Marcia Griffiths (born Marcia Llyneth Griffiths in Kingston, Jamaica, on 23… Read Full Bio ↴Marcia Griffiths (born Marcia Llyneth Griffiths in Kingston, Jamaica, on 23 November 1949) is a Jamaican singer. As well as her solo work, she worked with Bob Andy from 1970 to 1974 as a duo Bob & Marcia and from 1974 to 1981 she was a member of the I Threes, th trio of backing singers that supported Bob Marley & the Wailers.
Griffiths has been one of the most successful female reggae artist in the world with songs like "Young, Gifted And Black" (1970), "Feel Like Jumping" (1978) and "Steppin' Out Of Babylon" (1979), and "Electric Boogie (1990) . She cooperated with Bob Marley on all his LP albums for Island Records and in all tours until his death.
Griffiths began her early career with Bob Andy in the duo Bob and Marcia, who delivered hit songs like "Young, Gifted And Black" (1970) and "The Pied Piper" (1971). She was already an international star and more known than Bob Marley in 1973 where she contributed to the group's first LP on Island Records – Catch A Fire – by running in songs like "No More Trouble". In 1974, she joined Bob Marley & The Wailers as one of the permanent members of the I-Threes – the vocal trio that also included Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley, who lifted and reinforced Bob Marley's messages on the stage and studio albums.
Solo she delivered heavy love songs like "The First Time I Saw Your Face" and "Sweet Bitter Love" (1974) on the album Play Me Sweet And Niceand immortal roots reggae classic "Steppin' Out Of Babylon" on the album Steppin'. In between, she released the album Naturally, where she sang Bunny Wailer classic rastafarian song "Dreamland", Bob Marley's "Lonesome Feeling" and her own hit songs, "Feel Like Jumping" , "Truly" and "Melody Life" - songs that are still played by radio stations worldwide.
With some help from Bunny Wailer 1990 she hit the Billboard chart with “Electric Boogie” ( Carousell) and created a world class dance, the Electric Slide. This super star has been recording and performing ceaselessly.
At a reggae concert in South Florida, Griffiths displayed, in combination with Reggae rapper Cutty Ranks, on their duet of “Fire Burning”, all the zeal and elements that go into dancehall music. Griffiths exhibited the same exuberance when performing her international crossove hit “Electric Boogie.”
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Griffiths recalls “I started singing professionally as a vocalist in 1964, for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires band.” Her recording years started soon after, at Coxsone Dodd - Studio One where she recorded her first hit “Feel Like Jumping."
It was while recording at Studio One that Griffiths teamed up with Bob Andy on ‘Really Together," the first of many duets that the two would record. “Luckily for me, Bob Andy was always a strong and wise person”, says Griffiths. “He was there for me in the early days and that gave me confidence”. Then the pair moved to the Harry J Label, hitting the British, as well as the International charts with “Young Gifted and Black” and “The Pied Piper,” recording two albums of the same titles.
Following that duet success, she went solo again on the High Note label with Reggae's sole established female producer - Sonia Pottinger - hitting with several songs including her own original “Stepping Out of Babylon.” and releasing two albums “Naturally” and “Stepping”. When asked to express her opinion on female reggae vocalists, Marcia said “Its been a rough, tough job standing up as a woman in this business, that’s why my album before “Land of Love” I chose to call “Indomitable”, which means not easily discouraged or defeated. My views on women in reggae are positive; most of the new or upcoming female singers in reggae started out singing my songs before doing their own originals. I feel very good about that; to know that I have influenced my people positively.”
In 1974, Griffiths united with Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes as an important part of the Bob Marley entourage. “Words are not enough to express my experience with the I-Threes and Bob Marley and the Wailers”, says Marcia. “What a blessing to be so privileged.....to have shared this experience”.
Griffiths gained solo international recognition with her monster hit “Electric Boogie.” This song was first recorded in 1982 and went to the #1 spot on the Jamaican charts. Sales continued over the years and in 1989, a Washington, DC Disc Jockey started playing it regularly and in no time, it caught on and hit the station’s regular rotation list.
