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.
High Tide or Low Tide
Ziggy Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In high seas or-a low seas,
I'm gonna be your friend;
I'm gonna be your friend.
In-a high tide or-a low tide,
I'll be by your side;
I'll be by your side.
(I heard her praying - praying - praying)
I said, I heard my mother;
She was praying (praying - praying - praying); yeah, and I -
And the words that she said (the words that she said),
They still-a lingers in my head (lingers in my head).
She said: "A child is born in this world,
He needs protection. Wo-oh, mm.
God, guide and protect us.
When we're wrong, please correct us (when we're wrong, correct us),
And stand by me," yeah!
High seas or-a low seas,
I'm gonna be your friend;
He said, "I'm gonna be your friend."
And, baby, high tide or low tide,
I'll be by your side;
I'll be by your side.
Mm. I said, I heard my mother;
She was cryin' (I heard her cryin'), yeah! (cryin', cryin').
And the tears that she shed (the tears that she shed),
They still lingers in my head (lingers in my head).
She said: "A child is born in this world,
He needs protection. O-oh, mm.
God, guide and protect us.
When we're wrong (when we're wrong), correct us." O-oh.
And in high seas or low seas,
I'm gonna be your friend;
I'm gonna be your friend.
Said, "High tide or low tide,
I'll be by your side;
I'll be by your side -"
The lyrics of “High Tide or Low Tide” by Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers are reflective and poignant, highlighting the strength of friendship and loyalty through the highs and lows of life. The verses of the song feature Marley’s mother in her prayers, asking for guidance and protection for her child. The chorus reiterates the message of the song, emphasizing the artist’s unwavering commitment to standing by the side of his loved ones through good and bad times.
The song is impactful and relatable as it touches on the universal theme of friendship and support. It shows that no matter what happens in life, true friends will always be there for each other. The verses also touch on the importance of parental love and support in shaping a child’s life. The lyrics are a call to action for all to be kind and supportive to their friends and families through tough times.
Line by Line Meaning
In high seas or-a low seas,
I'm gonna be your friend;
I'm gonna be your friend.
No matter how rough or calm the ocean is, I will always be your companion and confidant.
In-a high tide or-a low tide,
I'll be by your side;
I'll be by your side.
Be it when you're enjoying success or struggling to overcome a challenge, I'll be there right next to you always.
(I heard her praying - praying - praying)
I said, I heard my mother;
She was praying (praying - praying - praying); yeah, and I -
And the words that she said (the words that she said),
They still-a lingers in my head (lingers in my head).
My mother's prayers and words of wisdom are still vivid in my memories; they continue to guide me irrespective of the circumstance.
She said: "A child is born in this world,
He needs protection. Wo-oh, mm.
God, guide and protect us.
When we're wrong, please correct us (when we're wrong, correct us),
And stand by me," yeah!
My mother taught me that every newborn soul is valuable; we must protect, nurture and constantly seek spiritual help from God whenever we err.
Mm. I said, I heard my mother;
She was cryin' (I heard her cryin'), yeah! (cryin', cryin').
And the tears that she shed (the tears that she shed),
They still lingers in my head (lingers in my head).
My mother's tears during her moment of grief taught me about the inherent struggles and rigours of life; it made me more resolute about standing by my friends and loved ones during their tough moments.
She said: "A child is born in this world,
He needs protection. O-oh, mm.
God, guide and protect us.
When we're wrong (when we're wrong), correct us." O-oh.
My mother reiterates the importance of seeking protection and guidance from God and asking for correction whenever we're astray.
And in high seas or low seas,
I'm gonna be your friend;
I'm gonna be your friend.
No matter how turbulent or placid our lives may be, I commit to being your friend through thick and thin.
Said, "High tide or low tide,
I'll be by your side;
I'll be by your side -"
No matter how fulfilling or trying our experiences may be, I'll be there beside you always.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zachary Taylor
Still cry every time I hear this. Such a beautiful song. A song of kindness, compassion and empathy. Need more of this. Love you ziggy. Rastafari!
Hannah Oron
I can listen to this song (vocals by Stephen M) forever ... so beautiful, also the original by Bob M. I wonder if Ziggy M has ever recorded this sung by him, I mean????
Unibagc Huag
🙏🏾
Devin Grigsby
Jah Bless
Mohammed IBRAHIM
I THINK THIS IS STEPHEN MARLEY
Abdelatif Elhabri