Happy 70th birthday to Bob Marley
JOE continues to look at some of our favourite classic songs of all-time with a tribute to an artist that is the very definition of the word ‘icon’ on his 70th birthday.
Artist, album and year: Bob Marley, Uprising, 1980
Why is it a classic?: Where to begin. At the time of writing this iconic track, Marley was diagnosed with the cancer that would sadly take his life and with this knowledge in mind, the track takes on such a powerful and profound quality.
It almost feels like his poetic and moving lyrics read like a ‘wish-list’ for an idyllic future that he feels that the world can aspire to.
The icon wasn’t afraid to highlight the hypocrisy, failings and dangers that society was shackled in as his words take on a prophetic quality.
There isn’t enough superlatives in the English language to describe the singers bravery and strength during the recording this album because he was in constant pain in the studio while also having to contemplate his own mortality.
The lyrics are so beautiful, powerful and poetic that they demand your attention but the minimalist production values on this song are wonderful also.
Unlike most of Bob Marley’s tracks, Redemption Song is strictly a solo acoustic recording that’s played in the key of G major without a single hint of a reggae rhythm.
This shift in focus and style is further proof, if any was ever needed, that Bob Marley was one of the most incredible musical talents that the world has and will ever see.
Did you Know? : The most famous lyrics, which are listed below, were taken from a speech given by activist Marcus Garvey in Nova Scotia.
Redemption Song has also been covered by a variety of different artists including Ian Brown, Stevie Wonder, The Chieftans, Joe Strummer and Chris Cornell amongst many others.
The lyrical hook: “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrY9eHkXTa4
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