A new dance, the Electric Slide, was created from the “Electric Boogie” song and as a result, sales soared and the “Electric Slide” became popular all over the U.S. The song and dance have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue shows, and the video has been aired many times on the Black Entertainment TV (BET) and other nationwide music networks.
Marcia Llyneth Griffiths was born on November 23, 1949 to Joseph and Beatrice Griffiths. The family hailed from a poor section of West Kingston, but as bad as things were, Marcia considered those days glorious, because there was always one thing in abundance - one thing that made them the wealthiest family in the world - one thing that no one could take from them... Love.
Marcia as a teenager attended Kingston Senior School, and was a zealous member of her church choir. In fact, she was always taking part in some school concert or play. She loved to hang out and sing with friends, often times sneaking out of the house after her parents had gone to bed. It was during one such nightly excursion, that the slim fifteen year old beauty managed to get herself discovered.
Philip “Boasie” James lead singer of the Blues Busters vocal duo was visiting his girlfriend, who lived next door to Marcia, and heard this lovely voice floating through the air. He could not believe his ears, and subsequently took Marcia straight away to Byron Lee and insisted that this song-bird be included on the upcoming talent show to be held at the Carib Theater in Kingston. Marcia remembers that Byron was upset with “Boasie” for coming to interrupt his well planned program schedule and insisting that this "nobody" go on his show.
Marcia remembers she performed a Carla Thomas original,“No Time To Lose” to phenomenal response from the audience. They demanded an encore, but to no avail, as she had only rehearsed one song with the band. As much as she wanted to, she could not do any more performances that day.
The attention Marcia received after this auspicious debut was overwhelming. Everyone wanted to manage her, including Byron Lee’s manager Ronnie Nasralla. That same night he took her to the studios of JBC where Marcia made her first television debut. All in one day were the ingredients of an overnight success story which no one realized was about to happen. The rest is history, for the girl who became first the queen, the matriarch of Reggae Music. Marcia L. Griffiths OD., a great contributor to Reggae Music, is most fitting for the royal, prestigious, and respectful title of Reggae Empress.
In 2004 at the dawning of the 21st century, the most influential female artist in Jamaican popular music, Marcia Griffiths OD is briskly fanning the flames of Reggae Music. Working in the studio, releasing records and touring. Marcia continues her mission of spreading the message in the music into the new millennium.
In between studio sessions, Marcia has been on the road. In the past two years she has enjoyed a successful tour of the USA with Beres Hammond and Freddie Mcgregor. Traveling to England with Beres Hammond they performed an extensive tour with the same overwhelming results. Forward on a yard, Marcia shared the stage with Boyz II Men at the massive Spring Break concert for MTV in Negril Jamaica. Returning to the US, she performed in Orlando, Florida, (Disney World) Universal Studio, at the opening of the Bob Marley Museum. Sharing the bill were the I-Threes, Ziggy Marley and Inner Circle. Moving on up to New York, Marcia displayed two memorable shows with Beres Hammond and Buju Banton at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Going further north Marcia worked in Toronto and Montreal with John Holt and Ken Boothe. Again in the USA with Bob Andy as the Legendary duo, they performed at the Bob Marley Day Celebration in Los Angeles, before heading down south to perform at the historic Reggae meets Rocksteady showcase in Miami. Next Marcia toured with the legendary Wailers Band. Then the I-Threes were off for shows in Italy, Europe and South Africa. Returning to Jamaica, the I-Threes shared the stage for two shows with R&B legends Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. In November 2002, along with John Holt, Ken Boothe and Mikey Spice, Marcia produced an historical performance with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Wembley Arena, Birmingham and Aston Vill Leisure Centre, Middlesex. Since then Marcia has performed in New York, Toronto, Atlanta, Miami and Jamaica.
The driving force of the Reggae Empress is fueled by her inner desire to serve the people of the world with sweet reggae music. She said “ Music alone shall live, and it’s not only for the money, but the satisfaction I get from doing the work that I love, that is what really keeps me going everyday”.
Griffiths has been one of the most successful female reggae artist in the world with songs like "Young, Gifted And Black" (1970), "Feel Like Jumping" (1978) and "Steppin' Out Of Babylon" (1979), and "Electric Boogie (1990) . She cooperated with Bob Marley on all his LP albums for Island Records and in all tours until his death.
