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
Turn Your Lights Down Low
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And pull your window curtain
Oh, let Jah moon come shining in
Into our life again ('gain)
Sayin', "Ooh, it's been a long, long time" (long, long, long, long time)
I got this message for you, girl
But it seems I was never on time
Still I wanna get through to you, girly
I want to give you some love (good, good lovin')
I want to give you some good, good lovin' (good, good lovin')
Oh I, oh I, oh I
Say, I want to give you some good, good lovin' (good, good lovin')
Turn your lights down low
Never try to resist, oh no
Oh, let my love come tumblin' in
Into our lives again
Sayin' ooh, I love you
And I want you to know right now
Ooh, I love you
And I want you to know right now
'Cause I, that I
I want to give you some love (oh)
I want to give you some good, good lovin'
Oh I
I want to give you some love
Say, I want to give you some good, good lovin'
Turn your lights down low, oh
Never, never try to resist, oh no
Ooh, let my love, ooh let my love come tumblin' in (I want to give you some love)
Into our lives again (I want to give you some good, good lovin')
Oh, I want to give you some love
The lyrics of "Turn Your Lights Down Low" by Bob Marley & The Wailers describe a man's desire to reconnect with a woman he loves. He suggests that she turn down the lights and let the moon shine in, creating an intimate atmosphere for them to talk. He recognizes that he has been late in reaching her and wants to make up for lost time by expressing his love and desire for her. The man urges the woman not to resist his love but to let it "tumble" into their lives once again. The verses repeat this message, emphasizing the man's passionate desire to reconnect with the woman he loves.
This song is a classic reggae love ballad that combines Marley's signature reggae rhythms with a more laid back and romantic approach. The lyrics are simple yet heartfelt, with Marley's gentle vocals conveying the tenderness of his message. Many have interpreted the song as an expression of Marley's own real-life love for his wife, Rita Marley. The song's popularity has endured over the years, with covers and remixes by artists such as Lauryn Hill, Maxi Priest, and Bob Dylan.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn your lights down low
Dim the lights in your room to create a more romantic atmosphere.
And pull your window curtain
Close your window curtain to make the room more intimate.
Oh, let Jah moon come shining in
Allow the moonlight to come into the room and enhance the mood.
Into our life again ('gain)
Bring back the romance into our relationship.
Sayin', "Ooh, it's been a long, long time" (long, long, long, long time)
Expressing that it has been a long time since they have had this kind of romance, and they want to get it back.
I got this message for you, girl
The singer has something important to say to his lover.
But it seems I was never on time
The singer has been struggling to communicate his feelings to his lover before this moment.
Still I wanna get through to you, girly
Nevertheless, the singer still wants to express his love to his lover.
On time, on time
At the right moment, when everything is perfect.
I want to give you some love (good, good lovin')
The singer wants to express his affection and desire for his lover.
I want to give you some good, good lovin' (good, good lovin')
The singer wants to provide his lover with the best, most genuine love that he can offer.
Oh I, oh I, oh I
The singer is emphasizing his strong desire and passion for his lover.
Say, I want to give you some good, good lovin' (good, good lovin')
Reiterating the same message of his desire to love and care for his lover.
Never try to resist, oh no
The singer doesn't want his lover to resist or push away his romantic gestures.
Ooh, let my love come tumblin' in
The singer wants his love to come into his lover's life in a big, profound way.
Sayin' ooh, I love you
The singer expresses his love for his lover.
And I want you to know right now
The singer wants his lover to understand the depth of his love for her.
'Cause I, that I
Emphasizing that he personally feels this way and cares deeply for his lover.
I want to give you some love (oh)
Repeating his desire to express his love for his lover.
Say, I want to give you some good, good lovin'
Stating that he wants to give his lover genuine and affectionate love.
Turn your lights down low, oh
Repeating the chorus and emphasizing the importance of setting the scene for romance.
Ooh, let my love, ooh let my love come tumblin' in (I want to give you some love)
Expressing the singer's desire for his love to penetrate their lives fully and completely.
Into our lives again (I want to give you some good, good lovin')
The singer wants to bring back the romance into their lives once again and provide his lover with the best love that he can offer.
