Jo-Ann Greene writes about "Mind Control" AllMusic.com: "Stephen has continued to grow, adding new sounds and styles to his repertoire over the years. A conduit to the past and a bridge to the future, his music -- like his father's -- sounds timeless: reggae that embraces the world."
2004 he started the 27-city Bob Marley Roots, Rock, Reggae Festival tour with his four brothers and sons of Bob – Ziggy, Julian, Damian and Ky-Mani – each of whom have their own professional recording careers. The tour was the first time the brothers have officially performed together on stage.
Every February in Miami, Marley and his brothers perform at his family's annual Caribbean Festival in honour of their late father Bob Marley.
Old Soul
Stephen Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My mom and papa brought me through
Back then, I was the favorite
So they say
Even though he was way before his time
I knew every Nesta Marley line
You knew that Peter Tosh was fly
Fast forward to 1981
My dad moved on, and so did I
Inside I kept his songs alive
So they say
I′m an old soul
Living in the body of a nine-year-old
Guess I've been here before
I′m an old soul
Tribute to the ones who made it all possible
Inside me, your legacy lives on
It's now 1991
This was the year after graduation
Shabba Ranks was on the radio station
I played some songs for Mama Rits
I had that girl from round the way
UB40 was on replay
I can't forget that holiday
Marvin Gaye stole her heart away
And I had to learn the harder way
She′ll always be a part of me
It′s not 'til I met that Mary Jane
Old legends reincarnate
I′m an old soul
Living in the body of a 12-year-old
Guess I've been here before
I′m an old soul
Tribute to the ones who made it all possible
Inside me, your legacy lives on
You said I always seem to know
'Cause I′d say I told you so
As if I've always been around
I'm an old soul
Living in the body of a 12-year-old
Guess I′ve been here before
I′m an old soul
Tribute to the ones who made it all possible
Inside me, your legacy lives on
I'm an old soul
Living in the body of a 12-year-old
Guess I′ve been here before
I'm an old soul
Tribute to the ones who made it all possible
Inside me, your legacy lives on
Inside me your legacy lives on
The lyrics to "Old Soul" by Stephen Marley reflect his deep connection to the music of the past and the way it has shaped his own identity and artistic journey. In the first verse, he reminisces about his childhood in 1972, when his parents introduced him to the music of his father, Bob Marley, and the iconic Peter Tosh. Even at a young age, Stephen Marley was already familiar with their songs and recognized their significance in music history.
As the song progresses to 1981, Marley reflects on his transition into adolescence and the influence of artists like Shabba Ranks, UB40, and Marvin Gaye during that time. He also mentions meeting someone special, Mary Jane, who seems to embody the spirit of old legends reincarnating. Throughout these experiences, Marley recognizes the timeless nature of music and how it connects generations, as he describes himself as an "old soul" living in a young body. The last verse affirms his understanding that the legacy of these musicians lives on within him, and he pays tribute to the ones who made it all possible.
