By: Dylan Mccabe
Whether you are of the sixties generation, or the seventies, or maybe even the eighties, Bob Marley as a legend will mean something different to you. It might mean peace and love, reclaiming spirituality, or sadness at losing him to cancer in the end. With his energizing music and deep lyrics, Bob Marley means the ultimate in reggae to some. Others may view Marley as the assistant to their self-discovery and/or spiritual journey. Lastly, some see Bob Marley as love in its purest form. As we remember him in our own way, we continue to carry on the Bob Marley legend.
The Bob Marley legend began as Bob Marley and The Wailers started by conforming to the popular culture wearing the typical suits and cropped hair found in the sixties. Here is a great relevant music site http://www.mywebrelease.com. Eventually, they began to evolve in both looks and message. Physically, they took on a new look with the dreads. Emotionally and spiritually, the philosophy, lyrics, and attitude changed.
Introducing reggae to those who did not descend from Africa or Jamaica, the Bob Marley legend opened new doors. With the trademark back beat of reggae and the gentle but compelling words, Marley captured everyone’s attention with songs such as “No Woman, No Cry” and “Is this Love?”
As the utmost reggae leader, the Bob Marley legend continued as he softened the hardness of rock with the gentle curvatures of reggae, giving us a fresh approach in the way we view Ja, or God. By instilling principles into his music, Bob Marley brought Rastafari into righteous reality with a new respect. Using Rastaman Vibration, he infused the discreet sound of Haile Salassie into our world.
Being there for us as we tried to emerge from the rat race of the corporate world or other conformist institutions, the Bob Marley legend soothed us with the message of togetherness in love, respect, and spirituality. With his encouraging lyrics such as “Stir it Up,” “Put it on,” and “Rock it Baby,” we felt strong enough to break free of old ideas. Then we could feel independent enough to “Pass it On,” or “Stand Alone,” and “Keep on Moving.”
By teaching the dignity of all humans, Bob Marley’s lyrics explain that it is necessary to redeem ourselves through rebellion and independence when he sang, “Most people think/ Great God will come from the skies/ Take away everything/ And make everybody feel high./ But if you know what life is worth/ You will look for yours on earth.” He sang for us to “Stand up/stand up/ stand up for {our} rights;” and thanks to Bob Marley’s legend, that is exactly what we have learned to do.
