Lively Up Yourself
Bob Marley %26 The Wailers Lyrics


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You're gonna lively up yourself, and don't be no drag
You lively up yourself, 'cause reggae is another bag
You lively up yourself and don't say no
You're gonna lively up yourself 'cause I said so

Hear what you gonna do
You rock so, you rock so
Like you never did before
You dip so, you dip so
Dip through my door
You come so, you come so
Oh yeah
You skank so, you skank so
Be alive today

You're gonna lively up yourself, and don't say no
You lively up yourself, big daddy said so
You lively up yourself, and don't be no drag
You lively up yourself, 'cause reggae is another bag

What you got that I don't know
I'm a trying to wonder why you act so
Hey, do you hear what the man say?

Lively up your yourself, your woman in the morning time, y'all
Keep a livelin' up your woman when the evening come and take you
Come on babe, cause I want to me lively myself, y'all

Lively up yourself
Lively up yourself
You rock so, you rock so

You rock so, you rock so
You dip so, you dip so
You skank so, you skank so, and don't be no drag
You come so, you come so, for reggae is another bag

Get what you got that bag
A what you got in the other bag you got hanging there




What you say you got
I don't believe you

Overall Meaning

“Lively Up Yourself” is a classic reggae song by Bob Marley that encourages listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves. The lyrics suggest that people should lively up themselves and not be a drag, because reggae is a music genre that invites people to dance and experience joy. The song also hints at a deeper message about the role of reggae music in promoting cultural identity and social change.


The first verse advises listeners to lively up themselves by letting go of their inhibitions and embracing reggae music. The repeating lyrics “You’re gonna lively up yourself, and don’t be no drag” are a call to action, encouraging people to participate fully and be present in the moment. The second verse suggests that listeners should dance and move in new ways, feeling the rhythm of the music and discovering new joys. The third verse emphasizes the importance of reggae music as a cultural phenomenon that brings people together with its catchy beats and powerful messages.


Bob Marley was known for his politically and socially conscious music, and “Lively Up Yourself” is no exception. Although the lyrics do not explicitly address political issues, the underlying message is that reggae music can help people find common ground and overcome social barriers. For example, the line “Lively up your woman in the morning time, y’all” suggests that listeners should treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of gender or social status.


Overall, “Lively Up Yourself” is a rousing call to action that invites people to experience the joy and energy of reggae music. The song’s message of unity and empowerment is still relevant today, and serves as a testament to Bob Marley’s enduring legacy as a musical and cultural icon.


Line by Line Meaning

You're gonna lively up yourself, and don't be no drag
You will make yourself more lively, and do not slow others down


You lively up yourself, 'cause reggae is another bag
You make yourself more lively, because reggae has its own unique energy


You lively up yourself and don't say no
You make yourself more lively and do not refuse


You're gonna lively up yourself 'cause I said so
You will make yourself more lively because I told you to


Hear what you gonna do
Listen to what you are going to do


You rock so, you rock so
You move and groove so well


Like you never did before
As if you've never moved like this before


You dip so, you dip so
You sway and dip in rhythm


Dip through my door
Come into my place while you're dancing


You come so, you come so
You move towards me with rhythm


Oh yeah
An expression of agreement or excitement


You skank so, you skank so
You dance in the skanking style


Be alive today
Live in the present moment


You lively up yourself, big daddy said so
You make yourself more lively because someone important told you to


What you got that I don't know
What do you have that I am unaware of


I'm a trying to wonder why you act so
I am attempting to understand why you are behaving this way


Hey, do you hear what the man say?
Listen to what the man is saying


Lively up your yourself, your woman in the morning time, y'all
Make yourself and your woman more lively in the morning


Keep a livelin' up your woman when the evening come and take you
Continue to make your woman more lively when the night comes


Come on babe, cause I want to me lively myself, y'all
Let's dance together, because I want to be more lively too


You rock so, you rock so
You move and groove so well


You dip so, you dip so
You sway and dip in rhythm


You skank so, you skank so, and don't be no drag
You dance in the skanking style, without slowing down


You come so, you come so, for reggae is another bag
You approach me with rhythm, because reggae has its own unique energy


Get what you got that bag
Understand what is in that bag


A what you got in the other bag you got hanging there
What is in the other bag you are carrying


What you say you got
What do you claim you have


I don't believe you
I do not trust what you are saying




Contributed by Zoe Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@SJ-ob9yj

Who else is addicted to Bob Marley?

@joegrinefine

God of music!!!!
My soul meditation and spirit medicine!!!🔥💯
We give thanks for existence!!!🙏🏾💯

@Supah84

Me

@leebryant4169

yeah i am pure class

@davidprosser5736

TOTALLY ADDICTED...PURE MUSICAL GENIUS..!

@KajunMs39

Who isn't??

291 More Replies...

@AJtheRastaman

Hands-down, the best version ever of this song. Junior Marvin absolutely goes insane on the lead guitar.

@jamalawl5535

Junior Marvin, He were the half off Time ,The W in his last time in live published since 1978, Blessed 🙏💫🥤🎶

@AN-jz8ku

Though this is fantastic, I think the one at Boston easy skankin is better. That guitar there is something else.

@patchareggae

Serious music 🔥🔥

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