During 1970 and 1971, Wailer, Marley and Tosh worked with renowned reggae producers Leslie Kong and Lee "Scratch" Perry.
They released four albums before signing to Island Records in 1972. Two more albums were created before Tosh and Wailer left the band in 1974, citing grievances over label treatment and ideological differences. Marley carried on with a new line-up, including the I-Threes that put out seven more more albums. Marley died in 1981.
The Wailers were a groundbreaking ska and reggae group, noted for songs such as "Simmer Down", "Trenchtown Rock", "Nice Time", "War", "Stir It Up" and "Get Up, Stand Up".
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley_and_the_Wailers
Studio albums
The Wailing Wailers (1965)
The Best of the Wailers (1970; released 1971)
Soul Rebels (1970)
Soul Revolution Part II (1971)
Catch a Fire (1973)
Burnin' (1973)
Natty Dread (1974)
Rastaman Vibration (1976)
Exodus (1977)
Kaya (1978)
Survival (1979)
Uprising (1980)
Confrontation (1983)
African Herbsman
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't see the right roads when the streets are paved
The old slave men might grind slow
But it grinds fine, yeah
African herbsman, why linger on?
Just concentrate, 'cause heaven lives on
Retired slave men will look with a scorn
(how quick they had to part)
The remembrance of today
Is the sad feelin' of tomorrow
(how quick) Oh (part), oh yeah
African herbsman, seize your time
I'm takin' illusion on the edge of my mind
I'm takin' losers down through my life
Down through my life, yeah (yes, how quick they had to part)
(how quick they had to part)
Dideh part, yes, they part
In remembrance of today
(how quick they had to part)
African herbsman, why linger on?
Just concentrate, 'cause your heaven lives on
Greet-I-eth slave men will look with a scorn
With a transplanted heart, yes, how (quick they have to part)
(how quick they have to part)
In remembrance of today
Brings sad feelings of tomorrow
(Yes, how quick they have to) Lead me on, oh, Lord, I pray to you
(African herbsman) (African herbsman)
African, African herbsman
The lyrics to Bob Marley's song African Herbsman are uniquely complex and layered, and can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. On the surface, it's a song that speaks out against the struggles of being a slave, as well as the feeling of detachment and longing that comes with living in a world that's divided. However, it's more than just a song about slavery- it's also a commentary on the spiritual connection between the African people and the natural world.
The opening line, "All twinklin' lee, can't see the right roads when the streets are paved" speaks to the lack of clarity that often comes with living in urban areas. It's easy to lose touch with one's roots and forget the true path in life when living in a modern world that's dominated by concrete and steel. The line "the old slave men might grind slow but it grinds fine, yeah" speaks to the resilience and perseverance of the African people, despite years of oppression and hardship.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "African Herbsman, why linger on?" This can be interpreted as a call to action for the African people- to take pride in their heritage and to strive towards a better future. The line "Just concentrate, 'cause heaven lives on" speaks to the idea that one's connection to the earth and to their ancestors is what gives them strength and purpose in life. The repeated phrase "how quick they had to part" is a reference to the forced separation of African families during the era of slavery.
Line by Line Meaning
All twinklin' lee
The world is full of distractions and it's easy to lose focus
Can't see the right roads when the streets are paved
Obvious solutions might be misleading and it takes concentration to find the right path
The old slave men might grind slow
Change might take time and perseverance
But it grinds fine, yeah
Patience and determination will pay off eventually
African herbsman, why linger on?
