Smile Jamaica
Bob Marley & The Wailers Lyrics


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Feeling out, feeling down
This feeling wouldn't leave me alone
Then up came-a one that said (hey, Dread)
"Hey, Dread, dry, Natty Dread, and smile!"

You're in Jamaica: c'mon and smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, y'all!
(In Jamaica) Get it together, now!
In Jamaica, y'all

Soulful down, soulful people
Said, I see you're having fun,
Dancin' to the reggae rhythm,
O island in the sun
O smile!

(In Jamaica) c'mon and smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, right now!
(In Jamaica) Get it together, children!
(In Jamaica, y'all)

We're gonna help our people, help them right
O Lord, help us tonight!
Cast away that evil spell
Throw some water in the well,
And smile!

(In Jamaica) c'mon and smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get things together, right now!
(In Jamaica) Get it together, right now!
(In Jamaica, y'all)

Riddim wise (wise),
Dub-a wise (wise),
And other wise (wise)
Can't criticize (wise) our smile.

(In Jamaica) You're gonna smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, right now!
(In Jamaica) Get things together, right yow!
(In Jamaica, y'all)

Help the people, help them right!
O Lord, help us tonight!
Cast away evil spell
Throw some water in the well,
And smile!

(In Jamaica) You're gonna smile!
(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, children!
(In Jamaica) Get things together, right yow!
(In Jamaica, y'all)





Soulful down, soulful people,
Said, I know - I know that you're having fun!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bob Marley and The Wailers' song Smile Jamaica speak about the importance of smiling and coming together as a community to help each other. The beginning of the song describes the feeling of being down, but then someone suggests that the solution is to smile. The repetition of "In Jamaica, y'all" emphasizes the sense of community and togetherness that the song is trying to convey. The middle of the song is a call to action for people to help their fellow Jamaicans and to throw some water in the well, which is a reference to the Jamaican tradition of using a well as a means of communication.


The song includes the iconic reggae rhythms and catchy choruses that Bob Marley and The Wailers were known for, but it also has a deeper message about the power of community and positivity. It's a reminder that even when times may be tough, a smile and a helping hand can make a big difference.


Line by Line Meaning

Feeling out, feeling down
Feeling lost and sad


This feeling wouldn't leave me alone
Unable to shake off the negative emotions


Then up came-a one that said (hey, Dread)
Then someone came and addressed the singer as 'Dread'


"Hey, Dread, dry, Natty Dread, and smile!"
Encouraging the singer to cheer up and smile


You're in Jamaica: c'mon and smile!
As they are in Jamaica, urging everyone to smile


(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, y'all!
Encouraging everyone to unite and overcome their troubles in Jamaica


Soulful down, soulful people
People who are in touch with their emotions


Said, I see you're having fun,
Acknowledging that despite their troubles, people are still enjoying themselves


Dancin' to the reggae rhythm,
Everyone dancing to the music that is an important part of Jamaica's culture


O island in the sun
Celebrating the beauty and warmth of Jamaica


O smile!
Continuing to encourage everyone to smile


We're gonna help our people, help them right
Urging to help each other and work together to overcome their problems


O Lord, help us tonight!
Asking for divine intervention to help them


Cast away that evil spell
Trying to rid themselves of bad luck or negative influences


Throw some water in the well,
A Voodoo ritual to cast away negative influences


And smile!
Continuing to encourage everyone to smile


Riddim wise (wise), Dub-a wise (wise), And other wise (wise)
Different styles of music that are popular in Jamaica


Can't criticize (wise) our smile.
Commenting that no one can judge them for their happiness and smiles


(In Jamaica) You're gonna smile!
Reiterating that being in Jamaica should make everyone happy


(In Jamaica, y'all) Get it together, right now!
Urging everyone to get their act together and overcome their problems in Jamaica


Help the people, help them right!
Encouraging help for the community


O Lord, help us tonight!
Calling for divine help, once again


Cast away evil spell,
Continuing to try to outcast bad luck or negative influences


Throw some water in the well,
Encouraging the Voodoo ritual to cast away negative influences


And smile!
Continuing to encourage everyone to smile


Soulful down, soulful people,
Reminding everybody that they are still full of soul regardless of their troubles


Said, I know - I know that you're having fun!
Acknowledging the fun and revelry in the face of their hardships




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@malcolmgreen8759

I can’t understand why this great song was never included on a ‘best of’ Bob Marley album.

@EG-gi6iz

What a wonderful, beautiful soul! A true prophet who lives on forever. Love you Bob. Love all your songs and life teachings. You're my angel😇

@orangetownsend4283

☝️ 🌞🙏🏽

@berthacasillas2524

💯♠️🎬🎥💙😱👥🫶🏝️🏖️🌊

@barringtonedwards7008

HE'S YOUR ANGEL?😂😂😂

NO.

HE IS OUR ANGEL.

SILLY HUMANS

@ekwosi

This version has Lee Perry's production style written all over it.

@cameronos

It was produced by Lee!

@berthacasillas2524

🤳👁️🤎🫖☕🥐💨🥶🛰️🍂

@joedisonbispo4020

If you want to dance, don´t worry and dance a lot !

@antoniodaniele4465

this feeling wouldn't leave me alone
hey dread, fly natty dread!

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