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 β Catch A Fire β 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 β 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 βElectric Boogieβ ( 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 βFire Burningβ, all the zeal and elements that go into dancehall music. Griffiths exhibited the same exuberance when performing her international crossove hit βElectric Boogie.β
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Griffiths recalls βI started singing professionally as a vocalist in 1964, for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires band.β Her recording years started soon after, at Coxsone Dodd - Studio One where she recorded her first hit βFeel Like Jumping."
It was while recording at Studio One that Griffiths teamed up with Bob Andy on βReally Together," the first of many duets that the two would record. βLuckily for me, Bob Andy was always a strong and wise personβ, says Griffiths. βHe was there for me in the early days and that gave me confidenceβ. Then the pair moved to the Harry J Label, hitting the British, as well as the International charts with βYoung Gifted and Blackβ and βThe Pied Piper,β 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 βStepping Out of Babylon.β and releasing two albums βNaturallyβ and βSteppingβ. When asked to express her opinion on female reggae vocalists, Marcia said βIts been a rough, tough job standing up as a woman in this business, thatβs why my album before βLand of Loveβ I chose to call βIndomitableβ, 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.β
In 1974, Griffiths united with Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes as an important part of the Bob Marley entourage. βWords are not enough to express my experience with the I-Threes and Bob Marley and the Wailersβ, says Marcia. βWhat a blessing to be so privileged.....to have shared this experienceβ.
Griffiths gained solo international recognition with her monster hit βElectric Boogie.β 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 stationβs regular rotation list.
A new dance, the Electric Slide, was created from the βElectric Boogieβ song and as a result, sales soared and the βElectric Slideβ 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 βBoasieβ 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 βBoasieβ 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,βNo Time To Loseβ 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 Leeβs 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 β Music alone shall live, and itβs not only for the money, but the satisfaction I get from doing the work that I love, that is what really keeps me going everydayβ.
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 β Catch A Fire β 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 β 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 βElectric Boogieβ ( 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 βFire Burningβ, all the zeal and elements that go into dancehall music. Griffiths exhibited the same exuberance when performing her international crossove hit βElectric Boogie.β
--------------------------------------------------
Griffiths recalls βI started singing professionally as a vocalist in 1964, for Byron Lee and the Dragonaires band.β Her recording years started soon after, at Coxsone Dodd - Studio One where she recorded her first hit βFeel Like Jumping."
It was while recording at Studio One that Griffiths teamed up with Bob Andy on βReally Together," the first of many duets that the two would record. βLuckily for me, Bob Andy was always a strong and wise personβ, says Griffiths. βHe was there for me in the early days and that gave me confidenceβ. Then the pair moved to the Harry J Label, hitting the British, as well as the International charts with βYoung Gifted and Blackβ and βThe Pied Piper,β 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 βStepping Out of Babylon.β and releasing two albums βNaturallyβ and βSteppingβ. When asked to express her opinion on female reggae vocalists, Marcia said βIts been a rough, tough job standing up as a woman in this business, thatβs why my album before βLand of Loveβ I chose to call βIndomitableβ, 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.β
In 1974, Griffiths united with Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley to form the I-Threes as an important part of the Bob Marley entourage. βWords are not enough to express my experience with the I-Threes and Bob Marley and the Wailersβ, says Marcia. βWhat a blessing to be so privileged.....to have shared this experienceβ.
Griffiths gained solo international recognition with her monster hit βElectric Boogie.β 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 stationβs regular rotation list.
A new dance, the Electric Slide, was created from the βElectric Boogieβ song and as a result, sales soared and the βElectric Slideβ 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 βBoasieβ 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 βBoasieβ 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,βNo Time To Loseβ 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 Leeβs 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 β Music alone shall live, and itβs not only for the money, but the satisfaction I get from doing the work that I love, that is what really keeps me going everydayβ.