Don't waste time, focus on achieving your goals
Just concentrate, 'cause heaven lives on
Stay focused on your spiritual journey because it will provide a meaningful existence
Retired slave men will look with a scorn
People who have become complacent in their oppression might criticize those who still fight for their freedom
With a transplanted heart (yes, how quick they had to part)
Some people have lost their connection to their roots and culture and it was taken away from them too quickly
(how quick they had to part)
Reflecting on the traumatic experience of being taken from one's homeland
The remembrance of today
Reflecting on current events
Is the sad feelin' of tomorrow
Anticipating the effects of negative events on future generations
African herbsman, seize your time
Take advantage of the present moment and make the most out of your life
I'm takin' illusion on the edge of my mind
Trying to navigate through false perceptions and see the world as it truly is
I'm takin' losers down through my life
Overcoming challenges and obstacles
Down through my life, yeah (yes, how quick they had to part)
Reflecting on the past and the hardships that others had to face
Dideh part, yes, they part
Recalling the separation of families and communities due to slavery
In remembrance of today
Reflecting on current events
(how quick) Oh (part), oh yeah
Being reminded of the traumatic experience of losing one's homeland due to slavery
African herbsman, why linger on?
Don't waste time and energy on negative thoughts, focus on personal growth and progression
Just concentrate, 'cause your heaven lives on
Stay focused on your spiritual journey and the rewards that it may bring
Greet-I-eth slave men will look with a scorn
People in power might criticize those who seek justice and equality
With a transplanted heart, yes, how (quick they have to part)
Some people have lost their connection to their roots and cultural heritage and it was taken away from them too quickly
(how quick they have to part)
Reflecting on the traumatic experience of being taken from one's homeland
In remembrance of today
Reflecting on current events
Brings sad feelings of tomorrow
Anticipating the effects of negative events on future generations
(Yes, how quick they have to) Lead me on, oh, Lord, I pray to you
Asking for guidance and strength to overcome personal and societal obstacles
(African herbsman) (African herbsman)
Repeating the song's title as a reminder to stay focused on personal growth and spiritual development
African, African herbsman
Emphasizing the importance of African heritage and culture in one's identity
Lyrics ยฉ Peermusic Publishing,
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TestTest-ft9xh
"In this age of technological inhumanity
Scientific atrocity
Atomic misphilosophy
Nuclear misenergy
It's a world that forces lifelong insecurity
We're the survivors, yeah!
We're the survivors!
Yes, the Black survivors!
We got to survive, y'all!"
Prophet Bob Marley
@TestTest-ft9xh
@Moon Glare That life a what represents the Garden of Eden (hunter gather life). Freud said civilization is madness and he would know.
It amuses when aid workers go to Africa to teach them sustainability. African have been living sustainably from the earth & nature for thousands of years like the San bushmen have been for 100,000 years straight.
Nature provides everything for free! Shelter (mud & thatched huts), food, homemade ceramics, gourd jugs, etc.
...And then someone came along and convinced us to pay money to buy everything to survive. Remember doing increasingly complex tasks is the sign of an incoming bipolar episode and advanced meth addiction. We need to simply to using nature directly and symbiotically for our needs.
Lastly, it was scientists who came to Africa and culled 40,000 elephants says they were trampling grass and causing desertification. Turns out after the elephants were killed desertification occured. They were keeping vegetation going. Colonialism "intelligence" at its finest.
@TestTest-ft9xh
"In this age of technological inhumanity
Scientific atrocity
Atomic misphilosophy
Nuclear misenergy
It's a world that forces lifelong insecurity
We're the survivors, yeah!
We're the survivors!
Yes, the Black survivors!
We got to survive, y'all!"
Prophet Bob Marley
@MarceloHenkin
this is my favorite Bob Marley song. just a simple and beautiful melody
@elijahflynt3217
same here
@cherrybelle7956
Me too,๐๐not many people can say that either ๐๐
@antoniodean9171
Me too
@HulkyBoomBulky
this track an kaya โ๐ผโค
@Mike-ky6jc
The original is called Indian Rope Man
This is my favorite rendition of the song and the first song I heard that got me into Bob Marley.
@oleboyblue6845
Peter Tosh's backing vocals are truly sublime.
@richardmlouis
+Ole Boy Blue Yes, they are. The Wailers have the best backup vocals. Thumbs up for noticing.
@TheLovemarley
+Ole Boy Blue you're sooo right... I got chills everytime I hear his voice
@sahulianhooligan7046
I can't distinguish Bunny Wailer's voice from Tosh since both could switch from falsetto and low.