Griffiths began her early career with Bob Andy in the duo Bob and Marcia, who delivered hit songs like "Young, Gifted And Black" (1970) and "The Pied Piper" (1971). She was already an international star and more known than Bob Marley in 1973 where she contributed to the group's first LP on Island Records – Catch A Fire – by running in songs like "No More Trouble". In 1974, she joined Bob Marley & The Wailers as one of the permanent members of the I-Threes – the vocal trio that also included Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley, who lifted and reinforced Bob Marley's messages on the stage and studio albums.
Solo she delivered heavy love songs like "The First Time I Saw Your Face" and "Sweet Bitter Love" (1974) on the album Play Me Sweet And Niceand immortal roots reggae classic "Steppin' Out Of Babylon" on the album Steppin'. In between, she released the album Naturally, where she sang Bunny Wailer classic rastafarian song "Dreamland", Bob Marley's "Lonesome Feeling" and her own hit songs, "Feel Like Jumping" , "Truly" and "Melody Life" - songs that are still played by radio stations worldwide.
With some help from Bunny Wailer 1990 she hit the Billboard chart with “Electric Boogie” ( Carousell) and created a world class dance, the Electric Slide. This super star has been recording and performing ceaselessly.
At a reggae concert in South Florida, Griffiths displayed, in combination with Reggae rapper Cutty Ranks, on their duet of “Fire Burning”, all the zeal and elements that go into dancehall music. Griffiths exhibited the same exuberance when performing her international crossove hit “Electric Boogie.”
--------------------------------------------------
Griffiths recalls “I started singing professionally as a vocalist in 1964, for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires band.” Her recording years started soon after, at Coxsone Dodd - Studio One where she recorded her first hit “Feel Like Jumping."
It was while recording at Studio One that Griffiths teamed up with Bob Andy on ‘Really Together," the first of many duets that the two would record. “Luckily for me, Bob Andy was always a strong and wise person”, says Griffiths. “He was there for me in the early days and that gave me confidence”. Then the pair moved to the Harry J Label, hitting the British, as well as the International charts with “Young Gifted and Black” and “The Pied Piper,” recording two albums of the same titles.
Following that duet success, she went solo again on the High Note label with Reggae's sole established female producer - Sonia Pottinger - hitting with several songs including her own original “Stepping Out of Babylon.” and releasing two albums “Naturally” and “Stepping”. When asked to express her opinion on female reggae vocalists, Marcia said “Its been a rough, tough job standing up as a woman in this business, that’s why my album before “Land of Love” I chose to call “Indomitable”, which means not easily discouraged or defeated. My views on women in reggae are positive; most of the new or upcoming female singers in reggae started out singing my songs before doing their own originals. I feel very good about that; to know that I have influenced my people positively.”
In 1974, Griffiths united with Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes as an important part of the Bob Marley entourage. “Words are not enough to express my experience with the I-Threes and Bob Marley and the Wailers”, says Marcia. “What a blessing to be so privileged.....to have shared this experience”.
Griffiths gained solo international recognition with her monster hit “Electric Boogie.” This song was first recorded in 1982 and went to the #1 spot on the Jamaican charts. Sales continued over the years and in 1989, a Washington, DC Disc Jockey started playing it regularly and in no time, it caught on and hit the station’s regular rotation list.
A new dance, the Electric Slide, was created from the “Electric Boogie” song and as a result, sales soared and the “Electric Slide” became popular all over the U.S. The song and dance have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey and Phil Donahue shows, and the video has been aired many times on the Black Entertainment TV (BET) and other nationwide music networks.
Marcia Llyneth Griffiths was born on November 23, 1949 to Joseph and Beatrice Griffiths. The family hailed from a poor section of West Kingston, but as bad as things were, Marcia considered those days glorious, because there was always one thing in abundance - one thing that made them the wealthiest family in the world - one thing that no one could take from them... Love.
