Ziggy learned Rastafari faith from his parents and had access to some of the world's best reggae musicians in the comp band of his father – the legendary reggae Wailers. Ziggy Marley first sat in on recording sessions with Bob Marley and the Wailers when he was around 10 years old. Joining with his three siblings to become The Melody Makers, Ziggy crafted his own soulful sound blending blues, RnB, hip-hop and roots reggae.
After their first two albums, Play The Game Right (1985) and Hey World! (1986), The Melody Makers earned their first Grammy (Best Reggae Recording) for Conscious Party (1988), an album produced by Talking Heads Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth which included the hit songs "Tomorrow People" and "Tumbling Down."
Subsequent albums included the Grammy-winning One Bright Day (1989), Jamekya (1991), Joy and Blues (1993), Free Like We Want 2 B (1995), their third Grammy winner Fallen is Babylon (1997), Spirit of Music (1999) and Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers Live, Vol 1 (2000), which featured some of their biggest hits as well as a cover of Bob Marley's "Could You Be Loved."
While selling records by the millions and selling out countless concerts with the Melody Makers, including a recent European tour, Ziggy Marley has never lost sight of his foundation of faith, fellowship and family.
After two decades as the driving creative force behind The Melody Makers, Ziggy stepped out on his own with his first solo album, Dragonfly (2003). Never content to rehash the success of his past, Ziggy uses Dragonfly to explore new ground and create his own distinctive musical identity as a solo artist.
"Working on my own gave me a chance to take my time and experiment a lot," Ziggy says of the material on Dragonfly." It took one year to finish this record. It's the longest I've ever worked on a album. It's different when you on your own. At some point it's scary and then at another it's a drive that makes you focus more."
Although the members of the most close-knit musical families often yearn to step out on their own, for Ziggy, a solo debut was not a long-awaited goal. "It's not something that I wished for since I began doing music," he says. "It was just the circumstances, and I wanted to be true to myself and what I feel. The record has strong messages and it feels good."
In addition to being Ziggy's first album of solo material, for Dragonfly he felt it was time for a change of scene. "Usually we record in Kingston. These songs were written in Jamaica and recorded in America. I did the first set of recordings in a house in Miami and then went to L.A. rented a house, set up my equipment and basically did the rest there. I left Jamaica for a while, because as an artist I need to experience different things, to see the world and have different energies. Living in one place is not good for me and I was tired of making music in a studio setting. I wanted it to be more like everyday life a part of me.
"As an individual, I've opened up more by traveling outside Jamaica, and I've been more able to be open to people and ideas. It helps me to grow as a person to be outside of my element; to be on my own in a strange place meeting people. That's good for me not to be in my secure domain."
The evidence of that growth is everywhere on Dragonfly.
On July 2nd, 2006, Ziggy released his second album, Love is My Religion. He states "This album is from my heart," and he feels that he embraces his spiritual and emotional side of life. This album show Ziggy coming into his own as an artist, as he wrote all of the songs for the album and played nearly all of the instruments.
Love is My Religion is a testament to Ziggy Marley's talent as he follows in the footsteps of his father, the Legend.
Circle of Peace
Ziggy Marley Lyrics
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'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, yeah
Stand in the circle of peace, come on
And only the willing will see their dreams
Skeptics say it can't be done, eh
We proving them wrong, is so much fun
What would you not do for what you believe
Stand in the circle of peace, yeah
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, I got to get it on
Stand in the circle of peace, need it strong
And only the willing will see their dreams
There comes a time you got to face the test
And know in this effort that you cannot rest
For my inaction there is no defense
For my action there will be consequence, yeah
I stand in the circle of peace, one more time
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, only the willing
Stand in the circle of peace, come on, come on
And only the willing will see their dreams, brother ragga
Know we got the way I say you know we got the means
Because it ain't as hard as they make it seem
You know we coming good I say you know we coming clean
Because it ain't as hard as they make it seem
You know we flying straight because we never flying lean
Because it ain't as hard as they make it seem
We lifting up the green we putting down all the machine
Because it ain't as hard as they make it seem
Conquering lion so we trample the beast
Garvey done tell we say fi look to the east
Least is the most and the most is the least
When you living in a world of peace, yeah
Stand in the circle of peace
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, come on
Stand in the circle of peace, will is strong, yeah
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, hey
Stand in the circle of peace, 'cause we know, 'cause we know
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, oh
Stand in the circle of peace, our will is strong, yeah
And only the willing will see their dreams, I got to get it on
Stand in the circle of peace, 'cause we know, 'cause we know
Ziggy Marley's "Circle of Peace" is an anthem about resilience in the face of skepticism and adversity. The lyrics encourage listeners to stand in a "circle of peace" where only the willing will see their dreams. Despite skeptics' negativity and doubts about the possibility of success, the song posits that perseverance and faith in oneself and one's beliefs will ultimately lead to triumph. The lyrics call for action rather than inaction, reminding listeners that there will be consequences for not standing up for what one believes in. The song draws on the wisdom of Marcus Garvey, encouraging listeners to look to the east and acknowledging that in a world of peace, the least can be the most.
