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)
Cheer Up
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cheer up my momma too, lord
Cheer up my father, let me say
I know it won't be long
That change has got to come
That change has got to come
And I know that it won't be long
If we unite then we will be free (we will be free)
So strong, so strong, come I want you to
Cheer up my (brothers) my sisters
(Cheer up my sisters) let me say
Cheer up my my my momma too, lord
Cheer up my father
Let me say, we've been down in captivity (captivity)
So long, so long
We unite we will be free (we will be free)
So strong, so strong
Cheer up my my my my my my brother
(Cheer up my sister) cheer up my sisters
(Cheer up my momma) my momma too lord
(Cheer up my) my father
And I, I, I
The lyrics of Bob Marley's song Cheer Up encourage and uplift those who are oppressed and downtrodden. He calls upon his brothers, sisters, mother, and father to cheer up as change is inevitable, and hope is on the horizon. The repetition of the phrase "so long" highlights the prolonged period of pain and suffering they have endured while being in captivity. Marley believes that if they come together, they can achieve freedom and strength. The repetition of the phrase "cheer up my" emphasizes his plea to everyone, from siblings to parents, to summon optimism and fortitude.
The song has a powerful message of unity, hope, and resilience. It is a call to be strong in the face of adversity and to rely on the strength of community. Marley acknowledges that change is not instantaneous, but it is essential to hold on to optimism in the face of dark times.
The song is a reflection of Marley's Rastafarian beliefs, which saw music as a way to bring people together and inspire them to fight for a better tomorrow. The lyrics also reflect Marley's hope that music could be used as a tool for social and political change.
Line by Line Meaning
Cheer up my brothers, cheer up my sisters
Bob Marley is urging everyone to be happy and hopeful, regardless of their gender.
Cheer up my momma too, lord
Bob Marley wants everyone to stay optimistic, even in the face of uncertainty or adversity.
Cheer up my father, let me say
Bob Marley is encouraging listeners to inspire their fathers and create a more positive environment.
I know it won't be long
Bob Marley believes that change is inevitable and that things will improve soon.
That change has got to come
Bob Marley knows that a more hopeful and positive future is possible, and believes that this change is necessary.
And I know that it won't be long
Bob Marley is sure that change is coming and wants everyone to stay encouraged.
We've been down in captivity (captivity) so long, so long
Bob Marley recognizes that people have been oppressed and struggling for a long time.
If we unite then we will be free (we will be free)
Bob Marley believes that by working together, people can overcome their struggles and gain freedom.
So strong, so strong, come I want you to
Bob Marley wants everyone to stay strong and persevere through their struggles.
Cheer up my (brothers) my sisters
Bob Marley is urging people to stay hopeful and positive, regardless of their gender.
(Cheer up my sisters) let me say
Bob Marley is emphasizing the importance of encouraging and inspiring women to be optimistic.
Cheer up my my my momma too, lord
Bob Marley is urging everyone to encourage their mothers and create a more positive atmosphere for them.
Cheer up my father
Bob Marley is encouraging listeners to inspire their fathers and create a more positive environment.
Let me say, we've been down in captivity (captivity)
Bob Marley is acknowledging the struggles and oppression that people have faced for a long time.
So long, so long
Bob Marley recognizes that these struggles have lasted a very long time.
We unite we will be free (we will be free)
Bob Marley believes that by working together and staying strong, people can overcome their struggles and gain freedom.
So strong, so strong
Bob Marley wants everyone to stay strong and persevere through their struggles.
Cheer up my my my my my my brother
Bob Marley is urging people to encourage their male family members and create a more positive atmosphere for them.
(Cheer up my sister) cheer up my sisters
Bob Marley is emphasizing the importance of encouraging and inspiring women to be optimistic.
(Cheer up my momma) my momma too lord
Bob Marley is urging everyone to encourage their mothers and create a more positive atmosphere for them.
(Cheer up my) my father
Bob Marley is encouraging listeners to inspire their fathers and create a more positive environment.
And I, I, I
Bob Marley is repeating this phrase to convey his passion and commitment to staying hopeful and positive.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Iskander Ammon
I don't think people realize how heavy Bob Marley was. His riffs were instantly captivating but then he would drop the first verse of the song and you knew he was gonna drop some beautiful wisdom on you
R.A. Dub
im so surprised this video has so many hits, this was one of the last songs of his i found out and what a gem. What soul-full music. Marley was right when he said his music will live on forever. its true. and too the day i die i will live though his music.
Tauro
His music is just so unbelievable, the vibe it gives me... just can't express it. His voice and his lyrics are just so powerfull!! Is there anyone who doesn't like his music? Because I think it's music for everyone to enjoy, all ages, all races ---> One! Keep spreading his knowledge and his wise worths of wisdom Peace
cyberhendrix
If we unite we will be free. Words to live by! LONG LIVE BOB MARLEY!
alivebytheriver
Really nostalgic to me, I was pretty lonely lonely and would listen to this everyday. Really happy yet sad memories
Tortillas mexico
BOB MARLEY LE PLUS GRAND PATRON DE TOUS LES TEMPS ! RESPECT À CE GRAND MONSIEUR ANTI SYSTÈME PARTI BEAUCOUP TROP TÔT ! BOB MARLEY HIER AUJOURD'HUI ET DEMAIN TOUJOURS D'ACTUALITÉ ! 💚💛❤
userisonline
Peace all over the World , love for everybody and RIP Mr Marley u were and still are the best. Big up for Marley's "kids" 2
Rick Godsey
Its damn shame some people dont get the Bob Marely sound or give it a chance i guess...its a beautiful and wholesome feeling
Rodrigo Coutinho
Muito bom!!!!!
Robert Kristiansen
One of the Best Marley songs.!