Marcia as a teenager attended Kingston Senior School, and was a zealous member of her church choir. In fact, she was always taking part in some school concert or play. She loved to hang out and sing with friends, often times sneaking out of the house after her parents had gone to bed. It was during one such nightly excursion, that the slim fifteen year old beauty managed to get herself discovered.
Philip “Boasie” James lead singer of the Blues Busters vocal duo was visiting his girlfriend, who lived next door to Marcia, and heard this lovely voice floating through the air. He could not believe his ears, and subsequently took Marcia straight away to Byron Lee and insisted that this song-bird be included on the upcoming talent show to be held at the Carib Theater in Kingston. Marcia remembers that Byron was upset with “Boasie” for coming to interrupt his well planned program schedule and insisting that this "nobody" go on his show.
Marcia remembers she performed a Carla Thomas original,“No Time To Lose” to phenomenal response from the audience. They demanded an encore, but to no avail, as she had only rehearsed one song with the band. As much as she wanted to, she could not do any more performances that day.
The attention Marcia received after this auspicious debut was overwhelming. Everyone wanted to manage her, including Byron Lee’s manager Ronnie Nasralla. That same night he took her to the studios of JBC where Marcia made her first television debut. All in one day were the ingredients of an overnight success story which no one realized was about to happen. The rest is history, for the girl who became first the queen, the matriarch of Reggae Music. Marcia L. Griffiths OD., a great contributor to Reggae Music, is most fitting for the royal, prestigious, and respectful title of Reggae Empress.
In 2004 at the dawning of the 21st century, the most influential female artist in Jamaican popular music, Marcia Griffiths OD is briskly fanning the flames of Reggae Music. Working in the studio, releasing records and touring. Marcia continues her mission of spreading the message in the music into the new millennium.
In between studio sessions, Marcia has been on the road. In the past two years she has enjoyed a successful tour of the USA with Beres Hammond and Freddie Mcgregor. Traveling to England with Beres Hammond they performed an extensive tour with the same overwhelming results. Forward on a yard, Marcia shared the stage with Boyz II Men at the massive Spring Break concert for MTV in Negril Jamaica. Returning to the US, she performed in Orlando, Florida, (Disney World) Universal Studio, at the opening of the Bob Marley Museum. Sharing the bill were the I-Threes, Ziggy Marley and Inner Circle. Moving on up to New York, Marcia displayed two memorable shows with Beres Hammond and Buju Banton at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Going further north Marcia worked in Toronto and Montreal with John Holt and Ken Boothe. Again in the USA with Bob Andy as the Legendary duo, they performed at the Bob Marley Day Celebration in Los Angeles, before heading down south to perform at the historic Reggae meets Rocksteady showcase in Miami. Next Marcia toured with the legendary Wailers Band. Then the I-Threes were off for shows in Italy, Europe and South Africa. Returning to Jamaica, the I-Threes shared the stage for two shows with R&B legends Gladys Knight and Patti LaBelle. In November 2002, along with John Holt, Ken Boothe and Mikey Spice, Marcia produced an historical performance with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra at the Wembley Arena, Birmingham and Aston Vill Leisure Centre, Middlesex. Since then Marcia has performed in New York, Toronto, Atlanta, Miami and Jamaica.
The driving force of the Reggae Empress is fueled by her inner desire to serve the people of the world with sweet reggae music. She said “ Music alone shall live, and it’s not only for the money, but the satisfaction I get from doing the work that I love, that is what really keeps me going everyday”.
