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.
Roads Less Traveled
Ziggy Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I take the roads less traveled I'll see you again some day
I take the roads less traveled well I'm on my way
When I was a young boy people try to tell me what I should be
And then a wise man sang decide your own destiny
Auntie said choices you make chances you take
To be free to be free to be free I got to be brave
I take the roads less traveled I'm on my way
I take the roads less traveled I'll see you some day
Now my daddy had a lot of women and my mama had a lot of grief
And the brethrens that surrounded him became the enemies
'Cause greed can't be satisfied by money and jealousy's a disease
Oh if you don't learn from history what a blind man see
I take the roads less traveled I'm on my way
I take the roads less traveled see you again one day
The more I love the more hurt I feel
And that's all right by me cause that's just how I be
I could be like a brother sold out for a million dollar
I could be like a brother despising one another
And auntie said choices you make chances you take
And to be free to be free to be free you got to be brave
I take the roads less traveled I'm on my way
I take the roads less traveled I'll see you some day
I take the roads less traveled I'm on my way
The lyrics of "Roads Less Travelled" by Ziggy Marley speak of the importance of choosing one's own path in life, even if it means taking the road less traveled. The song encourages listeners to be brave and confident in their decision-making, despite the pressure and expectations placed upon them by society and their loved ones.
The lyrics begin with the repetition of the phrase "I take the roads less traveled I'm on my way", which implies that the singer is already on a journey of self-discovery and self-determination. The line "When I was a young boy people try to tell me what I should be" suggests that the singer has faced opposition and criticism from others about his choices and identity. However, an unknown "wise man" told him to decide his own destiny, implying that we should make our own decisions without allowing others to dictate them.
The singer then mentions his auntie's advice that "choices you make chances you take," which suggests that every decision we make has the potential for both positive and negative outcomes. However, the line "To be free to be free to be free I got to be brave" implies that we can only truly experience freedom when we are brave enough to make our own choices.
Overall, the song encourages listeners to be true to themselves and to not be afraid of taking the less popular route in life. It reminds us that life is about the journey, not just the destination.
Line by Line Meaning
I take the roads less traveled I'm on my way
I choose a unique path in my journey and I am determined to stay the course
I take the roads less traveled I'll see you again some day
While I may not follow the same route as others, I trust that our paths may cross again
I take the roads less traveled well I'm on my way
I am confident in my decision to forge my own path, though it may not be the most popular or easiest route
When I was a young boy people try to tell me what I should be
As a child, many tried to influence and control my path in life
And then a wise man sang decide your own destiny
However, a wise person taught me the importance of making my own choices and shaping my own future
Auntie said choices you make chances you take
My aunt reminded me that every decision comes with risk and reward
To be free to be free to be free I got to be brave
In order to truly live freely, I must be willing to take bold actions and face my fears
Now my daddy had a lot of women and my mama had a lot of grief
My parents faced challenges in their relationship, causing pain and hardship for my mother
And the brethrens that surrounded him became the enemies
Those who once supported my father turned against him due to his greed and selfishness
'Cause greed can't be satisfied by money and jealousy's a disease
The pursuit of wealth and the jealousy it can breed are insatiable and destructive forces
Oh if you don't learn from history what a blind man see
If we fail to learn from past mistakes, we are doomed to repeat them and remain blind to the consequences
The more I love the more hurt I feel
As I invest more of myself in relationships, the potential for pain and disappointment increases
And that's all right by me cause that's just how I be
Despite the risk of being hurt, I am true to my nature and am unafraid to love deeply
I could be like a brother sold out for a million dollar
I could choose to pursue financial gain at the cost of my integrity and loyalty
I could be like a brother despising one another
Alternatively, I could allow bitterness and resentment to drive a wedge in my relationships
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID M MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kailuabeach1
All I know is that the world is a better place with the Marley family in it. As a fan, I am thankful for all of the hard work that is present in Ziggy’s music. To listen to and view all of his music is an experience that I will never forget. I love, appreciate, and respect how his music SHINES, can touch people all over the world, and can make a connection with the listener to become a part of this bright light. INCREDIBLE song from a beautiful soul!! Peace, love, and MANY blessings.
pntbllfrk069
love this song!
Headovina
This is awesome song Ziggy. One love brother
agricultor futuro
Lindo maravilhoso voz incrivel igual o pai
eyes_on_water
I would love an autographed vinyl. Would be an honor.
Tamires Mazzola
ótimo!
marleynat
Enter me for the draw for this amazing album.....music from the heart....excellent...love it
Lotus River
Great, great song, by a great, great man ^^
SuperTruthful
When one has a need to be their authentic self, they must tell the truth. Being real/authentic is a hard road, cuz, most ppl aren't real. And that fear of them being exposed will cause and authentic person alot of harm. Stand in truth and be who you are Ziggy. You told it, we thought it, now we're all free with your truth. peace to you and yours!
LegendaryMysticLion
This is what ya call irie brotha!!! amazing tune ziggy i respect ya music dis is true but i respect u so much more as a man....one love!!!!! positivity n livitiy