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
Crisis
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But-a yin some people world, it never shine at all
They say love is a stream that will find its course
I mean, some-a people think life is a dream
So they making matters worse
But no matter what the crisis is
No matter what the crisis is
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Giving it, giving it, giving it, giving it
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
So, so, so much been said, and then so little (been done) little been done
They still killing, killing the people
And they, and they having (havin' their fun) havin'-a, havin'-a lots of fun
Killing the people, oo-yoo, (having fun) having their fun
They just want to be the leader
In the house of the rising sun
But no matter what the crisis is
Oh, no, oh, no no no what the crisis is
Do your
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises)
They say the sun shines for all
But-a yin some people world, it never shine at all
They say love is a stream that will find its course
I mean, some-a people think life is a dream
So they making matters worse
No matter what the crisis is
No matter what the crisis is
Do it
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises)
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
His mercies endureth for ever, yeah
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Oh, children, come on, and give Jah
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Children, come on, and give Jah
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
The lyrics of Bob Marley's "Crisis" tackle the issue of systemic inequality and oppression that exists in our world. The opening lines acknowledge that while the sun shines for everyone, it's not true for all people, as some live in a world where the sun never shines at all. The sun here is a metaphor for hope, happiness, and good fortune. This line addresses the unequal distribution of the resources and opportunities that we all need to survive and thrive, highlighting the stark reality of the haves and have-nots. The next lines about love are also a comment on the reality of human experience. Love is a universal feeling but not all people have the chance to experience it.
The chorus of the song is a call to action. The repeated phrase, "No matter what the crisis is," suggests that there will always be struggles and complexities in life, but we must continue to do our thing and give thanks for what we have. The last lines, "His mercies endureth forever" and "Children, come on, and give Jah" all refer to the idea of acknowledging and giving thanks to the divine for the blessings in our lives.
Overall, Bob Marley's lyrics are a commentary on the global issues of inequality, suffering, and oppression that persist in the world. These issues have always been a part of human existence, but Marley urges his listeners to rise above these struggles by remaining optimistic, resilient, and grateful. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, doing our part and giving thanks for both the good and the bad in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
They say the sun shines for all
Everyone is supposed to have an equal chance at life
But-a yin some people world, it never shine at all
In reality, some people never get to experience the good parts of life
They say love is a stream that will find its course
Love will always find its way through life, no matter what happens
I mean, some-a people think life is a dream
Some people think that life is infinite and without consequence
So they making matters worse
These people are making bad choices, and are only making their problems worse
But no matter what the crisis is
Despite all the issues in life,
Doing it, doing it, doing your thing
You still have the power to take care of yourself and do what you need to do
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
You should always be thankful for life's blessings and acknowledge the higher power
Giving it, giving it, giving it, giving it
Give your all to your own life
So, so, so much been said, and then so little (been done) little been done
People talk about fixing issues, but oftentimes, no actual progress is made
They still killing, killing the people
Violence and death still plague society
And they, and they having (havin' their fun) havin'-a, havin'-a lots of fun
Those causing destruction and pain find pleasure in their actions
Killing the people, oo-yoo, (having fun) having their fun
They continue the cycle of violence for their enjoyment
They just want to be the leader
Those in power only want to maintain their control
In the house of the rising sun
They are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain their place at the top
Oh, no, oh, no no no what the crisis is
Despite all the issues in life,
Do your
Take care of yourself and do what you need to do
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
Enjoy life to the fullest and always be thankful for the good things in it
His mercies endureth for ever, yeah
The higher power's blessings are eternal and long-lasting
Oh, children, come on, and give Jah
Encouragement to acknowledge the higher power and be thankful for life
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Always be thankful for life's blessings and acknowledge the higher power
Children, come on, and give Jah
A call for everyone to be thankful and acknowledge the higher power
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
A reminder to always be thankful for life's blessings and acknowledge the higher power
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FREDDIE HUBBARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@aframaco9491
So so very spot on !!
Marley , Bob Marley that is, is one of Almighty God's rare and blessed gifts to mankind!
No one can ever be him! Never Ever!!
Mercies Endureth for Iver!! Indeed!
👊🏾🇳🇬👊🏾🇳🇬!
@roxyyize
Crisis
Bob Marley & The Wailers
They say the sun, shines for all
But in some people world, it never shine at all
They say love is a stream, that will find its course
Some people life is a dream
So they making matters worse
But no matter what the crisis is
But no matter what the crisis is
Doing it, doing it, doing your thing
Give JAH all the thanks and praises
Giving it, giving it, giving it
Give JAH all the thanks and praises
So much have been said, so little been done
They still killing, killing the people
And they having, having, having lots of fun
Killing the people, having their fun
They just want to be the leader
In the house of the rising sun
But no matter what the crisis is
But no matter what the crisis is
Do your, live it up, live it up, live it up
Give JAH…
@maltinamaltina2665
Where this man's musical genius came from, we don't know and will never know, but if it was from Jah, than indeed, we should give Jah all the thanks and praises!
