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
Pass It On
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's your own eyes that've seen
So won't you judge your actions
To make sure the results are clean?
It's your own conscience
That is gonna remind you
That it's your heart and nobody else's
Be not selfish in your doings
Pass it on (Pass it on, children)
Help your brothers (help them) in their needs
Pass it on
Live for yourself and you will live in vain
Live for others, you will live again
In the kingdom of Jah
Man shall reign
Pass it on
Pass it on
Pass it on
Pass it on
What's in the darkness
Must be revealed to light
We're not here to judge what's good from bad
But to do the things that are right
On a hot, sunny day
Follow the shadows for rescue
But as the day grows old
I know the sun is gonna find you
Be not selfish in your doings
Pass it on
Help your brothers in their needs
Pass it on
Live for yourself, you will live in vain
Live for others, you will live again
In the kingdom of Jah
Man shall reign
Pass it on
Pass it on
Pass it on
Pass it on (Pass it on)
The opening lines of Bob Marley's song Pass It On speak to accountability and responsibility. The lyrics suggest that it is not enough to rely on the actions of others to guide our own actions. Rather, we must take responsibility for what we do with our own hands and our own eyes. The song then implores the listener to consider the results of their actions and to judge them accordingly. In other words, we must be conscious and mindful of the impact of our actions on others and the world around us.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of generosity and altruism. Marley urges his listeners to be "not selfish in your doings" and to "pass it on" by helping others in need. He reminds us that living for ourselves alone will only result in a sense of emptiness and regret. However, by living for others, we can find true purpose and fulfillment.
In the final stanza, Marley focuses on the metaphor of light and darkness. He suggests that it is not our place to judge what is good or bad, but rather to choose the path that leads to righteousness. The image of shadows and sunshine serves as a reminder that there will always be challenges and obstacles on our journey, but we must stay the course and continue to do what is right.
Overall, "Pass It On" is a powerful call to action that encourages us to take responsibility for our actions, be generous to others, and live a life of purpose and service.
Line by Line Meaning
What your hands do
The actions you take are the ones that will define your character.
It's your own eyes that've seen
No one can fully understand the situation you're in more than you, so you must reflect on your own experiences.
So won't you judge your actions
Consider whether or not the results of your actions are positive, and hold yourself accountable for your choices.
To make sure the results are clean?
To ensure that the outcomes of your actions are pure and good, both in your eyes and in the eyes of God.
It's your own conscience
The voice inside you that guides you towards what's right, beyond what society tells you.
That is gonna remind you
Your conscience serves as a reminder to stay true to yourself.
That it's your heart and nobody else's
The judgment you ultimately face is the one that comes from your own heart and what you know is right or wrong.
That is gonna judge
Your ultimate judge of character is your own conscience.
Be not selfish in your doings
It's important to think of others when making decisions that impact those around you.
Pass it on (Pass it on, children)
Share your positive impact and knowledge with others, especially the younger generation.
Help your brothers (help them) in their needs
Be there for those around you and give what you can to make a positive difference in their lives.
Live for yourself and you will live in vain
Living a selfish life will make you feel unfulfilled and meaningless.
Live for others, you will live again
True fulfillment in life comes from helping others and creating a positive impact on the world.
In the kingdom of Jah
In the spiritual realm beyond material existence.
Man shall reign
Individuals have the power to make a positive impact and create a better world.
What's in the darkness
The truth and problems which remain hidden and unknown.
Must be revealed to light
Transparency and doing what's right must come to the surface for a better world to exist.
We're not here to judge what's good from bad
One cannot simply judge a situation or person without understanding all the facts and variables.
But to do the things that are right
Rather than judging, focus on doing what's right to make life better for yourself and those around you.
On a hot, sunny day
Life will have its good times where everything seems to be going great.
Follow the shadows for rescue
When life's trials come, look for signs to guide you towards success and meaning.
But as the day grows old
As we age, things get tougher and more difficult.
I know the sun is gonna find you
Despite the tough times, things will get better eventually, so don't lose hope.
Pass it on
Continue to share your positive impact with others and create a lasting legacy of good in the world.
Pass it on
Continue to share your positive impact with others and create a lasting legacy of good in the world.
Pass it on
Continue to share your positive impact with others and create a lasting legacy of good in the world.
Pass it on (Pass it on)
Continue to share your positive impact with others and create a lasting legacy of good in the world, particularly by spreading this message to others.
Lyrics © PEER MUSIC
Written by: NEVILLE LIVINGSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zbenhamida
"Pass It On"
What your hands do,
It's your own eyes that've seen.
So won't you judge your actions
To make sure the results are clean?