The metaphor of standing in a circle of peace is powerful because it suggests a sense of community and shared values among those who are willing to dream and work hard to achieve their goals. The lyrics suggest that this circle of peace is not something that exists naturally, but something that must be created intentionally by those who believe in the power of strength, resilience, and hope. The message of the song is uplifting and empowering, urging listeners to believe in themselves and work towards a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Eh, stand in the circle of peace
Join the community committed to peace and unity
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, yeah
Success is attainable only for those who truly desire it
Stand in the circle of peace, come on
Be an active part of the group that promotes peace and unity
And only the willing will see their dreams
Those who truly desire success will attain it
Skeptics say it can't be done, eh
Some people doubt the possibility of achieving peace and unity
We proving them wrong, is so much fun
By succeeding in our efforts, we prove the skeptics wrong and it's satisfying
What would you not do for what you believe
Our dedication to our beliefs propels us to do anything to achieve them
For the sins of society, the children aren't guilty, no
In a troubled world, the children bear the consequences of society's mistakes
Stand in the circle of peace, yeah
Be part of the peace community to achieve peace and unity
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, I got to get it on
Only those who are determined will attain success; this motivates us to act
Stand in the circle of peace, need it strong
Be actively involved in promoting peace; we need strong participation
And only the willing will see their dreams
Achieving success demands a strong commitment and determination
There comes a time you got to face the test
There are times when we have to be tried and tested
And know in this effort that you cannot rest
Achieving peace is a continuous effort that requires perseverance
For my inaction there is no defense
Lack of action is inexcusable when facing the challenges of achieving peace
For my action there will be consequence, yeah
Our actions determine the outcome; taking action for peace or not will have consequences
I stand in the circle of peace, one more time
I am part of the peace community and will continue to do so
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, only the willing
Only those who are dedicated and determined will attain their dreams, not others
Stand in the circle of peace, come on, come on
Be actively involved in promoting peace, urging others to join us
And only the willing will see their dreams, brother ragga
Only those who truly desire success will be successful
Know we got the way I say you know we got the means
We know how to achieve peace and we have the resources to do so
Because it ain't as hard as they make it seem
The challenge of achieving peace is not as insurmountable as it seems
You know we coming good I say you know we coming clean
We are doing well achieving peace and in a genuine manner
You know we flying straight because we never flying lean
Our efforts for peace are honest and truthful
We lifting up the green we putting down all the machine
We promote nature, lifting it up and rejecting the artificial and mechanical
Conquering lion so we trample the beast
We are victorious in achieving peace and unity, conquering the challenges and hindrances
Garvey done tell we say fi look to the east
Garvey taught us to look to the east for our solutions to achieve peace
Least is the most and the most is the least
It's the humblest (least) amongst us who can achieve the most and make the biggest impact
When you living in a world of peace, yeah
In a world of peace, everything is harmonious and there's no conflict
Stand in the circle of peace
Promote peace and unity by being part of the peace community
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, come on
Success is attainable only for those who are determined to achieve it
Stand in the circle of peace, will is strong, yeah
Be actively involved in promoting peace with a strong sense of purpose and dedication
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, hey
Only those who truly desire to succeed will attain their dreams, and that motivates us to act
Stand in the circle of peace, 'cause we know, 'cause we know
We are confident in our pursuit of peace and unity and will continue striving
'Cause only the willing will see their dreams, oh
Only those who truly desire to attain their dreams will achieve their goals
Stand in the circle of peace, our will is strong, yeah
Be actively involved in promoting peace with a strong sense of purpose and determination
And only the willing will see their dreams, I got to get it on
Determination and perseverance are essential in achieving success, and that motivates me to act
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: David Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Patrick Cummins
May God continue to bless the entire Marley family in all their endeavors! What amazing men, women, and grandchildren! They live their lives true to the ways they were taught by honoring the principals their father devoted his life to! So much truth and love to give in a time the world certainly needs it! Thank you, Ziggy! Your family has changed my life and the lives of my children and we are blessed! Many blessings, peace, and eternal love to you and all of your beautiful families!
Lennon Richardson
"Only the willing see their dreams" - Ziggy Marley
Cynthia Langley
Wow Ziggy just gets better and better! Thank you for your inspiration!
Tom R
Love the message. Never give up the fight !!
🔥Michelle House 🔥Ms.Lava&Twin Fiyah🔥
Yes indeed!✊🏿
: Enigma.Records :
This is on constant play until the neighbourhood wake themselves..
"you know we got the ways,you know we got the means cos' it ain't as hard as they make it seem"
YES!
Terau Pittman
Never change....best rythm and lyrics....ziggy....thk u so much.
Lisette K
Only the willing will see their dreams wow that’s deep. I know I’m one of the willing ✅✨🙏🏽
Amanda irene Pietra
Genio igual al padre grande maestro
Ares Konnor
you probably dont care but does anyone know of a method to get back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot my login password. I love any tips you can give me