Lick Samba
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics


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Lick Samba, lick Samba, lick Samba; wo-oh, lick samba!
A me say: lick Samba, lick Samba, wo, now! (wo-oh, lick samba!)

I could not resist (lick samba, lick samba, lick samba) - wo, now!
(Wo-oh, lick samba!)
Another like dis (lick samba, lick samba, lick samba) - wo, now!
(Wo-oh,) lick samba!
And though I know you hurt me again, - wo-oh, lick samba!
I'll go on, I'll feel the pain; - wo-oh, lick samba!
And it's not that I am weak, - wo-oh, lick samba!
But it's that I'm on a peak, oh darlin'. Wo-oh, lick samba!

A just-a lick Samba, lick Samba, lick Samba; I say: wo-oh, lick samba!
Wo, now! Wo-oh, lick samba!
Wo, now, now! Wo-oh, lick samba!

Bring it up, a-lick it one time right here; - wo-oh, lick samba!
I'll settle a little, a claim, baby; - wo-oh, lick samba!
You can write it down in my name; - wo-oh, lick samba!
Morning time, noon or night; - wo-oh, lick samba!

A dis-a lick samba, lick samba, lick samba! Woh oh, lick samba!
Lick samba, lick samba, lick samba, wo now! Woh oh, lick samba!

Yea-yeah: Wo, darlin'! Woh oh, lick samba!
Woo, yeah! If it's morning time, I'm ready
(lick samba, lick samba, lick samba); wo-oh, lick samba!
If it's late at night, I'm steady
(lick samba, lick samba, lick samba); wo-oh, lick samba!
Give it to you anytime, oh darlin'!
(lick samba, lick samba, lick samba) Wo-oh, lick samba!




I'm not a preacher, but I am callin'
(lick samba, lick samba, lick samba); wo-oh, lick samba!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bob Marley & The Wailer's song "Lick Samba" are all about surrendering to the rhythm of the samba. The repeated refrain of "lick samba" serves as a mantra, urging the listener to fully immerse themselves in the music. The lyrics also hint at a romantic relationship where the singer accepts the pain and hurt of their partner and continues to love them regardless. The peak that they refer to could be a metaphor for the euphoria that comes from being lost in the music and the love that one has for their partner.


The phrase "lick samba" itself is interesting as it combines both a Jamaican and Brazilian musical culture. The word "lick" in Jamaican slang means to give something one's all, to put in extra effort or to simply enjoy something to the fullest extent. The samba, on the other hand, is a Brazilian dance and musical genre that was born out of a mix of African and Portuguese influences. This song represents a musical fusion of two cultures that are often considered to be quite distinct.


Interestingly, the song was actually recorded during a jam session with some of Brazil's top musicians, including percussionist Paulinho Da Costa and flutist Teco Cardoso. The song was recorded in 1978, during Marley's exile in London following an assassination attempt on his life in Jamaica. This period was a very prolific time for Marley and his band, and they were experimenting with different sounds and styles while in London.


Line by Line Meaning

Lick Samba, lick Samba, lick Samba; wo-oh, lick samba!
Repeating the phrase 'lick Samba' with enthusiasm and excitement.


A me say: lick Samba, lick Samba, wo, now! (wo-oh, lick samba!)
Saying 'lick Samba' again with excitement and reinforcing the rhythm of the song.


I could not resist (lick samba, lick samba, lick samba) - wo, now! (Wo-oh, lick samba!) Another like dis (lick samba, lick samba, lick samba) - wo, now! (Wo-oh,) lick samba!
Unable to resist the infectious joy and rhythm of the song, and inviting others to join in.


And though I know you hurt me again, - wo-oh, lick samba! I'll go on, I'll feel the pain; - wo-oh, lick samba! And it's not that I am weak, - wo-oh, lick samba! But it's that I'm on a peak, oh darlin'. Wo-oh, lick samba!
Despite being hurt, the singer is not weak because they are at a peak of joy and happiness along with the rhythm of the song.


A just-a lick Samba, lick Samba, lick Samba; I say: wo-oh, lick samba! Wo, now! Wo-oh, lick samba! Wo, now, now! Wo-oh, lick samba!
Repeating the phrase 'lick Samba' with increasing intensity and joy.


Bring it up, a-lick it one time right here; - wo-oh, lick samba! I'll settle a little, a claim, baby; - wo-oh, lick samba! You can write it down in my name; - wo-oh, lick samba! Morning time, noon or night; - wo-oh, lick samba!
Asking for the music to continue and claiming the joy and rhythm of the song as their own, no matter the time of day.


Yea-yeah: Wo, darlin'! Woh oh, lick samba! Woo, yeah! If it's morning time, I'm ready (lick samba, lick samba, lick samba); wo-oh, lick samba! If it's late at night, I'm steady (lick samba, lick samba, lick samba); wo-oh, lick samba! Give it to you anytime, oh darlin'! (lick samba, lick samba, lick samba) Wo-oh, lick samba! I'm not a preacher, but I am callin' (lick samba, lick samba, lick samba); wo-oh, lick samba!
Expressing willingness to enjoy the music and rhythm of the song at any time, and calling others to join without any preachings or restrictions.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@eirodgers

This song is perfect. Doesn’t it make you wanna go to Jamaica?

@stephenjones9101

I am a white 43 year old man and this is my tune !

@tonyday5002

Curious question what does your race have to do with liking the song ? Just curious 🧐 Keep enjoying the music my friend . Peace and love from a colourless 🇯🇲 🙏

@TheTredoc

This song 🎵 is a High-grade love ❤️ and passion between a man and woman with all the elements of: dancing, caressing, romancing with a calling. OUT N LOUD INTERNATIONALLY! One Luv ❤️!!!

@1lovebaking

​@@tonyday5002right? Never got why people had to emphasize what race they are

Oh ho I'm a white guy who listens to reggae! 💀💀

@johnfernandes9774

I am die hard fan of Bob, 53, first time I listening this

@TheTredoc

This song 🎵 is a High-grade love ❤️ and passion between a man and woman with all the elements of: dancing, caressing, romancing with a calling. OUT N LOUD INTERNATIONALLY! One Luv ❤️!!!

@AllseasonsProduce

Licksamba❤❤❤😊😊

@ClainSebastien-bw4fi

Lick samba this song make me cry

@sharontracey3563

Boom bang bbz...thanks Bob..come again...I wish u could....same way ...that's the Bob I learn with 😍...sweet like sugar....

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