Bob Marley and the Wailers (previously known as The Wailers, and prior to t… Read Full Bio ↴Bob Marley and the Wailers (previously known as The Wailers, and prior to that The Wailing Rudeboys, The Wailing Wailers and The Teenagers) were a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae band. The founding members, in 1963, were Bob Marley (Robert Nesta Marley), Peter Tosh (Hubert Winston McIntosh), and Bunny Wailer (Neville Livingston).

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)

Fussin' and Fighting
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Why's this fussing and a-fighting?
I wanna know, lord, I wanna know
Why's this bumping and a-boring?
I wanna know, lord, I wanna know now

We should really love each other (love each other)
In peace and harmony (peace and harmony), ooh
Instead, we're fussing and fighting (fussing and fighting)

And them workin' iniquity (... iniquity)

Why's this fussing and a-fighting?
I wanna know, lord, I wanna know (... know), I wanna know now
Why's this cheating and backbiting?
(I wanna know ...) I wanna know, oh, lord, I wanna know now

(stop your fussing and fighting, stop your fussing and fighting)

(stop your fussing and fighting, stop your fussing and fighting)

We should really love each other (love each other)
In peace and harmony (peace and harmony)
Instead, instead, we're fussing and fighting (fussing and fighting)
Like we ain't supposed to be (... supposed to be), tell me why

Why's this fussing and a-fighting?
I wanna know, lord, I wanna know, someone, please

Why's this (... bumping and ...) bumping and boring?
(I wanna ...) I wanna know (... I wanna know), lord, tell me now ...

Overall Meaning

The song "Fussing and Fighting" by Bob Marley & The Wailers is a commentary on the conflicts and troubles in society. The lyrics voices concern about the constant turmoil, cheating and backstabbing that goes on between people. The song questions why there has to be so much fighting and conflict when love and peace are always possible. Marley sings about the need for love and harmony between people, highlighting the importance of peace in our everyday interactions with our fellow beings.

Marley calls on people to stop their "fussing and fighting" and instead focus on loving each other in peace and harmony. His message is clear that we all should be working together instead of against each other. The lines, "Instead, instead, we're fussing and fighting, like we ain't supposed to be, tell me why," highlights the disappointment and confusion that comes with the fact that we should all know better and yet conflicts continues to exist.

The song's lyrics are a call to action for people to take responsibility for their actions and treat others with kindness and respect. It emphases that actions have consequences, and it is up to us to make the right choices to ensure a peaceful and loving society. Overall, "Fussing and Fighting" is a gentle reminder to everyone to treat others with love and respect so as to foster harmony in society.

Line by Line Meaning

Why's this fussing and a-fighting?
What is the reason for all this quarreling and conflict?

I wanna know, lord, I wanna know
I am seeking an answer from a higher power.

Why's this bumping and a-boring?
What is causing all this friction and agitation?

We should really love each other (love each other)
Our imperative is to care deeply for one another.

In peace and harmony (peace and harmony), ooh
This caring should be expressed through tranquility and accord.

Instead, we're fussing and fighting (fussing and fighting)
But, regrettably, we are engaging in conflict.

And them workin' iniquity (... iniquity)
Moreover, there are those among us who are acting wickedly.

Why's this cheating and backbiting?
What is the reason for this lying and slander?

(I wanna know ...) I wanna know, oh, lord, I wanna know now
I am still seeking a divine explanation.

(stop your fussing and fighting, stop your fussing and fighting)
There should be an end to all this conflict and discord.

We should really love each other (love each other)
Our imperative is to care deeply for one another.