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
One Drop
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Feel it in the one drop
And we'll still find time to rap
We're makin' the one stop,
The generation gap
Now feel this drumbeat
As it beats within,
Playin' a riddim,
I know Jah's never let us down
Pull your rights from wrong
(I know Jah would never let us down)
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
They made their world so hard (so hard)
Every day we got to keep on fighting (fighting)
They made their world so hard (so hard)
Every day the people are dyin' (dying), yeah!
(Dread, dread) For hunger (dread, dread) and starvation (dread, dread)
Lamentation (dread dread)
But read it in Revelation (dread, dread, dread, dread)
You'll find your redemption
And then you give us the teachings of his majesty
For we no want no devil philosophy
A you forgive us the teachings of his majesty
A we no want no devil philosophy
Feel it in the one drop
And we still find time to rap
We're making the one stop
And we filling the gap
So feel this drumbeat
As it beats within
Playing a riddim, uh!
Fighting against ism and skism
Singing! I know Jah's never let us down
Pull your rights from wrong
I know Jah's never let us down
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
They made their world so hard
Every day (we got to keep on fighting), every day
They made their world so hard
Every day (the people are dying), eh!
(Dread, dread, it dread, dread) Oh, whoa! Make dem a-go on so
(It dread on dread) Ah, whoa!
(Dread, dread) I'll walk (it dread, dread)
Ah, whoa! Frighten dem! Ah, whoa! Frighten dem, eh!
Give us the teachings of his majesty with a stick-up!
We no want no devil philosophy, can you hear?
Give us the teachings of his majesty
For we no want no devil philosophy
We feel it in the one drop you're lucky!
For we still got time to rap,
And we're making the one stop
Let me tell ya this generation gap
So feel this drumbeat
I tell you what it's beating within
Feel you heart playing a rythmn
Bob Marley's "One Drop" is a song full of powerful social commentary and calls for resistance against the system. The song talks about the struggles that people face in their daily lives and how these struggles are caused by the oppressive nature of the system. However, the lyrics also suggest that there is still hope and that people can come together to fight against these oppressive forces.
One of the key themes of the song is the importance of Jah, or God, in the lives of the people. The lyrics suggest that Jah is watching over the people and will never let them down. This provides comfort and strength to the people who are struggling and reminds them that there is a higher power that they can rely on.
The song also addresses the issue of the generation gap and how it can be bridged through music. The lyrics suggest that music has the power to bring people together and to help them understand each other better. The drumbeat in the song represents the rhythm of life and the beat of the heart, which connects people regardless of their age or background.
All in all, "One Drop" is a powerful anthem of resistance that encourages people to keep fighting against the system and to believe in the transformative power of music.
Line by Line Meaning
O-ooh, yea-ah, Wo-yoy! Wo-yoy! Wo-yoy! Wo-yoy-yoy-yoy!
Bob Marley starts the song with a joyful chant to energize and uplift the listeners.
Feel it in the one drop
One drop refers to the downbeat in reggae music. Bob Marley asks the listeners to feel the rhythm and let it move their body and soul.
And we'll still find time to rap
Despite the challenges of everyday life, Bob Marley assures his listeners that they can still find time to communicate and share their thoughts with each other.
We're makin' the one stop,
Bob Marley is referring to the one stop shop where people gather to interact, share ideas and talk.
The generation gap
Bob Marley highlights the gap between the young and the old generations, and calls for unity and mutual understanding to bridge this gap.
Now feel this drumbeat
Bob Marley calls for attention to the drums and the rhythm in the music, as a way to connect with the listeners.
As it beats within,
Bob Marley is referring to the way the drumbeat resonates with the heart and soul of the listeners, creating a connection between them and the music.
Playin' a riddim,
Riddim is a term in reggae music that refers to the instrumental accompaniment of a song. Bob Marley is acknowledging the importance of the instrumental part in the music.
Resisting against the system, ooh-wee!
Bob Marley is advocating for a resistance against the injustice and oppression of the system, and encouraging the listeners to stand up for their rights.
I know Jah's never let us down
Jah is a reference to God in Rastafarianism. Bob Marley believes that God will never abandon his people, and will always support them in their struggles.
Pull your rights from wrong
Bob Marley urges people to differentiate between right and wrong, and to claim their rights against any form of oppression, discrimination or injustice.
(I know Jah would never let us down)
Bob Marley repeats this line to emphasize his belief in God's support, which gives hope and strength to his message.
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
Bob Marley expresses his concern and sadness about the hardships that people face every day, and the urgent need to address them.
They made their world so hard (so hard)
Bob Marley recognizes the oppressive nature of the system that is making life difficult for the people, and calls for a change in this unfair reality.
Every day we got to keep on fighting (fighting)
Bob Marley advocates for a continuous struggle against the system to claim people's rights and dignity, and challenges the listeners to never give up or be discouraged.
