She grew up in Jamaica, and was singing with a trio named The Soulettes in the mid sixties recording for Studio One when she met Bob Marley. She married him in 1966, and then became a singer in his backing vocals group, the I Threes. She had three children with him and two outside of the marriage. She converted to the Rastafari movement after witnessing Haile Selassie on his visit to Kingston, Jamaica on 21 April 1966. She convinced Bob Marley to convert as well. She wrote many of the songs recorded by Bob while backing him.[citation needed] After Marley's death, she recorded few albums under her name with some success in the United Kingdom. She took care of Marley's estate and mentored her son, Ziggy Marley.
In January 2005 it was claimed that she wished Bob Marley's body be reburied in Ethiopia, but she denied that there were any such plans. Rita currently lives in Ghana and spends a lot of time in Florida, and sometimes her home in Jamaica. Some of her family reside in Canada.
Rita appears on Fergie's new album The Dutchess
A Jah Jah
Rita Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah
Rastafari knows everything, I friend
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah
Yes the higher man knows everything, I friend
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah
Black man unite, too long separated
Walk in Jah light and do Jah will now
Jah shining light, prophecy fulfilled, yeah
To each his own, to each his own
To everything, there is a season
Rastafari knows everything, I friend
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah
Yes the higher man knows everything, I friend
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah
Evil eyes evil eyes and trade I
Oh bad looks, bad looks
Don't mean you hate I
But slippery road a slippery road
Can't throw I down now
But heavy load, mmm, heavy load
I'm Zion bound
Oh Waterloo, oh Waterloo
Everybody got to meet their Waterloo
If you didn't want it
Well you better did too
All for your brother yes
And one for you
If you said Jah trod,
Well you better say it too
All for the sister, yes and one for you
Hey you are evil eyes, mmm, evil eyes
And trade I oh bad vibes, bad vibes
Don't mean you hate I
Slippery road a slippery road
Can't throw I down now
But heavy load, mmm, heavy load
I'm Zion bound
Rastafari I, I, everything I friend
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah
Yes the higher man knows everything, I friend
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah
Forces will fight, they'll be defeated
Black man unite, too long separated
Walk in Jah light and do Jah will now
Jah shining light, prophecy fulfilled, yeah
Ohh Judgement day ohh Judgement day
Every day is just another Judgement day
If you didn't want it then you better did too
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah.
The lyrics of the song "A Jah, Jah" by Rita Marley are an ode to the Rastafari belief system and the power of Jah (God). The repeated refrain of "Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah" emphasizes the centrality of this concept for the Rastafari movement. The song opens with the line "Rastafari knows everything, I friend," highlighting the idea that Jah is all-knowing and all-powerful. This belief is reflected throughout the song, with references to Jah's shining light and the fulfillment of his prophecies.
The lyrics also touch on themes of unity, struggle, and perseverance. The line "Forces will fight, they'll be defeated / Black man unite, too long separated" speaks to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality faced by black people. The idea of walking "in Jah light and do[ing] Jah will" emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with Jah's teachings and following the path of righteousness.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of resilience in the face of adversity, with references to heavy loads and slippery roads that cannot throw the singer down. The repeated line "I'm Zion bound" suggests an unwavering commitment to the Rastafari belief system and the ultimate goal of reaching Zion, a symbol of spiritual liberation.
Overall, the lyrics of "A Jah, Jah" celebrate the power of Jah and the strength and perseverance of those who follow his teachings.
Line by Line Meaning
Oooo Jah Jah
Acknowledging the presence and power of Jah Jah
Jah Jah Jah Jah Jah
Continuously praising Jah Jah
Rastafari knows everything, I friend
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah
Yes the higher man knows everything, I friend
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah
Expressing the belief that Rastafari, the higher man, has a deep understanding of everything
Forces will fight, they'll be defeated
Black man unite, too long separated
Walk in Jah light and do Jah will now
Jah shining light, prophecy fulfilled, yeah
To each his own, to each his own
To everything, there is a season
Encouraging unity and faith in Jah as a way to overcome difficult times and fulfill prophecy. Also acknowledging the seasons of life and individuality.
Evil eyes evil eyes and trade I
Oh bad looks, bad looks
Don't mean you hate I
But slippery road a slippery road
Can't throw I down now
But heavy load, mmm, heavy load
I'm Zion bound
Acknowledging that others may treat her poorly, but despite difficulties, she is steadfast in journeying towards Zion.
Oh Waterloo, oh Waterloo
Everybody got to meet their Waterloo
If you didn't want it
Well you better did too
All for your brother yes
And one for you
If you said Jah trod,
Well you better say it too
All for the sister, yes and one for you
Hey you are evil eyes, mmm, evil eyes
And trade I oh bad vibes, bad vibes
Don't mean you hate I
Slippery road a slippery road
Can't throw I down now
But heavy load, mmm, heavy load
I'm Zion bound
Acknowledging the inevitability of struggles in life, but encouraging all to support each other along the way to reach a better future.
Ohh Judgement day ohh Judgement day
Every day is just another Judgement day
If you didn't want it then you better did too
A Jah, ooh yes, a Jah Jah.
Reflecting on the idea of Judgment Day and the importance of always striving to do what's right and follow Jah.
Writer(s): Bob Marley, Rita Marley
Contributed by Isabella Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.