My Ode to Marley

Words & Poem

Aug 26, 2024

“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our minds, Have no fear for atomic energy 'Cause none of them can stop the time’. Won't you help to sing; These songs of freedom? 'Cause all I ever have’ ”

-The great and beautiful lyrics of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”, derived from the words of Marcus Garvey.

A man using music for peace in his politically divided homeland, that left his country after an attempted murder. Eventually, returning to his homeland and performing a concert to sow the seeds of peace.

I believe we should all strive for higher consciousness on our journey in this life. Passages and prose should not be hijacked and twisted by hateful pontificators. For with a higher consciousness population, I’m quite sure the occurrence of increased compassion, human awareness, and greater care for other humans and this beautiful planet that sustains us all. And for eons of future generations after we have gone into the ether.

This is the gift that Bob Marley has left for generations to experience through his music; and which his family continues to share with the world, and carry his legacy through their music.

Mankind’s history of enslavement, genocide and economic imperialism for ideology, religion or undue influence has proven to prohibit higher consciousness, and foster repeating the atrocities of our history and those still occuring around the world today. I believe his music and lyrics embodies the pain, reflection, and resilience of this history and provides the faith of redemption through hope, love and peace. May mankind continue to enjoy his music for generations, and may hope, love and peace become indelible as his voice, sound and words.