Roots Rock Reggae
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics

In "Roots Rock Reggae," Bob Marley celebrates reggae music and dances freely to it. He sings "Play I some music, (dis a) reggae music/Roots, rock, reggae, dis a reggae music," expressing his desire for the rhythm to be played and outlining the three elements that constitute reggae music's soul: roots, rock, and reggae. Marley's choice of the word "roots" represents the genre's spiritual and cultural foundations, while "rock" refers to the uptempo, guitar-driven beat. This beat was popularized by Marley and the Wailers, as they pioneered the genre and blended beats in a manner that is rhythmically stimulating. The lyrics, "Hey, mister music, you sure sound good to me/I can't refuse it, what to be got to be," are essentially affirming that the vibrations they receive from the music are electrifying and undeniable.

Furthermore, Marley and the Wailers expressed that the reggae message should be disseminated throughout the world, thus continuing to spread throughout the world. He therefore sings, "Play I on the R and B, want all my people to see/We bubblin' on the top one hundred, just like a mighty dread." He believes in the genre and believes it can break barriers throughout the music industry.

Overall, "Roots Rock Reggae" is a song of joy and authentic self-expression, in which the artist celebrates the power of music and the genre that brought him success. Marley and the Wailers thereby raise awareness of the political and cultural achievements that the genre embodies. The lyrics implore the listener to evoke a spirited feeling of freedom and dance with ease.