My grandma knew Bob Marley when he was still young and unknown outside his neighbourhood. She told me that he used to wander from yard to yard, and she never saw him without his guitar. When he arrived somewhere, a crowd always gathered to hear him play and sing. Grandma said the girls in particular were crazy about him and flocked round him
It's important to realise that Robert Nesta Marley was not like other musicians. Burnin', Rastaman Vibrations, Kaya, Exodus, Uprising, Natty Dread are to me, all clear examples of faultless albums with not one bad song. Not every song can be my favourite, but all the songs are brilliant. Other elite musicians may have one faultless album in their whole career, or some brilliant songs over several albums.
Having so many absolutely great songs, you will understand why I don't have a copy of 'Legend'. There's just no point, so much brilliance is missing from the compilation. Many good musicians never write a single song as musically and lyrically effective as 'Crisis', or even 'Misty Morning' yet neither are on 'Legend' nor even on 'The Legend Continues'.
The complete albums I mentioned are a good case to call Bob Marley the greatest ever.
@listentodee
They say the sun an-a shines for all,
But-a yin some people world, it never shine at all. Mm-mm-mm.
They say love is a stream that will find its course;
I mean - some-a people think life is a dream
So they making matters worse.
But no matter what the crisis is;
No matter what the crisis is:
Doin' it, doin' it, doin' your thing!
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
Givin' it, givin' it, givin' it, givin' it!
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
So - so - so much have been said, so little (been done) been done
They still killin' - killin' the people
And they - and they havin' (havin' their fun) - havin'-a - havin'-a lots of fun -
Killin' the people, oo-yoo! - (havin' fun) havin' their fun!
They just want to be the leader
In the 'ouse of the risin' sun.
But no matter what the crisis is;
Oh, no, oh, no no - no what the crisis is:
Do your - live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up!
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up!
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
[Instrumental break]
They say the sun-un-un-un shines for all,
But-a yin some people world, it never shine at all!
They say love is a stream,
That will find its course, and every river runs to sea;
Some people still think life is a dream,
So they - so they makin' - makin' it worse.
No matter what the crisis is;
No matter what the crisis is:
Do it: live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up!
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up!
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
His mercies endureth for ever, yeah!
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
Oh, children, come on, and give Jah -
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
Children, come on, and give Jah -
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises!) [fadeout]
@sponjireggae77
They say the sun shines for all
But-a yin some people world, it never shine at all
They say love is a stream that will find its course
I mean, some-a people think life is a dream
So they making matters worse
But no matter what the crisis is
No matter what the crisis is
Doing it, doing it, doing your thing
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Giving it, giving it, giving it, giving it
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
So, so, so much been said, and then so little (been done) little been done
They still killing, killing the people
And they, and they having (havin' their fun) havin'-a, havin'-a lots of fun
Killing the people, oo-yoo, (having fun) having their fun
They just want to be the leader
In the house of the rising sun
But no matter what the crisis is
Oh, no, oh, no no no what the crisis is
Do your
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises!)
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises)
They say the sun shines for all
But-a yin some people world, it never shine at all
They say love is a stream that will find its course
I mean, some-a people think life is a dream
So they making matters worse
No matter what the crisis is
No matter what the crisis is
Do it
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Live it up, live it up, live it up, live it up (give Jah all the thanks and praises)
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
His mercies endureth for ever, yeah
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Oh, children, come on, and give Jah
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
Children, come on, and give Jah
(Give Jah all the thanks and praises)
@studio64fr
Ca n'a jamais été "plus écoutable" qu'au XXIème siècle .... Marley était un visionnaire (philosophe) ce qu'il annonce est notre réalité et notre avenir
"Alors ils aggravent les choses
So they making matters worse
Peu importe la crise
No matter what the crisis is
Peu importe la crise
No matter what the crisis is
Fais le
Do it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
@jamrocktrucker5400
Who’s here after YG dropped his new song?
@AudiozYT
Me
@tristanhumble2378
Me 2
@Hw97915
😂
@janiceesajas8197
Yahh man
@fabiantenni5136
Welcome to the new generation. Bob is the fucking king.
@Tirzz1778
2024 anyone???
@_TheLegendOfMinecraft_
Me
@Ant-813
Yeah, I think a lot of people now. Lol.
@user-yl4gy9zx5m
My man…ease up on the coffee and chillax 😂