Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers were a reggae group made up of four of Bob… Read Full Bio ↴Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers were a reggae group made up of four of Bob Marley's children: Ziggy, Stephen, Sharon, and Cedella.

They formed the Melody Makers when they were teenagers in 1979, and recorded "Children Playing in the Streets" with their father. They went on to perform at their father's funeral in 1981.

The band's popularity was at its highest during 1988, prompting a major record deal with Virgin Records. Shortly thereafter, the group released "Conscious Party," their third album. On the album was the hit single "Tomorrow People," and the album went on to earn a well-deserved Grammy.

Urb-An Music
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers Lyrics

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Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music
Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music

Lord they fight it so
And I bet they don't even know
What it can do for all of you

Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music

Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music

And they will never get rid of it
And who can refuse it
For peace and harmony
For love and unity

Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music
Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music

Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music
Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music

And they say it's no good for you
And they say it can control you
So the higher ones know

Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music
Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music
Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music

Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music

Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music
Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music

Overall Meaning

In "Urb-An Music", Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers are championing the power and importance of urban music. The repetition of the line "Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music" creates a mantra-like effect that emphasizes the message of the song. The first verse touches on the societal pushback against urban music, suggesting that those who oppose it don't understand its potential to help people. The second verse counters these criticisms, asserting that "the higher ones know" the true value of urban music.

Overall, the song argues that urban music is crucial for promoting peace, harmony, love, and unity. By dismissing the negative stereotypes associated with the genre and highlighting its positive aspects, Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers encourage listeners to embrace and celebrate urban music.

Line by Line Meaning

Urb-an music, urb-an music, urb-an music
Repetition of the phrase 'urban music' for emphasis

Lord they fight it so
Many people oppose urban music

And I bet they don't even know
Those who oppose urban music may not understand its benefits

What it can do for all of you
Urban music can have positive effects on individuals and communities

And they will never get rid of it
Urban music is here to stay

And who can refuse it
It is difficult to deny the appeal of urban music

For peace and harmony
Urban music can promote peaceful and harmonious relationships

For love and unity
Urban music can bring people together in love and unity

And they say it's no good for you
Some people believe that urban music is harmful

And they say it can control you
Some people believe that urban music has a negative influence on behavior

So the higher ones know
Those who understand the benefits of urban music know that it can have positive effects