Damian was two years old when his father Bob died; he is the only child born to Marley and Cindy Breakspeare, Miss World 1976. Damian's nickname Junior Gong is derived from his father's nickname of Tuff Gong. Damian has been performing since the age of 13 and released his first album in 1996, at the age of 18. He shares, along with most of his family, a full-time career in music. Unlike his brothers and sisters, however, his musical specialty is "toasting", a Jamaican vocal technique that is a predecessor to rapping.
Damian has 3 records to date, including the highest placed reggae album in the USA billboard album charts with Welcome To Jamrock, and the highest place reggae song in the UK Top 40 with Welcome to Jamrock.
Like his father before him and the rest of the Marley family, he is a Rastafarian and his music reflects the Rastafari guiding principles of love and political freedom.
Mr. Marley
Damian Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
With the forklift on the night shift on the Zion Train
Babylon by bus or Babylon by plane
When the race gets hard to run around run all through your vein
All nation a bow just to hear him sing, say
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
When the music hit you, you no feel no pain
In Mt. Zion is where he live and reign
He said, "I don't wanna, I don't wanna wait in vain"
Chase those crazy bald head then from off of the lane
Guide a lot of people out of sorrow and shame
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
Everyman have the right to decide his own destiny
And in his judgment there is no partiality
So don't you think that you are better cause you gwan boasty
I've got to keep on moving so them can't hold me
Di man shot the sheriff and him spare the deputy
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
With the forklift on the night shift on the Zion Train
Babylon by bus or Babylon by plane
When the race gets hard to run di blood run all through your vein
Whether the confrontation or the uprising
All nation a bow just to hear him sing, say
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
Mr. Marley, them know your name
Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame
The lyrics to Damian Marley’s song Mr. Marley are a tribute to his father, the legendary Bob Marley. The song begins by acknowledging the global recognition and acceptance of Bob Marley’s music, stating that “Mr. Marley, them know your name/Ragamuffin Mr. Marley in the Hall of Fame.” The lyrics then go on to paint a picture of Bob Marley’s tireless work ethic and relentless dedication to spreading his message through music, referencing the “forklift on the night shift on the Zion Train/Babylon by bus or Babylon by plane.”
The lyrics continue to highlight the universal impact of Bob Marley’s music, acknowledging that “All nation a bow just to hear him sing.” The song ultimately employs Bob Marley’s own words to convey the message of individual agency and the fight for justice, as referenced in the lines “Everyman have the right to decide his own destiny/And in his judgment there is no partiality.” Overall, Mr. Marley is a powerful tribute to the life and legacy of Bob Marley, highlighting both his immense impact on global culture and his steadfast commitment to justice through music.
Line by Line Meaning
Mr. Marley, them know your name
The world knows you, Mr. Marley, a ragamuffin who has achieved great success and earned your place in the Hall of Fame.
With the forklift on the night shift on the Zion Train
You work hard, even during the night, to stay on the path towards Zion where you believe you belong.
Babylon by bus or Babylon by plane
You have encountered many obstacles and challenges, traveling by various means, before reaching your current station in life.
When the race gets hard to run around run all through your vein
In difficult times, you push yourself to keep striving because the passion and commitment to your goals flow through your veins.
Whether the confrontation or the uprising
You persevered through confrontations, uprisings, and resistance on your journey.
All nation a bow just to hear him sing, say
Your music and message have touched many people across different nations and cultures, making them respect and honor you.
When the music hit you, you no feel no pain
Your music has healing power, and it brings joy and relief to those who listen to it.
In Mt. Zion is where he live and reign
You see yourself as living in and ruling over a spiritual place called Mt. Zion, where you are free and empowered.
He said, "I don't wanna, I don't wanna wait in vain"
You value time and do not want to waste it on waiting for things to happen. You take action and create your own destiny.
Chase those crazy bald head then from off of the lane
You reject and oppose those who are crazy and selfish, blocking your path to success and happiness.
Guide a lot of people out of sorrow and shame
You have been a role model and a source of inspiration for many people who were struggling with sadness and guilt. You have helped them find hope and pride.
Everyman have the right to decide his own destiny
You believe that everyone should have the freedom to make their own choices and shape their life according to their wishes and values.
And in his judgment there is no partiality
You see everyone as equal, and you do not discriminate or favor anyone based on superficial differences like race, gender or religion.
So don't you think that you are better cause you gwan boasty
You advise against arrogance and boastfulness, reminding people that no one is superior to others and that we all need to remain humble and respectful.
I've got to keep on moving so them can't hold me
You feel the need to keep advancing and growing, knowing that others may try to limit or discourage you.
Di man shot the sheriff and him spare the deputy
You refer to the story of a man who shot a corrupt leader but showed mercy to his innocent colleague. You believe in fighting against injustice and corruption with compassion and fairness.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Damian Robert Nesta Marley, Stephen Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Janaina Araújo
on Julie
Gosto muito!!!
Serigne Mbacke Thiam
on Welcome to Jamrock
damian marley serigne mbacke @gmail.com 1525