On the anniversary of the transition of the legendary Bob Marley we reflect on how he used his musical talent to share his awareness for the uplifting of others and the world around. Many may not know him or believe in his belief of Rastafarianism. Yet if one puts aside the cloak of religion, politics, and race, and rather listen to the substance of his lyrics, one could find a lot of helpful gems of individual and societal food for thought, especially in the light of today’s world regardless of which camp one chooses. The month of May (11th) is the anniversary of the transition of Bob Marley and this piece is dedicated to his positive vibes. A few of his words are provided below.
Excerpts From Some Lyrics By Bob Marley.
WAKE UP AND LIVE
Life is one big road with lots of signs
So when you riding through the ruts,
Don’t complicate your mind…
Flee from hate, mischief, and jealousy
Don’t bury your thoughts,
Put your vision to reality…
Rise mighty people there’s work to be done
So let’s do it little by little
Rise from your sleeping slumber…
What’s the use you live big today,
Tomorrow, you are buried in a casket?
Wake up and live!
FOREVER LOVING JAH
No matter what…we will be forever loving Jah (God)…
Cause only a fool lean upon his own misunderstanding
Everything in life has got its purpose
Find its reason in every season.
EXODUS
Men and people will fight you down when you see Jah (God) light
Open your eyes and look within,
Are you satisfied with the life you are living?
POSITIVE VIBRATION
If you get down and you quarrel everyday
You are saying prayers to the devil, I say
Why not help one another on the way, Make way for the positive day
REDEMPTION SONG
Emancipate yourself from mental slavery
For none but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy, Cause none of them can stop the time.
COULD YOU BE LOVED
We have got a mind of our own
Love would not leave us alone
Out of the darkness there must come out the light…
The road to life is rocky, and you may stumble too
We’ve got a life to live, //Only the fittest of the fittest shall survive, stay alive!
RAT RACE
Don’t forget your history, know your destiny
For in the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty…
It’s a disgrace to see the human race in a rat race.
COMING IN FROM THE COLD
Why do you look so sad and forsaken?
When one door is closed, don’t you know, another is open…
Would you let the system make you kill your brother man?
The biggest man you ever did see was once a baby.
RIDE NATTY RIDE
…you should know and not believe.
***
This Essay is taken from a book of poems and Essays by Oliver O. Mbamara titled “Why Are We Here?” A Collection of Thought Provoking Essays and Poems.
For more on Oliver visit www.OliverMbamara.com