Oh, I want to give you some love
Reiterating his strong desire to express his love to his lover.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andy Gabe
[Verse 1]
Turn your lights down low
And pull your window curtains
Oh, let Jah moon come shining in
Into our life again
Saying ooh, it's been a long, long time
(Long, long time)
I got this message for you girl
But it seems I was never on time
Still I gotta get through to you girl
On time, on time (word)
I want to give you some love
I want to give you some good, good loving
(Uh, uh, right, uh)
Oh I, oh I, oh I
Yeah I want to give you some good, good loving (uh)
[Verse 2]
Turn your lights down low
Never ever try to resist, oh no
Let my love come tumbling in
Into our lives again
And ooh, I love you
(I love you, I love you)
And I want you to know right now
(Know right now)
Ooh I love you
(Uh-uh, yeah, uh)
And I want you to know right now (uh)
Because I, that I
I want to give you some love (uh, yeah)
I want to give you some good, good loving
Oh I
I want to give you some good, good loving
[Outro]
I want to give you some good, good loving
I want to give you some love
I want to give you some good, good loving
Oh I, oh I, oh I
I want to give you some good, good loving
H.M. de Visser
Bob Marley – Turn Your Lights Down Low Lyrics
Turn your lights down low
And pull your window curtain
Oh let the moon come shining in
Into our life again
Saying ooh, it's been a long, long time
(Long, long time)
I got this message for you girl
But it seems I was never on time
Did I wanna get through to you girl?
On time, on time (word)
I want to give you some love
I want to give you some good, good loving
(Uh right, uh right, uh right)
Oh I, oh I, oh I
Yeah I want to give you some good, good loving (uh)
Turn your lights down low
(Word, word, uh, uh)
Never ever try to resist, oh no
(Na, na, na, na)
Let your love come shining in
(Na, na, na, na)
Into our lives again
(Na, na, na, na)
And ooh, I love you
(I love you, I love you)
And I want you to know right now
(Know right now)
Ooh I love you
(Uh-uh, yeah, uh)
And I want you to know right now (uh)
Ooh I love you
And I want you to know right now (uh)
That I, that I
I wanna give you some love (uh, yeah)
I wanna give you some good, good loving
Oh I, oh I, oh I
I wanna give you some good, good loving (yeah uh-uh)
I want to give you some good, good loving
I want to give you some love
I want to give you some good, good loving
Oh I, oh I, oh I
I wanna give you some good, good loving
Good, good, good loving
(I wanna give you some good loving)
Songwriters: MARLEY, BOB
Tolomann
Turn your lights down low
And pull your window curtains
Oh, let Jah moon come shining in
Into our life again
Sayin' ooh, it's been a long, long (long, long, long, long) time
I kept this message for you, girl
But it seems I was never on time
Still I wanna get through to you, girlie
On time, on time
I want to give you some love (good, good lovin')
I want to give you some good, good lovin' (good, good lovin')
Oh I, oh I, oh I
Say, I want to give you some good, good lovin' (good, good lovin')
Turn your lights down low
Never try to resist, oh no!
Oh, let my love come tumbling in
Into our life again
Sayin' ooh, I love ya!
And I want you to know right now
I love ya!
And I want you to know right now
'Cause I that I
I want to give you some love, oh-ooh
I want to give you some good, good lovin'
Oh, I I want to give you some love
Sayin' I want to give you some good, good lovin'
Turn your lights down low, wo-oh
Never never try to resist, oh no
Ooh, let my love ooh, let my love come tumbling in
Into our life again
Oh, I want to give you some good, good lovin' (good, good lovin')
The Poetic Shooter
This legend died at only 36 years old. Can you imagine how many more albums we could have gotten from him? Every one of his songs is a masterpiece. The king of raggae.
SclinkyWinky
I could imagine he would have had the power to begin to bring peace to this world. <3
Prince Vick
He was beyond his time
A great soul from the most high
Be in his Presence
His level of inspiration was powerful enough to bring a revolution,unfortunately this world is not ready to access honesty and love , his words are timeless and priceless. He was a prophet. He was killed as many who tried to bring justice into this sickened planet full of greed, inequalities and evil. Lord have mercy on humans 🙏.
Darthpsyeater
It's not about what ya get it's what ya got
Lina
Its Heartbreaking, one of the greatest people in humanity's history. But he's also proof that the power of a pure soul lives beyond the body. He's timeless, in the full sense of the word. 💚
Rhonda K
This is pure bliss I love this so much . I remember slow dancing with my daughters father when I was 18 . Wonderful, sweet ,beautiful memories.
Lynnette Murray-Gibson
Love this song because it brings back memories and it's still creating new memories
michael roche
A masterpiece of a song.
ayman hago
Love song ❤️