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
Four Hundred Years
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it's the same
The same (wo-o-o-o) philosophy
I've said it's four hundred years
(Four hundred years, four hundred years, wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
Look, how long (wo-o-o-o)
And the people they (wo-o-o-o) still can't see
Why do they fight against the poor youth of today?
All gone astray
Come on, let's make a move
(Make a move, make a move, wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
I can (wo-o-o-o) see time (wo-o-o-o) time has come
And if-a fools don't see
(Fools don't see, fools don't see, Wo-o-o-o)
I can't save the youth
The youth (wo-o-o-o) is gonna be strong
So, won't you come with me
I'll take you to a land of liberty
Where we can live, live a good, good life
And be free
Look how long four hundred years (four hundred years, four hundred years)
Way too long! (wo-o-o-o)
That's the reason my people (wo-o-o-o) my people can't see
Said, it's four hundred long years (four hundred years, four hundred years. wo-o-o-o)
Give me patience (wo-o-o-o) same philosophy
It's been four hundred years (four hundred years, four hundred years)
Wait so long! wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o
How long? Four hundred long, long years
Bob Marley & The Wailers's song Four Hundred Years is a powerful track that speaks to the struggles of African people who have endured 400 years of oppression, colonization, racism, and exploitation. The song begins with the repetition of the phrase "four hundred years" which emphasizes the duration of time that people have suffered in silence. The lyrics suggest that despite the passage of time, "it's the same philosophy," that which persists to keep Black people subjugated and deprived of their basic rights. Marley calls for an end to this oppression by urging the people to move towards a land of liberty and the establishment of a society where everyone can live a good, free life.
Marley’s lyrics draw attention to the importance of youth activism and the urgent need to inspire young people to fight back against injustice. The lyrics question why the people fight against the poor youth of today when they should be embracing them to build a better future. Marley reminds the people that without the contributions of the youth, society would falter and fall apart. The lyrics also note that people have fought against the youth for so long that they have been left behind and now need to catch up with them. Marley urges people to come together, unite against oppression, educate themselves, and keep pushing for freedom even when it seems impossible.
Four Hundred Years is a poignant reminder of the long history and ongoing struggles of Black people. The lyrics ask the crucial question of why, after 400 years, people still cannot see the continued injustices and inequalities that exist. The song serves as a powerful call to action, urging people to come together, take action, and make a change.
Line by Line Meaning
Four hundred years (four hundred years, four hundred years, wo-o-o-o)
It has been four hundred years since the start of something, as denoted by the repetition of the phrase; the term 'wo-o-o-o' emphasizes this passage of time.
And it's the same
Despite the passage of time, nothing has changed; the current situation is identical to what it has been for four centuries.
The same (wo-o-o-o) philosophy
The ideas and beliefs that have caused this situation haven't changed either, symbolized again by the phrase 'wo-o-o-o.'
I've said it's four hundred years (Four hundred years, four hundred years, wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
Reiterating the fact that the situation has been ongoing for four centuries, the repetition of the phrase 'four hundred years' and the emphasis on 'wo-o-o-o' further highlight this point.
Look, how long (wo-o-o-o)
The duration of time passed is emphasized once again, as the artist wonders aloud how much longer this will continue.
And the people they (wo-o-o-o) still can't see
Despite four hundred years having passed, people fail to recognize the root causes of their struggles; the 'wo-o-o-o' once again denoting the ongoing nature of this problem.
Why do they fight against the poor youth of today?
The singer questions why some oppose the younger generation, even though they are integral to the future of society.
And without these youths, they would be gone
The older generation would cease to exist without the younger generation to carry on their legacy; they should therefore work together to ensure a brighter future for all.
Come on, let's make a move (Make a move, make a move, wo-o-o-o, wo-o-o-o)
Urging action, the artist wants people to take initiative and work together to effect change; 'wo-o-o-o' once again emphasizing the ongoing nature of the situation.
I can (wo-o-o-o) see time (wo-o-o-o) time has come
The artist believes that the time for change has finally arrived, with 'wo-o-o-o' once again emphasizing the passage of time.
And if-a fools don't see (Fools don't see, fools don't see, Wo-o-o-o)
If certain individuals fail to recognize the need for change, the singer cannot help them; 'wo-o-o-o' once again underlining the ongoing nature of the situation.
I can't save the youth
The artist cannot protect the younger generation from the problems of the world
The youth (wo-o-o-o) is gonna be strong
Despite this, the younger generation will overcome the difficulties they face, as the phrase 'wo-o-o-o' highlights the ongoing nature of their strength.
So, won't you come with me
The singer invites others to join together in this pursuit of a brighter future for all.
I'll take you to a land of liberty
Together, the singer will guide others towards a society free from the struggles that have plagued them for four centuries.
Where we can live, live a good, good life
In this society of freedom and equality, people can live a fulfilling and enjoyable life.
And be free
Without the problems that currently afflict society, people can experience true freedom and live their lives to the fullest.
Look how long four hundred years (four hundred years, four hundred years)
Reiterating the length of time passed, the singer emphasizes the scale of the problem.
Way too long! (wo-o-o-o)
The duration of time is once again emphasized, as the phrase 'way too long' conveys the sense of exhaustion and hopelessness.
That's the reason my people (wo-o-o-o) my people can't see
The passage of time has caused people to become blind to the root causes of their problems, with the repetition of 'my people' emphasizing the shared struggle.
Said, it's four hundred long years (four hundred years, four hundred years. wo-o-o-o)
Once again reiterating the duration of time passed, the phrase 'four hundred long years' conveys the sense of desperation and exhaustion.
Give me patience (wo-o-o-o) same philosophy
Despite the struggles faced by the people, the artist urges them to keep going with the same philosophy of change; 'wo-o-o-o' once again symbolizing the ongoing nature of the problem.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Peter Tosh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nazım Yılmaz
on No Woman No Cry
el hombre de mundo
JANGLA WISE
on Three Little Birds
Give thanks and Praise's
Juan Carlos Garcia
on Stir It Up
muy buena musica
Shaft Abdou
on One Love
on love
Felix CM
on Ganjah Gun
:)
Felix CM
on Stir It Up
ganjah gan
Assamoi Junior
on One Love
One love Bob marley
Assamoi Junior
on Waiting In Vain
Cool man
Faisal Alowais
on Stir It Up
best song owwwwwwwwwwwwwwww owy
Ca Sperez
on Stir It Up
muy buena rola