Every day the people are dyin' (dying), yeah!
Bob Marley reminds his listeners of the social and economic consequences of the oppressive system, which is causing poverty, hunger, and death.
(Dread, dread) For hunger (dread, dread) and starvation (dread, dread)
Bob Marley uses the term dread to express his deep concern and anguish about the suffering of the people, especially hunger and starvation.
Lamentation (dread dread)
Bob Marley refers to the expression of grief and sorrow for the victims of the oppressive system, and invites the listeners to share this feeling with him.
But read it in Revelation (dread, dread, dread, dread)
Bob Marley refers to the Book of Revelation in the Bible, which is a source of inspiration for Rastafarians, and highlights the hope and salvation that God promises to his believers.
You'll find your redemption
Bob Marley assures the listeners that they can find redemption, or spiritual and social liberation, by following the teachings of God and Rastafarianism.
And then you give us the teachings of his majesty
Bob Marley praises Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, who is worshipped by Rastafarians as the Messiah and the embodiment of God on earth. He credits him for the teachings and wisdom that he passed on to his followers.
For we no want no devil philosophy
Bob Marley rejects any ideology or belief system that is contrary to Rastafarianism, and considers them as evil or harmful for the spirit and the mind.
A you forgive us the teachings of his majesty
Bob Marley asks God to forgive him and his followers for any shortcomings or mistakes, and to guide them in the right path by following the teachings of Haile Selassie I.
A we no want no devil philosophy
Bob Marley repeats this line to emphasize his rejection of any ideology or belief system that is not compatible with Rastafarianism.
We feel it in the one drop you're lucky!
Bob Marley links the feeling of the rhythm to a sense of good fortune or blessings, and invites the listeners to appreciate and enjoy this gift.
Let me tell ya this generation gap
Bob Marley reminds the listeners of the gap between the generations, and encourages them to find ways to communicate, understand and respect each other's perspectives.
So feel this drumbeat
Bob Marley repeats this line to remind the listeners of the importance of the rhythm and the drums in the music, as a way to connect with the message and the emotions behind it.
I tell you what it's beating within
Bob Marley is referring to the way the rhythm and the drums are connected to the heart and soul of the music, and are expressing the emotions, feelings and hopes of the people.
Feel you heart playing a rythmn
Bob Marley asks the listeners to feel the connection between the rhythm and the heartbeat, and how they are both sources of life and energy that can inspire and motivate the people to stand up for their rights and dreams.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Trimble
total respect Mr Henry
Brandy John Henry
one of Dads many favourite's xxxx
@dhanry
"One Drop"
Feel it in the one drop
And we'll still find time to rap
We're making the one stop
The generation gap
Now feel this drumbeat
As it beats within
Playing a rhythm
Resisting against the system, ooh-wee!
I know Jah never let us down
Pull your rights from wrong
(I know Jah would never let us down)
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
They made their world so hard (so hard)
Every day we got to keep on fighting (fighting)
They made their world so hard (so hard)
Every day the people are dying (dying), yeah
(Dread, dread) For hunger (it dread, dread) and starvation
(Dread, dread, it dread, oh dread) Lamentation
But read it in Revelation (Dread, dread, it dread, dread)
(Dread, dread) You'll find your redemption
And then you give us the teachings of His Majesty
For we no want no devil philosophy
A-you give us the teachings of His Majesty
A-we no want no devil philosophy
Feel it in the one drop
And we'll still find time to rap
We're making the one stop
And we're filling the gap
So feel this drumbeat
As it beats within
Playing a rhythm
Fighting against -ism and schism, singing
I know Jah never let us down
Pull your rights from wrong
I know Jah never let us down
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
They made their world so hard
Every day (we got to keep on fighting) every day!
They made their world so hard
Every day (the people are dying) eh!
(Dread, dread, it dread, dread) A-what make dem a-go on so?
(Dread, dread, it dread, oh dread) A-what!
(Dread, dread, it dread) A-what! (dread)
A-what frighten them? (Dread, dread)
A-what frighten them? Eh!
Give us the teachings of His Majesty, this is a stick up!
We no want no devil philosophy, can you hear?
Give us the teachings of His Majesty
For we no want no devil philosophy
We feel it in the one drop
You're lucky, for we'll still got time to rap
And we're making the one stop, let me tell ya
This generation gap
Now feel this drumbeat, tell you what
As it's beating within
@Musicsky168
It's 2024 and we need his message more than ever
@Cimol_canel.
Hai 2024
@erinrayner5812
It's 2024 and we need his message more than ever 🙏🏼🌸💖
@richardplume3212
The man never left get the mirors off y lap n look in it peace n respect 4 all
@TheRealJoniLouiz757
STILLL PLAYING TODAY!! 2024
@ralphflick9531
We need Bob Marley now more than ever
@Soulwarrior7
We never hadn't had him ;)
@nigelaston3292
We got em still 😎🪕🪕