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
High Tide Or Low Tide
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In high seas or in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
I'm gonna be your friend
In high seas or in low seas
I'll be by your side
I'll be by your side
I said, I heard my mother
She was praying (praying, praying, praying) yeah, and I
And the words that she said (the words that she said)
They still-a lingers in my head (lingers in my head)
She said "a child is born in this world
He needs protection." Wo-oh
God guide and protect us
When we're wrong, please correct us (when we're wrong, correct us)
And stand by me
In high seas or in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
He said, "I'm gonna be your friend"
And, baby, high tide or in low tide
I'll be by your side
I'll be by your side
I said, I heard my mother
She was cryin' (I heard her cryin'), yeah! (Cryin', cryin')
And the tears that she shed (the tears that she shed)
They still lingers in my head (lingers in my head)
She said "a child is born in this world
He needs protection"
God, guide and protect us
When we're wrong (when we're wrong), please correct us. (O-oh)
And in high seas or in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
I'm gonna be your friend
Said, in high tide or in low tide
I'll be by your side
I'll be by your side
High seas, in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
I'm gonna be your friend
High tide or in low tide
I'll be by your side
I'll be by your side
In Bob Marley's song "High Tide or Low Tide", the lyrics express a powerful message of loyalty and companionship. Through the highs and lows of life, the singer promises to always stand by the side of their loved ones. These lyrics are a metaphor for the ups and downs of life and relationships, how they can be tumultuous at times, but ultimately, with the support and love of others, we can conquer anything.
The chorus of the song is repetitive and emphasizes that the singer will be there for their loved ones, regardless of what life throws their way. This is further highlighted by the story of the singer's mother praying for protection and guidance for her children. This story underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with people who will protect and look after us, even in the face of adversity.
The song's emotional depth is further enhanced by the use of the ocean as a metaphor. The high and low tides represent the ups and downs of life, but despite these changes, the singer is still committed to being a steady force in their loved ones' lives.
Overall, "High Tide or Low Tide" is a beautiful and moving tribute to those we hold dear, and a reminder of the importance of support and loyalty in times of trouble.
Line by Line Meaning
In high seas or in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
No matter how difficult the situation may be, I'll always be there for you as a friend.
In high seas or in low seas
I'll be by your side
Even during tough times, I'll support and stand by you.
I heard her praying, praying, praying
I said, I heard my mother
My mother's teachings and prayers are still fresh in my mind.
They still-a lingers in my head (lingers in my head)
She said "a child is born in this world
He needs protection."
My mother taught me the importance of guiding and protecting young ones.
God guide and protect us
When we're wrong, please correct us (when we're wrong, correct us)
And stand by me
God, please provide us with guidance and protection, even in our mistakes, and stay by my side.
I heard her cryin', yeah! (Cryin', cryin')
And the tears that she shed (the tears that she shed)
They still lingers in my head
My mother's crying due to the challenges of child rearing and the responsibility of child protection still echoes in my thoughts.
High seas, in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
Despite life's hardship, I'll remain your friend and will never abandon you.
High tide or in low tide
I'll be by your side
In challenging situations or when everything goes well, I will be your support system, always present and dependable.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@obandree
In high seas or in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
I'm gonna be your friend
In high seas or in low seas
I'll be by your side
I'll be by your side
I heard her praying, praying, praying
I said, I heard my mother
She was praying (praying, praying, praying) yeah, and I
And the words that she said (the words that she said)
They still-a lingers in my head (lingers in my head)
She said "a child is born in this world
He needs protection." Wo-oh
God guide and protect us
When we're wrong, please correct us (when we're wrong, correct us)
And stand by me
In high seas or in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
He said, "I'm gonna be your friend"
And, baby, high tide or in low tide
I'll be by your side
I'll be by your side
I said, I heard my mother
She was cryin' (I heard her cryin'), yeah! (Cryin', cryin')
And the tears that she shed (the tears that she shed)
They still lingers in my head (lingers in my head)
She said "a child is born in this world
He needs protection"
God, guide and protect us
When we're wrong (when we're wrong), please correct us. (O-oh)
And in high seas or in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
I'm gonna be your friend
Said, in high tide or in low tide
I'll be by your side
I'll be by your side
High seas, in low seas
I'm gonna be your friend
I'm gonna be your friend
High tide or in low tide
I'll be by your side
I'll be by your side
@dalewestman3405
Dedicating this song to my mom who prayed for me, she has dementia now and does not recognize me as her son but still l feel her love when visiting her. Love and appreciate you Mom and I a praying for you now.
@MartinSmith-ls4wt
You will get through this
@jungleman4238
Take care bud.
@carolej.6067
How old is she ?🙏🏻
@dalewestman3405
@@carolej.6067 hi she is 79
@carolej.6067
@@dalewestman3405 so you had many years with her......must be so hard 😢....... I used to volunteer & the lady was on & off....but when she heard her son’s voice I could SEE less angst, and when she said “I think I like him a lot” her voice changed.....so, whatever you do, don’t think it doesn’t reach her. Try to NEVER dwell on any regrets.....remember special, normal times.....good luck 😷..
TOUCH is the most POWERFUL thing.....and her hearing will be the last sense to go. Whatever you do with or for her, FEEL GOOD that you are a good guy.......self talk is o
important. Oh....the son said he wished he would have told her he loved her, that she was a great Mom.....and he wished he had been more “touchy freely”. You will know what’s right..........best to you. 🌲
@henningmller6658
I love this song, it's a masterpiece. Anyone listening to this in 2020 ?
@IamAries52
07/24/2020!
@dotuiciij1785
i do listen to it any time something goes wrong
@nellerman1
💚💛❤️🎧🎼8/2020