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)
IT HURTS TO BE ALONE
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And your teardrops start
Then you'll know how
It hurts to be alone
Just because you think that you're so smart
Going around breaking lover's hearts
Now you're defeated
After he, breaks your heart
Then you'll be sad
And your teardrops start
Then you'll know now
It hurts to be alone
Bob Marley's It Hurts to Be Alone is about karma and the pain that comes from deliberately causing hurt in others. The song opens with a warning that karma will catch up with those who think they are clever for breaking someone else's heart. The lyrics describe a person who has just received their own deserved comeuppance: they have been the victim of a heartbreak, and as a result, realize the pain they caused in the past. The lyrics express the idea that sometimes people only understand the true depth of their actions when they experience a similar pain themselves.
The verse "just because you think that you're so smart, going around breaking lover's hearts" highlights the arrogance that comes with being a heartbreaker. They believe they are so intelligent for getting what they want, however, their actions cause hurt and heartache. The bridge "after he, breaks your heart, then you'll be sad, and your teardrops start, then you'll know now, it hurts to be alone" emphasizes that the only way to truly understand the pain that comes from causing others pain is to experience it themselves.
Overall, It Hurts to Be Alone conveys the message that every action has consequences, and the pain felt from causing others grief will eventually catch up with them. The lyrics encourage individuals to treat others with kindness and respect, as the repercussions of causing pain can result in an abundance of grief.
Line by Line Meaning
Then you'll be sad
Once your lover leaves you, you will feel a great sense of sadness.
And your teardrops start
You will cry and shed tears to express your emotions.
Then you'll know how
Experiencing heartbreak will make you understand what others go through when they are alone.
It hurts to be alone
Being alone is a painful experience and it can cause great emotional suffering.
Just because you think that you're so smart
Thinking that you are clever and can manipulate others can lead to hurting them and causing pain.
Going around breaking lover's hearts
Deliberately hurting someone you claim to care for will eventually catch up with you.
Now you're defeated
Your tactics have failed you and you are the one who is suffering.
By your own weapon
The harm you caused others has backfired and caused pain in your own life.
After he, breaks your heart
Once someone you love leaves you, the pain and sadness you feel will be intense.
Then you'll be sad
You will experience deep sorrow and unhappiness.
And your teardrops start
You will cry and feel emotional pain.
Then you'll know now
Experiencing heartbreak will make you realize the pain that comes with being alone.
It hurts to be alone
Being left alone can be a traumatic and agonizing experience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SamuelPeretta
After he, breaks your heart
Then you'll be sad
And your teardrops start
Then you'll know how
It hurts to be alone
Just because you think that you're so smart
Going around breaking lover's hearts
Now you're defeated
By your own weapon
After he, breaks your heart
Then you'll be sad
And your teardrops start
Then you'll know now
It hurts to be alone
@sweetella280
I came to hear Beverly's voice ,she should be recognized and paid every red cent😢!!
@LenaSimmons
Is like I’m looking at Bob right now over by the park side at 12 First Street - 😢Bob always had a mischievous smile on his face and a little tease here and there when I passed by him. He was such a jovial and decent man - my brother and Bob were very close. I lived at 14 so I passed by him every evening -I was very scared of Georgie so I would walk on the park side where Bob was - may his soul rest in peace. ❤❤❤
@dehdehblacks2086
The lead vocals is Junior Brathwaite, the lead guitarist is Ernie Ranglin. When I first heard this song in the summer of 1965 at a Fair at Central Branch primary School. Me and the great crown prince of Reggae Dennis Emanuel Brown, were students there at the time. I remembered every note played in that guitar solo rift by heart. The sound system played that song at least a dozen times and it stuck in my head for ever and ever. That's one of the best Jamaican ballads of all time!!!
@elliesworld4112
Very cool! Thanks for sharing that and I agree with you on this song!!
@alfredoricardomellaaraya9141
so this would be the vocal sextet considered the foundation of the Wailers? Junior Braithwaite, Beverly Kelso, Cherry Smith, Peter Tosh, Bunny Livingstone and Bob Marley
@alexc.c.4025
I just learned this. Thos os one of my favorite old school wailer spngs ever. I never knew about any other singers haha. So crazy
@alexc.c.4025
By the way. Dennis Brown wow. And I not agree but would add one of the best ballads internationally. 🙂
@juniorh9238
I thought the lead vocalist was beverly Kelso!
@ohgoshherecomesmommie
Awesome simple Awesome I had to come hear Beverly voice again...beautiful 🎉
@markwebb4773
People, this is JUNIOR BRAITHWAITE on lead vocals. Not BOB MARLEY!