Heavy words like heritage and legacy are often used when the subject is The Melody Makers. As Bob Marley's children, the band will always be associated with their father's towering presence as both a musician and cultural icon. And this is how it should be. To resist this association would be to deny the musical and spiritual blessings and heritage that have flowed from Bob to his children in what has truly been an extraordinary natural progression.
The Melody Makers are building upon the foundation I and I father started. They have forged a sound all their own, incorporating international contemporary musical forms without losing an essential roots reggae sensibility. As Ziggy has said, "Bob stuff is unique. Melody stuff is unique." Since their debut as young teenagers until their present incarnation as a seasoned and highly professional band there has been one constant: great songs. From "Tomorrow People" and "Tumblin' Down" to "Everyone Wants to Be", the hits keep coming from what is still a relatively young group of musicians. After eight acclaimed albums, two Grammy awards and sold-out concerts before tens of thousands, the Marley magic continues to spread.
Perhaps it is because this is message-music. Ziggy and his siblings live in a different time from their father, and this reality is reflected in their work. Without preaching or proselytizing, the Melody Makers sing about the world as they see it and as it could be. They sing about African peoples and their history, but the music doesn't carry a message of exclusion or retribution. And as they comment on the human struggle and problems and tribulations that face us all, the Melody Makers never lose sight of the fact that music is a celebration.
Words like optimism and positivity are often used - and used correctly - when people describe their music. The Melody Makers' gift has been to inspire and uplift in a conscious party that, as fans, we hope will carry on well into the next millenium. Catch phrases like "one love" and "one world" seem less like fantasy and more like possibility when the Melody Makers are in town.
Ziggy sums it up like this: "The revolution is still alive and the youth, them have to know that."
Albums:
* Play the Game Right (1985)
* Children Playing (1986) (unreleased)
* Hey World! (1986)
* Time Has Come: The Best of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers (1988)
* Conscious Party (1988)
* One Bright Day (1989)
* Jahmekya (1991)
* Joy and Blues (1993)
* Free Like We Want 2 B (1995)
* The Best of (1988 - 1993) (1997)
* Fallen Is Babylon (1997)
* Spirit of Music (1999)
* Live Vol. 1 (2000)
The Melody Makers website
Small People
The Melody Makers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Small people one day will get big
And those who they call minority
Are most of the people that you see
Don't you ever abuse humble man
Don't be afraid to wake up
Don't be afraid of another day
Iya get ready, oh yeah!
Walking down the street
Can't afford to rest my feet
I just can't agree, with my environment
I would like to see, what can be done
About it
Hey I'm not afraid to wake up
I'm not afraid to wak up
No I'm not araid of another day
I am ready oh yeah
Mmmh mmh mmh, woe woe woo woe
Mmmh mmmh mmh, woe woe woo woe
Living in this time
Got so much thigs on my mind
Living in this world
I can't afford to lose control
Speak up for your right
Expect it going be a fight
Better a free man than a slave
Better a real man any day
What did you say
Mi never hear what you say, little while a
Go
People get ready, oh hey
A suh wi like, a suh wi like it
Small people one day will get big
Those they call minority
Most of the people that you see
Don't you ever abuse, not one humble man
Small people must get big
Small people they must get big
Small people one day must get big
Small people oh make the world go round
Come make the world go round
Oh make the world go round
Lord, make the world go round, round
Struggle all small people put your best
shot
Give it your best shot, lick it while it hot
I'm gonna hit you with music, hit you with music
I'm gonna hit you with music, hit you with music
I'm gonna hit you with music, hit you with music
I'm gonna hit you with music, hit you with music
I'm gonna hit you with music
Welcome all small people
The Melody Makers's song Small People is an anthem for those who are marginalized in society. The lyrics suggest that even though small people or minorities may not seem significant at the moment, they will eventually become powerful and influential. The song encourages listeners to treat everyone with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or current circumstances.