I Shall Sing
Marcia Griffiths Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
Mmm, even though I'm old but I'm young
A little weak, but I know I am strong
Old enough to know what's right
Young enough to dance all night
Too weak to hold it back
Strong enough it give you heart attack
The situation sweep my soul
As long as I live
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
In my days I've seen many faces
Mmm, and been many places
Too late to turn back now
If I do Jah will strike me down
Yes, I have places to go
Yes, and a lot of things to do
If you think I'd give it up now
As long as I live
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
Mmm, I thank God that he made me to sing
To the world all over love message I'll bring
He put a song in my heart, yes, I know
Come along people, good seeds we'll sow
I don't care what they do or say
I'll never stop singing, oh, no, no way
Some day I will get my pay
As long as I live
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
Mmm, in my days I've seen many faces
Mmm, and been many places
Too late to turn back now
If I do Jah will strike me down
Yes, I have places to go
Yes, and a lot of things to do
If you think I'd give it up now
As long as I live
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live (I know, I know, I know, I know)
And as long as I live, I shall sing
I shall sing
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
Mmm, even though I'm old but I'm young
A little weak, but I know I am strong
Old enough to know what's right
Too weak to hold it back
Strong enough it give you heart attack
The situation sweep my soul
As long as I live
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
In my days I've seen many faces
Mmm, and been many places
Too late to turn back now
If I do Jah will strike me down
Yes, I have places to go
Yes, and a lot of things to do
If you think I'd give it up now
As long as I live
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
Mmm, I thank God that he made me to sing
To the world all over love message I'll bring
He put a song in my heart, yes, I know
Come along people, good seeds we'll sow
I don't care what they do or say
I'll never stop singing, oh, no, no way
Some day I will get my pay
As long as I live
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
Mmm, in my days I've seen many faces
Mmm, and been many places
Too late to turn back now
If I do Jah will strike me down
Yes, I have places to go
Yes, and a lot of things to do
If you think I'd give it up now
As long as I live
I shall sing as long as I live
And as long as I live, I shall sing
And I shall sing as long as I live (I know, I know, I know, I know)
And as long as I live, I shall sing
I shall sing
In Marcia Griffiths's song "I Shall Sing," the singer joyfully asserts that she will continue to sing as long as she lives. She celebrates her age and experience, declaring herself old but young, weak but strong. She has seen many faces and been to many places, but she is not yet ready to turn back. Griffiths also expresses gratitude for her gift of song, which she sees as a means of spreading love and positivity, regardless of what others may say or do. She is steadfast in her determination to continue singing, no matter what, and encourages others to join her in sowing good seeds.
Line by Line Meaning
I shall sing as long as I live
I will continue to sing for my entire life
And as long as I live, I shall sing
My singing will not stop as long as I live
Mmm, even though I'm old but I'm young
I may be old, but I still feel young inside
A little weak, but I know I am strong
While I may be physically weak, I have inner strength
Old enough to know what's right
With my age and experience, I know what is morally correct
Young enough to dance all night
Despite my age, I still have energy to dance all night
Too weak to hold it back
I am too passionate to hold back my singing
Strong enough it give you heart attack
My singing is powerful enough to leave an impact on listeners
The situation sweep my soul
My emotions are stirred by the situation around me
In my days I've seen many faces
Over the years, I have encountered many people
Mmm, and been many places
I have traveled to various locations
Too late to turn back now
I cannot stop singing now
If I do Jah will strike me down
If I stop singing, I will face consequences from God
Yes, I have places to go
I have more destinations to reach
Yes, and a lot of things to do
I have many goals to accomplish
I thank God that he made me to sing
I am grateful to God for giving me the gift of singing
To the world all over love message I'll bring
I use my singing to spread a message of love to the world
He put a song in my heart, yes, I know
God has inspired me to sing from the bottom of my heart
Come along people, good seeds we'll sow
We will spread positivity and goodness through our actions
I don't care what they do or say
Others' opinions do not deter me from singing
I'll never stop singing, oh, no, no way
I will continue singing no matter what
Some day I will get my pay
I believe that my hard work and talent will be rewarded someday
And as long as I live, I shall sing
My passion for singing will never waver
Contributed by Kaitlyn M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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@sarahbradbury4676
This song got me back to singing and listening to music after my brother died . I listen to it every Friday after my therapy and i shall carry on singing till i die
@RasJabal
Rasta Family 🙏🏾
@onelove5578
This lady deserve a grammy
@BosslaGrusome
Who's still listening in 2023??
@stephenabayo1813
Here
@shaleneevans5150
For sure
@Eman-ee6vg
Who wouldn’t?
@lenardlangat8104
2023
@duncanmuga1616
the general is still listening 🎶 👌🏿
@KingRob777
Even though I'm old but I'm young, a little weak but I'm strong. I shall sing as long as I live, this is a classic🏆🔥