty is the Power of Authority:
Referring to Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie who was seen as a spiritual and political leader among Jamaican Rastafarians.
Spread out, spread out,
Repeating the call for distance and creating space between people.
No need, no need, no need to get jumpy,
Reiterating the importance of staying calm and peaceful.
And-a no need, and-a no need to walk away.
Encouraging people to stay present and not retreat from challenging situations.
Let me tell bout ya:
Introducing a new topic for discussion.
Cool runnings, can you dig it?
Asking again if everyone is on board with peace and love vibes.
Cool runnings, it's one more time we want it;
Repeating the call for peace and unity once again.
Cool runnings,
Using this phrase again as a way to encourage peace and unity.
Spread out, spread out,
Continuing to encourage distance and creating space.
It's just-a Blackman Redemption
Describing the movement for black liberation as a process and not an event.
Can you dig it Good, Lord! Good, Lord! Good, Lord!
Asking if listeners understand and are excited about the movement for black liberation.
Blackman Redemption, can you stop it? Oh, no! Oh, no!
Once again asking if anyone can halt progress towards black liberation and expressing that it is unlikely to happen.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB MARLEY, LEE PERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mandisa Vusumzi
Lyrics
Natty Congo
A Dreadlock Congo I!
Natty Congo
A Blackman Redemption!
A Blackman Redemption!
No need, no need to get jumpy,
No need and-a no need to get bumpy,
And-a no need - and-a no need to get bumpy,
No need to get jumpy!
Youth and youth agree to:
Cool runnings can you dig it?
Cool runnings yeah, one more time! A-beg ya:
Cool runnings can you stop it?
Cool runnings
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out.
Tell you about the Blackman Redemption, can you dig it? (Oh, yeah!)
A Blackman Redemption, can you stop it?
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
Coming from the root of King David
Through to the line of Solomon,
His Imperial Majesty is the Power of Authority:
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread, spread out.
No need, no need, no need to get jumpy,
And-a no need, and-a no need to walk away.
Let me tell bout ya:
Cool runnings, can you dig it?
Cool runnings, it's one more time we want it;
Cool runnings,
Cool runnings,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out. Spread out, spread out.
Spread out, spread out.
It's just-a Blackman Redemption
Can you dig it Good, Lord! Good, Lord! Good, Lord!
Blackman Redemption, can you stop it? Oh, no! Oh, no!
Blackman redemption
MacDonald Muyabalo
Spread out...
LYRICS
"Blackman Redemption"
Woy-a, Natty Congo:
A Dreadlock Congo I!
Woy-a, Natty Congo:
A Blackman Redemption! Woy-yo, yo-oo-wo-oo!
A Blackman Redemption! Woy-yo, wo-oo-wo-oo!
No need - no need to get jumpy;
No need and-a no need to get bumpy,
And-a no need - and-a no need to get bumpy;
No nee-nee-nee-nee-nee-nee-nee-need to get jumpy!
Youth and youth agree to:
Cool runnings; can you dig it?
Cool runnings; yeah, one more time! A-beg ya:
Cool runnings; can you stop it?
Cool runnings:
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out.
Tell you about the Blackman Redemption; can you dig it? (Oh, yeah!)
A Blackman Redemption; can you stop it?
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
Coming from the root of King David
Through to the line of Solomon,
His Imperial Majesty is the Power of Authority:
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread, spread out.
[Instrumental break]
No need - no need - no need to get jumpy,
And-a no need - and-a no need to walk away.
Let me tell bout ya:
Cool runnings, can you dig it?
Cool runnings: it's one more time we want it;
Cool runnings;
Cool runnings;
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out. Spread out, spread out.
Spread out, spread out.
It's just-a Blackman Redemption
Can you dig it (wo-yeah!) Good, Lord! Good, Lord! Good, Lord!
Blackman Redemption, can you stop it? Oh, no! Oh, no!
Blackman redemption - [fadeout]
Thom Junior
Woy-a, Natty Congo:
A Dreadlock Congo I!
Woy-a, Natty Congo:
A Blackman Redemption! Woy-yo, yo-oo-wo-oo!
A Blackman Redemption! Woy-yo, wo-oo-wo-oo!
No need - no need to get jumpy;
No need and-a no need to get bumpy,
And-a no need - and-a no need to get bumpy;
No nee-nee-nee-nee-nee-nee-nee-need to get jumpy!
Youth and youth agree to:
Cool runnings; can you dig it?
Cool runnings; yeah, one more time! A-beg ya:
Cool runnings; can you stop it?
Cool runnings:
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out.
Tell you about the Blackman Redemption; can you dig it? (Oh, yeah!)
A Blackman Redemption; can you stop it?
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
Coming from the root of King David
Through to the line of Solomon,
His Imperial Majesty is the Power of Authority:
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread, spread out.
---
/Instrumental break/
---
No need - no need - no need to get jumpy,
And-a no need - and-a no need to walk away.
Let me tell bout ya:
Cool runnings, can you dig it?
Cool runnings: it's one more time we want it;
Cool runnings;
Cool runnings;
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out, spread out,
Spread out. Spread out, spread out.
Spread out, spread out.
It's just-a Blackman Redemption
Can you dig it (wo-yeah!) Good, Lord! Good, Lord! Good, Lord!
Blackman Redemption, can you stop it? Oh, no! Oh, no!
Blackman redemption - /fadeout/
Condor
That's a great song with a powerful and an articulated message towards people who are unmistakably feeling it! The studio work delivered a masterpiece, so lancinant, and it's been stuck in my head for decades!
Caroline Aigbologa
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯😍
Yo Kells
This man was something truly special. Yes, no two men are the same and neither are any of Sir Bob Marleys songs! An absolute genius mastermind beautiful and way beyond his years!
PABLO ARVELO
One of my faves not just because of the lyrics, but the Immaculate blend of instruments.
ԐԀɪ DԆŮМS
I agree. Other masterful 1970s instrumental blends
HARVEY AVERNE - MONDAY MONDAY
AIR (1971) - MR. MAN
THE BEATLES - THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD
Daniel Kono
I usually use this track to show my reggae music students how you can use as many as three guitars in a band without having to duplicate roles and to demonstrate interplay of similar instruments. . . The Wailers killed it on this track, as well as Sun is Shining on the Kaya Album, among others
Joy Mancam
Raggea has best blend of instruments🤞 Rastafari is by tosh WOW
Condor
Yes! The blend! Everything seems intimately linked together , and the harmony within is stunning! It's incredible how every song has its own signature; yet the delivered message seems to be the same across the board.
Of course, I didn't care about having analysis back in the day; I was just enjoying jamming! Now, decades later, it appears clear that Bob Marley was at another level of art music in rendering powerful messages of love, equality, change, and hope for the marginalized.
His was a modern time prophet as we still see happening those things he said like, "So much trouble in the world ", "Exodus", and "Guiltiness ".
Ian
Yep gripping from the start ❤
Dario Garcia
This song should never end