Posted in: Reggae by e.flip on December 21st, 2007 | 0 Comments
Bob Marley’s lyrics have survived the test of time, and for good reason. Marley’s lyrics, powerful and compelling, tell the story of life in the ghetto. They speak to the oppressed and down trotted.
Reggae music has been synonymous with rebellion since its inception. Nobody engulfs that revolutionary spark like Bob Marley, one of the forefathers of reggae music. Marley took his art form to uncharted territory, using worldwide recognition to preach the word of Jah, the creator. By the end of his career, cut short by a cancerous brain tumor, Marley had addressed millions of fans by way of reggae music.
Compelled by his deep faith in Rastafarianism, Marley attempted to unite the people in equality. His workings are comparable to those of the Jewish prophets. Marley, through his music, ignites pride in the hearts of blacks to reconnect with their roots and escape social injustice.
Marley’s hit song Exodus exemplifies the migration from inequality toward unification. The Biblical Exodus occurred around 1445 BCE. The Israelites, after being held captive in Egypt, were delivered to the promise land by Moses, who is considered the greatest Jewish prophet. The Israelites were subjects of injustice under the rule of a new Egyptian pharaoh. Exodus 2:22 states, “I have been a stranger in a strange land.” Marley, identifying with the Biblical Exodus, creates his own proposal for escaping discrimination. In Exodus, Marley sings, “open up your eyes and look within.
Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?” Living in a white-man’s world, defined by Rastafarians as Babylon, exposes Marley to the injustices experienced by the Israelites. He believes the only escape from inequality is revisiting Africa. Marley sings, “we know where we’re going, we know where we’re from. We’re leaving Babylon, we’re going to our father land.” The promise land is said to flourish in richness and beauty. Exodus 3:8 describes it as, “a land flowing with milk and honey.” The opportunity of returning to Africa instills faith of egalitarianism in the minds of blacks. Exodus is a source of inspiration for Marley’s followers.
Marley embodies the spirit of Biblical prophets. The Torah, which Christians refer to as the Old Testament, makes references to Jewish prophets, who proclaim the word of God in the form of criticism against the injustices of society. According to The Mystica, classical literary prophets (namely Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets) placed more emphasis on the importance of ethical monotheism rather than the performance of the cult and foretelling the future. This defines the actions of Marley through his music and message.
The Jewish prophets are said to speak on behalf of God. In Marley’s Exodus, he sings, “Jah come to break downpression, rule equality, wipe away transgression, set the captives free.” Marley is referring to God as liberator, a common theme in black music, from the spirituals to hip hop. Prophets are said to show deep concern and love for the poor and needy. Marley assures that those lacking wealth will be set free by God once the people unite. Like Marley does in Exodus, the prophets constantly pleaded with Israel to repent.
