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.
When the Lights Gone Out
Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers Lyrics
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All we have is just the music
When the lights gone out and the food run out
All we have is just the music
A battery tape playing in the street
My only relief
All we have is just the music
No matter what the crisis
It keep the spirit lively
Just as you feeling blue
Well I'll be there for you
When the lights gone out and the food run out
All we have is just the music
When the lights gone out and the food run out
All we have is just the music
Pretty girls dance in the street
My only relief
All we have is just the music
There ain't no dance
Unless you have good music
If you don't have good music
Then you don't have a chance
When the lights gone out and the food run out
All we have is just the music
When the lights gone out and the food run out
All we have is just the music
And a battery tape playing in the street
My only relief
All we have is just the music
When there ain't no justice to be found
They kicking you around
All we have is just the music
When the light gone out and the food run out
All we own is just music
You all know there ain't no party
Unless the music Irie
There ain't no love unless you show me
When the lights gone out and the food run out
All we have is just the music
When the lights gone out and the food run out
All we have is just the music
When the lights gone out and the food run out
When there ain't no justice to be found
Is just the music
When there ain't no answer from above
When there ain't no one to love
Is just the music
When there ain't no shoe on your feet
When there ain't nothing to eat
All we have is just the music
When the lights gone out and the food run out
All we have is just the music
The lyrics of When the Lights Gone Out by Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers talk about the power of music in difficult times. When there is no electricity or food, the only thing that remains is the music, and it can be a great relief. The song talks about playing music on battery tapes and how it keeps the spirit lively in moments of crisis. Even in the darkest moments, music can be a source of comfort and connection between people, as it brings them together to dance and enjoy.
The lyrics also touch on how good music is essential for a good party and life, and it is as important as justice, love, and food. The song emphasizes the importance of music in instilling hope and resilience, especially when there seems to be no answer from above. The lyrics conclude that when everything seems to be falling apart, music is all we have to hold onto.
Line by Line Meaning
When the lights gone out and the food run out
When there's no electricity and no food left
All we have is just the music
Music becomes our only source of comfort
A battery tape playing in the street
A portable tape player playing music in public
My only relief
The only thing that provides comfort and distraction
No matter what the crisis
No matter how difficult the situation is
It keep the spirit lively
Music keeps our spirits up
Just as you feeling blue
When you're feeling sad or down
Well I'll be there for you
The music will be there to uplift you
Pretty girls dance in the street
People find joy in dancing to music, even in tough times
There ain't no dance
Dancing can't happen without good music
Unless you have good music
Good music is a key element to having a good time
If you don't have good music
Without good music, it's hard to create a positive atmosphere
Then you don't have a chance
It's difficult to find joy without good music
When there ain't no justice to be found
When there's no fairness or equality in the world
They kicking you around
People are mistreating you
When there ain't no answer from above
When you feel like no one is listening
When there ain't no one to love
When you feel alone or unloved
When there ain't no shoe on your feet
When you don't even have basic necessities
When there ain't nothing to eat
When you don't have any food
All we own is just music
The only thing we have left is music
Lyrics © Regard Music, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID NESTA MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind