11 Redemption Song
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

In "Redemption Songs," Bob Marley laments the oppression and subjugation that Black people have faced throughout history. The first verse depicts the transatlantic slave trade, where Europeans captured and sold Africans into slavery. Marley references the "bottomless pit" to symbolize the despair and hopelessness that slaves faced. However, Marley finds hope in the idea that his hand was made strong by the hand of the Almighty, suggesting that strength and perseverance can come from faith. He then speaks of "forwarding in this generation triumphantly," encouraging listeners to continue the fight for justice.

The chorus reinforces the theme of redemption and freedom, calling on the audience to join in the singing of these "songs of freedom." The repetition of the phrase "Redemption songs" emphasizes the importance of these songs to Marley and to the broader context of Black liberation.

The second verse expands on the idea of mental slavery, highlighting the importance of freeing oneself from oppressive ideology. Marley argues that only individuals can free their own minds, rejecting the notion that external forces can grant freedom. The following lines address the fear of nuclear war, suggesting that even in the face of such destruction, the unstoppable force of time will still bring change. Marley continues to question the violence against prophets, with the line "how long shall they kill our prophets, while we stand aside and look?" This line references the assassinations of Black leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, suggesting that their deaths were not just coincidences but part of a larger pattern of violence and oppression.

Overall, "Redemption Songs" is a powerful call to action for Black liberation, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, faith, and unity.