Line by Line Meaning
It was 1972
This is the year when the story begins
My mom and papa brought me through
My parents guided me through life
Back then, I was the favorite
During that time, I was highly regarded
So they say
This is what people tell me about the past
Even though he was way before his time
Despite being ahead of his era
I knew every Nesta Marley line
I was familiar with every lyric by Nesta Marley (Bob Marley)
You knew that Peter Tosh was fly
You recognized Peter Tosh as cool
In diamond socks and corduroy
Wearing stylish and flashy clothing
Fast forward to 1981
Jump ahead to the year 1981
My dad moved on, and so did I
My father moved on with his life, and I did the same
Inside I kept his songs alive
Internally, I preserved his music
So they say
This is what people say about me
I'm an old soul
I possess the wisdom and maturity of someone much older
Living in the body of a nine-year-old
Despite my age, I have an old spirit within me
Guess I've been here before
It feels like I've experienced this before
Tribute to the ones who made it all possible
This is my way of honoring those who paved the way
Inside me, your legacy lives on
Your influence and impact remain with me
It's now 1991
The story progresses to the year 1991
This was the year after graduation
Referring to the year following completing school
Shabba Ranks was on the radio station
Shabba Ranks' music was playing on the radio
I played some songs for Mama Rits
I shared some music with Mama Rits (a person)
I had that girl from round the way
I had a romantic interest from my neighborhood
UB40 was on replay
The music of UB40 was continuously playing
I can't forget that holiday
I have vivid memories of that vacation
Marvin Gaye stole her heart away
Marvin Gaye captivated her and won her love
And I had to learn the harder way
I had to gain knowledge through difficult experiences
She'll always be a part of me
She will forever hold a place within me
It's not 'til I met that Mary Jane
Only after meeting someone named Mary Jane
Old legends reincarnate
The spirits of legendary figures are reborn
You said I always seem to know
You mentioned that I have a perceptive nature
'Cause I'd say I told you so
Because I often predict and warn about outcomes
As if I've always been around
As if I have existed for eternity
I'm an old soul
I possess the wisdom and maturity of someone much older
Living in the body of a twelve-year-old
Despite my age, I have an old spirit within me
I guess I've been here before
It feels like I've experienced this before
Tribute to the ones who made it all possible
This is my way of honoring those who paved the way
Inside me, your legacy lives on
Your influence and impact remain with me
Inside me your legacy lives on
Your influence and impact remain within me
Writer(s): Stephen Marley, Clifton Dillon, Ryan Dillon, Omar Samuel Pasley, Seg Gwey
Contributed by Samuel D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
KV Auto
Stephen is truly an old soul of Bob. Even his mannerisms. Bob will be proud. Amazing song.
Suzette G
His mother too
Sean C. Harrison
Dear big brother Stephen,
I don't know why, but your music and the artistry of the Marleys in general never fail to touch my soul to the very core and in such a special way. Your humanity and tenderness are almost always evident in your breathtaking compositions and so much so that it ever touches a chord deep in me as a musician and lyricist myself. Trust me! Your music is where it's at, everytime! It is indeed a fitting anthem to your journey even as it is mine. I, from an infant have always met with wonder and amazement from others at the depth of my reasoning and intellect as well as my other giftings. It's never easy to be an old soul, is it? It ever seems we bear the weight of those gone before and the world at last. Being in this place can bring great anguish as all the energies around us seem somehow to seep into our consciousness if we are not careful. Our sense of compassion is always very profound and true and we give! Boy, do we give! I know the pain of the loss of your dear son Joseph is still fresh and I can only say: souls that fly must one day fly away. You have so much to keep his memory alive that I know one day you will only bask in that treasure store of precious moments shared. Weep now! Agonize! Grieve him! But never forget, "we have this hope that burns within our hearts..." as the Christian hymn states, that reassures us Zion's doors are open to all raptured and redeemed souls. And at the sound of the first trumpet all our longings for a grand reunion of all just men made perfect will culminate forevermore! What a joy! If Jo was faithful and you remain so, there will be cause for rejoicing copiously. As the music of your father Bro. Bob lives on, please remember, you are from choice stock. You are royalty. You are precious. You are a gift to the world he has left with us to cherish. And I do cherish and honour you, King! Keep sweet. Keep giving. Keep hoping. Keep living. Keep being all you can be. You have not just a fan but a friend in me as well and a calmly burning light that flickers for you, brother. May you rise in the wings of eagles and shine forth forevermore! Great, great song and touching fitting tribute to Jo and Daddy Bob!
Love!❤❤❤
Sean C. Harrison
Corinthia Peeples
Beautifully written
Lioness129
Omg… I just couldn’t hold back the tears! 😢 I’m now 37, lost my dad when I was 6. Many other relatives throughout the years as well. The pain NEVER goes away. What a beautiful heartfelt song! ❤❤❤
Vviche AKA Dalton Atkinson
❤
Stephen Marley
Thanks for being a great fan of mine and jah will protect you and your family ❤️ Respect
Ted Marple
Damn that hit me like a flood. So beautiful! Thank you❤
Brad Peterson
More blessings, prayers and love onto you my sister
Reggaeville
💚💛❤