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
Teenager in Love
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
Put me in your milling machine,
I never thought you could act so mean
Now I'm wondering what to do,
to see if you could love me too
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Each night I ask the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
Though my knees are getting weak,
and my brain is getting flatter
Something is near, to tell me it's been badder
I don't know just what to do,
to see if you could love me too
Each night I ask the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
Bob Marley's "Teenager in Love" is a soulful ballad that speaks to the universal experience of unrequited love. The lyrics depict a young person who is deeply in love but struggling to make sense of the confusing, often painful emotions that come with adolescence. The singer wonders why they must be a teenager in love, acknowledging the intense feelings of infatuation and vulnerability that come with this stage of life. The repeated refrain highlights the singer's frustration and longing, as they try to navigate the rocky terrain of young love.
The song's lyrics also suggest a sense of betrayal, as the object of the singer's affection has treated them poorly. In the second verse, the singer laments how the person they love could "act so mean" and wonders what they can do to win their love. The lines "Something is near, to tell me it's been badder" suggest that the singer may be starting to realize that their love is not being reciprocated and that they may need to move on. Despite this, the final verse finds the singer still asking the stars above why they must be a teenager in love, indicating that they are not yet ready to let go of their feelings.
Overall, "Teenager in Love" is a poignant reflection on the joys and pains of young love. Marley's soulful delivery and heartfelt lyrics capture the intensity of adolescent emotions, while also offering a sense of compassion and empathy for those struggling to navigate this challenging stage of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Each night I ask, the stars up above
The singer is constantly seeking guidance and answers from the sky.
Why must I be a teenager in love
The singer is struggling with the tumultuous emotions and experiences that come with being a teenager in love.
Why must I be a teenager in love
The singer continues to express confusion and frustration with their feelings of love as a teenager.
Put me in your milling machine,
The artist feels like they are being crushed or manipulated by the person they love.
I never thought you could act so mean
The artist is surprised and hurt by the actions of the person they love, indicating a sense of betrayal or disappointment.
Now I'm wondering what to do,
The singer is stuck in a state of indecision and uncertainty about their relationship and how to move forward.
to see if you could love me too
The singer still hopes for reciprocation of their love from the other person.
Though my knees are getting weak,
The artist feels physically and emotionally drained by the intensity of their emotions and experiences.
and my brain is getting flatter
The artist feels mentally exhausted, unable to think clearly or logically about their situation.
Something is near, to tell me it's been badder
The artist senses that something negative is looming or imminent in their relationship, perhaps a sign that it has been worse than they previously believed.
I don't know just what to do,
The singer reiterates their confusion and indecision, indicating a lack of control over their situation.
to see if you could love me too
The artist still holds onto hope for the other person's love, despite their struggles and doubts.
Each night I ask the stars up above
The singer continues to turn to the sky for guidance and reassurance in their struggles with love and relationships.
Why must I be a teenager in love
The repetition of this line emphasizes the singer's ongoing frustration and confusion about their romantic experiences as a young person.
Why must I be a teenager in love
The final repetition of this line underscores the singer's desire for answers or solutions to their struggles with love as a teenager.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DOC POMUS, MORT SHUMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Moumou Abdeljalil
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Verse 1]
Put me in your milling machine
I never thought you could act so mean
Now I'm wondering what to do
To see if you could love me too
[Chorus]
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
Each night I ask the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Verse 2]
Though my knees are getting weak
And my brain is getting flatter
Something is near, to tell me it's been badder
I don't know just what to do
To see if you could love me too
Moumou Abdeljalil
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Verse 1]
Put me in your milling machine
I never thought you could act so mean
Now I'm wondering what to do
To see if you could love me too
[Chorus]
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
Each night I ask the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Verse 2]
Though my knees are getting weak
And my brain is getting flatter
Something is near, to tell me it's been badder
I don't know just what to do
To see if you could love me too
Evan Roberts
Just re-watched Marley movie again last night. It's a strange feeling to mourn and miss someone I've never met. I feel a strong connection with Bob Marley and hope that someday beyond the grave I'll be able to share a conversation with this awesome human being. RIP
Stephan van Dyk
Evan Roberts , I also watched it last night again, and completely broke down where they show his funeral procession and there is a guy next to the road who just completely looses it, i was thinking my GF was going to think I'm weird [she hasn't watched it yet], but when I looked at her i only saw red eyes. Even though we never met him, we got to know through his music.
He is definitely someone I admire and respect, and yes, mourn..
My biggest dream would be to watch West Indies play cricket against South Africa, sitting next to Bob, and smoking the fattest spliff ever, perhaps that will be my version of heaven one day!
One love man...
Les Toil
Stephan van Dyk Great post Stephen. I feel the same way. I'm just as much a fan as his earlier ska as I am for his later Rasta-conscious music. He was always brilliant and spiritually conscious. Question. What do you mean you looked at your girlfriend and only saw red eyes?
Moumou Abdeljalil
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Verse 1]
Put me in your milling machine
I never thought you could act so mean
Now I'm wondering what to do
To see if you could love me too
[Chorus]
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
Each night I ask the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Verse 2]
Though my knees are getting weak
And my brain is getting flatter
Something is near, to tell me it's been badder
I don't know just what to do
To see if you could love me too
Léo and alex
Feel the same for years .....
NewOrleanCeltics21
They need to get this version on iTunes!!
Todd Parke
But they won't, and that's why you're on YouTube (free?).
NewOrleanCeltics21
@Todd Parke back when everyone used iTunes now it’s Apple Music
Todd Parke
@NewOrleanCeltics21 Speak for yourself. I use only YouTube because it's free & has more than those pay to listen sites, which was my point that you didn't get so go ahead- waste your money!
Moumou Abdeljalil
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Verse 1]
Put me in your milling machine
I never thought you could act so mean
Now I'm wondering what to do
To see if you could love me too
[Chorus]
Each night I ask, the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
Each night I ask the stars up above
Why must I be a teenager in love
Why must I be a teenager in love
[Verse 2]
Though my knees are getting weak
And my brain is getting flatter
Something is near, to tell me it's been badder
I don't know just what to do
To see if you could love me too