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
There'll Always Be Music
Rita Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There will always be music
Oh yes there will always be a song
There will always be music
Oh yes there will always be a song
Ever since this here world began
This music has been around with man
There'll always be a beat
Where there is this sound
You wait around
There'll always be another song
Chorus:
Anywhere in this here world you go
There's one language the people all do know
Whenever church bells ring
Where children play and sing
In any little town you wait around
There'll always be another song
Chorus:
Rita Marley’s “There’ll Always be Music” is an ode to how music has been a source of joy and togetherness throughout human history. The song opens with the catchy chorus stating that music will always exist no matter what, and there will always be a song to enjoy. The first verse then highlights how music is an integral part of human civilization, dating back to ancient times. Rita emphasizes how wherever happy people come together, there is always music playing in the background. The second verse continues to emphasize how music is a universal language, something that everyone understands irrespective of ethnicity or nationality. Anywhere in the world you go, children will be singing and playing, and church bells will be ringing, signifying how music is present everywhere. The song concludes with the chorus emphasizing once again the omnipresence of music.
The song's theme of music as a universal language is its main selling point as it speaks to the idea that, even in times of chaos and uncertainty, music has always been there, comforting and uniting people. The upbeat and catchy nature of the melody helps enhance the message, making it uplifting and inspiring. Moreover, the song's rich cultural essence showcases how Jamaican music has the power to tell stories about life and its experiences. The song's lyrics highlight music's power to bring people together, serving as a beacon of hope and unity during turbulent times.
Line by Line Meaning
There will always be music
Music has been part of human life since the beginning and will continue to be present.
Oh yes there will always be a song
Songs are an integral part of music and will always exist.
Ever since this here world began
Music has been around since the creation of the world.
This music has been around with man
Music has been part of human life since the beginning.
Where happy people meet
Wherever there are joyful individuals gathering.
There'll always be a beat
There will always be a rhythm to accompany music.
Where there is this sound
Wherever music can be heard.
You wait around
If you just listen and wait.
There'll always be another song
Songs are constantly being created and will never run out.
Anywhere in this here world you go
No matter where you travel in the world.
There's one language the people all do know
Music is a universal language that everyone can understand and appreciate.
Whenever church bells ring
In moments when church bells are chiming.
Where children play and sing
In places where kids are playing and singing.
In any little town you wait around
No matter how small a town is, there will still be music and songs.
Contributed by Maria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.