It's your own conscience
That is gonna remind you
That it's your heart and nobody else's
That is gonna judge.
Be not selfish in your doings:
Pass it on. (Pass it on, children)
Help your brothers (help them) in their needs:
Pass it on.
Live for yourself and you will live in vain;
Live for others, you will live again.
In the kingdom of Jah,
Man shall reign.
Pass it on;
Pass it on;
Pass it on;
Pass it on.
What's in the darkness
Must be revealed to light.
We're not here to judge what's good from bad
But to do the things that are right.
On a hot, sunny day,
Follow the shadows for rescue.
But as the day grows old,
I know the sun is gonna find you.
Be not selfish in your doings:
Pass it on.
Help your brothers in their needs:
Pass it on.
Live for yourself, you will live in vain;
Live for others, you will live again.
In the kingdom of Jah,
Man shall reign.
Pass it on;
Pass it on;
Pass it on;
Pass it on. (Pass it on)
@kevin54469
What your hands do
It's your own eyes that've seen
So won't you judge your actions
To make sure the results are clean?
It's your own conscience
That is gonna remind you
That it's your heart and nobody else's
That is gonna judge
Be not selfish in your doings
Pass it on (pass it on, children)
Help your brothers (help them) in their needs
Pass it on
Live for yourself and you will live in vain
Live for others, you will live again
In the kingdom of Jah
Man shall reign
Pass it on
Pass it on
Pass it on
Pass it on
What's in the darkness
Must be revealed to light
We're not here to judge what's good from bad
But to do the things that are right
On a hot, sunny day
Follow the shadows for rescue
But as the day grows old
I know the sun is gonna find you
Be not selfish in your doings
Pass it on
Help your brothers in their needs
Pass it on
Live for yourself, you will live in vain
Live for others, you will live again
In the kingdom of Jah
Man shall reign
Pass it on
Pass it on
Pass it on
Pass it on (pass it on)
@primeracalledelasoledad8439
What your hands do,
It's your own eyes that've seen.
So won't you judge your actions
To make sure the results are clean?
It's your own conscience
That is gonna remind you
That it's your heart and nobody else's
That is gonna judge.
Be not selfish in your doings:
Pass it on. (Pass it on, children)
Help your brothers (help them) in their needs:
Pass it on.
Live for yourself and you will live in vain;
Live for others, you will live again.
In the kingdom of Jah,
Man shall reign.
Pass it on;
Pass it on;
Pass it on;
Pass it on.
What's in the darkness
Must be revealed to light.
We're not here to judge what's good from bad
But to do the things that are right.
On a hot, sunny day,
Follow the shadows for rescue.
But as the day grows old,
I know the sun is gonna find you.
Be not selfish in your doings:
Pass it on.
Help your brothers in their needs:
Pass it on.
Live for yourself, you will live in vain;
Live for others, you will live again.
In the kingdom of Jah,
Man shall reign.
Pass it on;
Pass it on;
Pass it on;
Pass it on. (Pass it on)
@keithh.burgess9774
RIP Neville O'Riley Livingston, OM aka Bunny Wailer.
@wesleyhempoli5548
Yes, losing bunny hurt so bad. I was sad about it all that month because he was the last one and that marked the official end of the greatest era of reggae that ever was....and that ever will be...EVER! But after awhile i accepted that ALL things pass and the legend of bob, peter and bunny will endure through the gifts they left for us here on earth... Pass it on!!
@benjaminakem
"Be not selfish in your doing, pass it on...help your brothers in their needs...live for yourself, you will live in vain... live for others, you will live again (in eternity)...in the Kingdom of Jah (God), man shall reign...". What a way to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ!... RIP Robert Nesta Marley.
@Davidpradoreis
if everyone realy lives wath this song says, Jesus will be happy with us
@JJShalashaska
Bunny:Greatest singing technique.
Peter: Most beautiful voice
Bob: Greatest writing and communicating skills
The Wailer all together: Paradise!
@aitmbarekkarim8545
Oui mon frère. ..ils étaient les vrai wailers ...leurs chorale. ....top....
@leona9877
Bob Marley King of reggae
@JavierRivera-gs5kn
Who sings?...bunny?
@JJShalashaska
They are all great, but about the beauty of the voice I prefer Peter, even if Bunny was the singer with better technique. As a songwriter, I prefer Bob. But they are Three Kings!
@lawrencenjawe9875
Bunny Wailer in my opinion had a wider vocal range delving into the depths of lower baritones.. to feathery vocals as on the track "Hallelujah Time". Bob's voice was greyish and possessed an emotional quality which the other 2 didn't have... And all 3 could be fiery depending on the mood and theme of the tracks they performed.