Melody Life
Marcia Griffiths Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When your in love itβ²s a lovely life
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down
It does pay for you to rob the town
When you find someone who is true to you
Someone who'll do what you want to do
I said its good for you to settle down
It doesnβ²t pay for you to rob the town
It is so good for you to settle down
It does pay for you to rob the town
When your in love it's a lovely life
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down
It doesn't pay for you to rob the town
I said its good for you to settle down
It doesnβ²t pay for you to rob the town
When your in love itβ²s a lovely life
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down
It does pay for you to rob the town
When you find someone who is true to you
Someone who'll do what you want to do
I said its good for you to settle down
It doesnβ²t pay for you to rob the town
It is so good for you to settle down
It does pay for you to rob the town
When your in love it's a lovely life
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down
It doesnβ²t pay for you to rob the town
I said its good for you to settle down
It doesn't pay for you to rob the town
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down
It does pay for you to rob the town
When you find someone who is true to you
Someone who'll do what you want to do
I said its good for you to settle down
It doesnβ²t pay for you to rob the town
It does pay for you to rob the town
When your in love it's a lovely life
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down
It doesn't pay for you to rob the town
I said its good for you to settle down
It doesnβ²t pay for you to rob the town
When your in love itβ²s a lovely life
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down
It does pay for you to rob the town
When you find someone who is true to you
Someone who'll do what you want to do
I said its good for you to settle down
It doesnβ²t pay for you to rob the town
It is so good for you to settle down
It does pay for you to rob the town
When your in love it's a lovely life
When someone asks you to be his wife
It is so good for you to settle down
It doesnβ²t pay for you to rob the town
I said its good for you to settle down
It doesn't pay for you to rob the town
"Melody Life" by Marcia Griffiths is a beautiful love song that advocates for settling down with someone who is true to you. The singer talks about the benefits of being in a committed relationship and the potential pitfalls of living the carefree life. She emphasizes that being with the right person can bring happiness and fulfillment and that one should not squander that for fleeting moments of excitement or thrill.
The lyrics paint a picture of a life of love and commitment, where the singer encourages her audience to embrace the idea of settling down with someone who matches their values and compliments their lifestyle. While the song acknowledges that the thrill of the chase can be tempting, the final message is clear that true joy and contentment come from a settled life. The words "It does pay for you to rob the town" serve as a warning against destructive behavior and encourage listeners to make choices that will ultimately benefit their long-term happiness.
The song's repetitive pattern of lyrics and melody reinforces the importance of the message that the singer is trying to convey. The joyful and upbeat rhythm of the song is infectious and makes it easy for listeners to tap into the positive energy of love and commitment.
Line by Line Meaning
When your in love it's a lovely life
Being in love is an enjoyable experience.
When someone asks you to be his wife
When someone proposes to you, it can be a significant and pivotal moment in your life.
It is so good for you to settle down
Committing to a stable and long-term relationship can have many positive benefits.
It does pay for you to rob the town
Engaging in dangerous, illegal behavior can lead to severe consequences and is not worth the risk.
When you find someone who is true to you
When you find a trustworthy and dependable partner, it can create a healthy and stable relationship.
Someone who'll do what you want to do
Having a partner who shares similar interests and desires can make for a fulfilling relationship.
I said its good for you to settle down
Committing to a long-term and stable relationship is a positive choice.
It doesnβt pay for you to rob the town
Repeatedly engaging in dangerous and illegal activities, like theft, is not worth the risk or consequences.
Writer(s): Keith Ainsley Anderson
Contributed by Thomas R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Susan Carlier
Such a gorgeous tune.. Wicked Marcia...you go girl β€οΈ
Agnes Andayi
Ooohooooh..can't wait for my turn
peacefulwarrior
What an amazing voice! Such sweet lyrics, I would like to know how people can hear such a heartfelt song & give it a thumbs down? Is it cuz it's not about stackin your paper & hoes?
Mach Macharia Gitagia
ABSOLUTELY MIND BLOWING SONGπ₯π₯π₯πππππ
I've never loved a song so much in my life,honestly. It dont matter wuts goin down or wut day,it just takes me awaaaaayππ΅πΆππππ
Whoβs Manz Is This π€¦ββοΈ
U ainβt lien my favorite song
Teddy Tibbs
Bro I once listened to this song more than five times on repeat. I can listen to it morning and evening. Its bass, the melody...captures your soul...Its absolutely amazing
patrick ndegwa
When music like this hits on u,u feel no pain ,I tell u
Sue Carlier
MASSIVE tune. This will go on & on...Old skool is the lick...
876beauty
This will be my wedding song!
876 Trucking
Congratulations π on your marriage π―π―π€π€π―π²ππ