In the first verse, the singers remind us that the majority of people we encounter may come from marginalized communities. Therefore, it is important not to abuse or mistreat anyone, no matter how humble they may seem. The chorus emphasizes the importance of waking up fearlessly every day, knowing that we are capable of making a positive impact on the world. The following verse describes the struggles of living in a difficult environment and the desire to make a change. The song concludes by reiterating the message that small people will one day become big and that we must treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Overall, Small People is a powerful and uplifting song that encourages listeners to see the value in everyone, regardless of their background or status. It is an anthem for those who have been marginalized and represents a call to action for social change.
Line by Line Meaning
Small people one day will get big
Even though they may be considered small or insignificant now, one day they will grow and make a big impact
And those who they call minority
People who are often seen as a minority in society
Are most of the people that you see
In reality, they make up the majority of the population
Don't you ever abuse humble man
Never mistreat or disrespect someone who is humble or in a lower position than you are
Don't be afraid to wake up
Don't be afraid to face a new day and the challenges that come with it
Don't be afraid of another day
Have the courage to embrace each new day with optimism and hope
Iya get ready, oh yeah!
Get ready for whatever comes your way with a positive attitude
Walking down the street
Walking through life and observing what's happening around us
Can't afford to rest my feet
There's always something going on that requires our attention and action
I just can't agree, with my environment
Not everything around us is acceptable or good, and we can't just accept it without question
I would like to see, what can be done
We should strive to take action and make positive changes in our environment
About it
To make our world a better place
Living in this time
Existing in the current era we are in
Got so much things on my mind
There are many issues and problems that we need to address and solve
Living in this world
Existing in the current world we are in
I can't afford to lose control
We must maintain control and fight for what is right to make a positive impact in the world
Speak up for your right
We should have the courage to speak up for ourselves and our rights
Expect it going be a fight
It's not easy to achieve change, and it will require hard work and dedication
Better a free man than a slave
It's better to live in freedom and fight for what is right than to be a slave to oppressive systems
Better a real man any day
Being true to oneself and standing up for what is right is admirable and desirable
What did you say
Asking someone to repeat what they just said
Mi never hear what you say, little while a Go
I didn't hear what you just said a moment ago
People get ready, oh hey
Get ready for what's coming, and prepare to face it with strength and resilience
Small people must get big
Small or seemingly insignificant people have the potential to grow and make a big impact
Small people they must get big
Small people must take the opportunity to grow and make a difference
Small people one day must get big
Small people have the potential to grow and make a big impact someday
Small people oh make the world go round
Small or seemingly insignificant people can make a big impact and contribute to making the world go round
Come make the world go round
Calling on people to come together and make the world a better place
Lord, make the world go round, round
Asking a higher power to help make the world a better place
Struggle all small people put your best shot
Small or disadvantaged people should do their best and fight for their rights
Give it your best shot, lick it while it hot
Give it your all and seize opportunities when they come your way
I'm gonna hit you with music
The power of music can inspire and motivate people to create positive change
Welcome all small people
All people, regardless of their size or status, are welcome to join in the fight for a better world
Lyrics © ISHTI MUSIC INC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ZIGGY MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@garylynch9597
They are carrying their father's legacy
@mayieko
This is a great peice of work, i like it as much as Black my story
@jvglion
they actually featured Ziggy Marley on Sesame Street and he performed this song on there. Great tune.
@gcw2007
I like that song too..."Children Playing in the Streets" is first released on the 1984 Melody Makers album called "Play the Game Right" (Rita Marley Music), and again in 1988's "Time Has Come" Best of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers (EMI Manhattan)
@antoinettethompson1159
Longtime no hear this song
@LoveMusicBad
I love this part at 2:00 when Ziggy says "Mi neva hear what yu say likkle while ago." DWL.
@backawallmovement
lovely music from way back when... Love it
@inktrospections
just wonderful!
@ARCHIBALDONEOFFICIELMUSIC
blessed !!!
@Ignacio592
ok great video