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
Keep On Pushing
Rita Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I said we keep on (pushin', pushin′, pushin′, pushin')
Just keep on (pushin′, pushin', pushin′, pushin')
I keep on (pushin′, pushin', pushin', pushin′)
Ah, keep on pushin′
A little bit harder every day, alright
Keep on pushin'
Oh yeah, alright
The road is ruff an′ the road is long
The heat is up an' the pressure is strong
Some may lick you down to the ground
Jah Jah will keep you strong
Keep on pushin′
A little bit harder every day
Don't you know, don′t you know, don't you know, yeah
Keep on pushin'
A little bit harder every day
Oh yeah, alright, hear me now
Each an′ every day the oppressorman come
Tryin′ his best to fight you down
But he can't beat you down to the ground
Because Jah Jah will keep you strong
Keep on pushin′
A little bit harder every day
Oh yeah, did you hear what I say
Keep on pushin'
A little bit harder every day
Oh yeah, alright, woo!
(Pushin′, pushin', pushin′, pushin')
I said we keep on (pushin', pushin′, pushin′, pushin')
Got to keep on (pushin′, pushin', pushin′, pushin')
Oh keep on (pushin′, pushin', pushin', pushin′)
Keep on pushin′
A little bit harder every day
Don't you know, don′t you know, don't you know, yeah
Keep on pushin′
A little bit harder every day
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah
In a this a runnin' you got to be strong
So me a gonna sing our freedom song
Show respect to every black
Jah Jah gonna keep us strong
Keep on pushin′
A little bit harder every day
Keep on pushin'
A little bit harder every day
Alright, ah so me say
(Pushin', pushin′, pushin′, pushin')
I said we keep on (pushin′, pushin', pushin′, pushin')
Oh, just keep on (pushin′, pushin', pushin', pushin′)
Me say me keep on (pushin′, pushin', pushin′, pushin')
Keep on pushin′
A little bit harder every day
Jah Rastafari!
Keep on pushin'
A little bit harder every day
Got to, you got to, you got to
The road is ruff and the road is long
The heat is up and the pressure is strong
A the Rita Marley a chant this ya one
And Jah Jah will keep you strong
Keep on pushin′
A little bit harder every day
Keep on pushin'
A little bit harder every day
The lyrics of Rita Marley's song "Keep On Pushing" serve as a powerful anthem of resilience, determination, and faith in the face of challenges. The repetitive chorus of "Keep on pushin', pushin', pushin'" emphasizes the need to persevere and continue moving forward despite obstacles. This mantra is reinforced throughout the song, urging the listener to keep pushing harder every day, symbolizing a relentless pursuit of progress and success.
The singer acknowledges the hardships of life, describing the road as rough and long, the heat oppressive, and the pressure strong. Despite these adversities, the lyrics affirm a belief in inner strength and the support of a higher power, referred to as "Jah Jah," who will keep one strong. This portrayal of overcoming struggles with resilience and faith resonates with themes of perseverance and spiritual fortitude.
The lyrics also address the idea of facing oppression and resistance from external forces, symbolized by the oppressor trying to bring one down. The message is clear that even in the face of these challenges, one must not be defeated but instead continue pushing forward. The mention of singing a "freedom song" and showing respect to every black individual signifies a call to unity, empowerment, and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Overall, the song "Keep On Pushing" encourages listeners to stay committed to their goals, stay strong in the face of difficulties, and rely on inner resilience and faith to overcome obstacles. The repetitive nature of the lyrics emphasizes the importance of consistency and perseverance in the pursuit of personal growth and success. Inspired by the imagery of struggle and triumph, the song reminds us that no matter how tough the journey may be, with determination and faith, we can keep pushing forward and ultimately achieve our aspirations.
Writer(s): Curtis L Mayfield
Contributed by Jasmine E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.