Bob Marley

A Universal Consciousness

Bob Marley put Jamaica on the world map with music…reggae music. His songs sang about freedom, love, peace, and suffering…things normal people can relate to. Born February 6^th 1945 he became a singer/songwriter and wrote songs like “I Shot the Sheriff”, “No Woman No Cry”, “Exodus”, and “Jamming”. Bob wrote songs from his heart to uplift the soul, whether it may be preparing you for work, to mediate, to believe that ‘every little ting is gonna be alright’. He wrote songs to show affection to his women, “Satisfy My Soul” and “Stir It Up”. Bob was never negative; always positive, “One Love” and “Three Little Birds”, which leaves me to believe these are some of the reasons why people…young, old, black, white, Latinos, Europeans…gravitate towards loving his music, years after his death. Folks are given this one day to honor Bob with, love, peace, offering, food, craft, and music. After all the King of Reggae deserves our respect and requires our attention…and man we gladly accept the invitation.

Songs of Freedom

‘One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain’, Bob Marley wrote on paper feelings of great intense emotions that captivated his body and mind. He then added sounds, movements, and genre to create masterpieces, his songs, hoping we too can experience those same emotions he felt, when we listen to his music. I believe I know those emotions, of completely letting go to music, to let music guide my thoughts. To listen to the story each instrument is telling, drums, base, guitar, and vocals…to hear each one individually. How can one not be at peace? Simply put his music gets rid of stress, crosses boundaries, and brings people together. I’ve never met anyone, so far, who has not liked his mystic vibes and insights. To truly hear his music; to be aware of… whatever it is that you want to be aware of…oneness. Combined with his music were his locks and dance movements, which transcended his audiences during his performances.

 If you truly love Bob’s songs, then you love the man himself…because he wrote songs that stir up the senses and make you yearn for more, without even realizing you’re doing it. Now, when I looked around, during the festival, and at that same time “One Love” started playing and the crowd, subconsciously, all at once started singing, I believe I’ve just experience one of life’s finest moments…universal consciousness.

An Imprint

Bob Marley left us, in body, on May 11^th, 1981. He still lives on through his songs, which are so inspirational to me. I now see more and more of the younger generation embracing what Bob stood for. I see people from all nations here, mixed, laughing, singing, and bonding in love. No matter where I travel to, I will always hear the echo of Bob’s voice singing “Redemption Songs” and “This Is Love”, and many more. His own blend of lyrics and sounds frozen in time, just the way he wanted it.