31 Significant Bob Marley Quotes
Robert Nesta Marley (born February 6, 1945, Nine Mile, Saint Ann, Jamaica – died May 11, 1981, Miami, Florida, U.S.), known as Bob Marley, was a Jamaican reggae singer, musician, and songwriter. As one of the pioneers of reggae, Marley is one of the most responsible for popularizing the genre outside of Jamaica. He was also a committed member of the Rastafari movement.
Marley started his music career with a few singles before he and his friends formed a group named Wailers. After the breakup of the band, Marley continued his solo career. In 1977, he released the album Exodus, which earned him a worldwide reputation and made him one of the best-selling artists, with sales of more than 75 million records. Today, Exodus is considered one of the best albums ever made.
Bob Marley achieved many accomplishments and awards during his lifetime. Some are Band of the Year in 1976, Peace Medal of the Third World in 1978, and Jamaican Order of Merit. He was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994, while his album Exodus was named Album of the Century by Time Magazine. The song One Love was declared Song of the Millennium by the BBC.
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Famous Bob Marley Quotes
Don’t gain the world and lose your soul. Wisdom is better than silver and gold.Zion Train, from the album Uprising (1980)
In this great future, you can’t forget your past.No Woman, No Cry, from the album Natty Dread (1974)
If you know your history, then you would know where you coming from, then you wouldn’t have to ask me, who the heck do I think I am.Buffalo Soldier, from the album Confrontation (1983)
Prejudice is a chain, it can hold you. If you prejudice, you can’t move, you keep prejudice for years. Never get nowhere with that.Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages Audio, July 1975
Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.Three Little Birds, from the album Exodus (1977)
You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.Twitter post by @bobmarley from March 17, 2018
Alcohol make you drunk, man. It don’t make you meditate, it just make you drunk. Herb is more a consciousness.As recorded in filmed interview (1979) with Dylan Taite in Aotearoa, New Zealand
We don’t have education, we have inspiration; if I was educated I would be a damn fool.As recorded in Time Will Tell (1992), a documentary by Declan Lowney
It is better to live on the house top than to live in a house full of confusion.Running Away, from the album Kaya
Bob Marley Quotes on Music
One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.Trenchtown Rock, from the album Live! (1975)
My music fights against the system that teaches to live and die.As quoted in: Bob Marley (Virgin, 1997). And also in: The African Guardian, 1986
My music will go on forever. Maybe it’s a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever.Bob Marley - June, 1975
Bob Marley Quotes about Life
Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?Exodus, from the album Exodus (1977)
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What important is man should live in righteousness, in natural love for mankind.Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages Audio, July 1975
Bob Marley Inspirational Quotes
Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality.Wake Up and Live!, from the album Survival (1979)
Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind.Redemption Song, from the album Uprising (1979)
Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, don’t give up the fight.Get Up Stand Up, from the album Burnin' (1973)
You not supposed to feel down over whatever happen to you. You’re supposed to use whatever happen to you as some type of upper, not a downer.Interview by Karl Dallas, Rock's Backpages Audio, July 1975
Positive Bob Marley Quotes
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.Twitter post by @bobmarley from July 14, 2012
When one door is closed don’t you know, other is open?Coming in from the Cold, from the album Uprising (1980)
Say you just can’t live that negative way, If you know what I mean; Make way for the positive day.Positive Vibration, from the album Rastaman Vibration (1976)
Bob Marley Quotes about Love and Truth
Truth is everybody is going to hurt you: you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.Bob Marley (Songbook): Guitar Chord Songbook (ed. Hal Leonard Corporation, 2011)
Truth is the light so you never give up the fight.Final jamming of Live at the Roxy (recorded 1976)
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You entertain people who are satisfied. Hungry people can’t be entertained – or people who are afraid. You can’t entertain a man who has no food.No source