“One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain”

If I had to choose an artist in my eclectic library of music that always seems to raise an eyebrow when people pass the discography, I'd have to say it's probably the one and only Bob Marley. And I'm always so surprised that people are surprised that I not only listen to his music but have more than a few books about him in my collection. Why wouldn't I? Because I'm a 30 year old white woman? Because I was born and raised in rural Oklahoma? Because my background and life experiences couldn't be further from his? I suppose on the surface it is a bit of a shock but I've been loving Bob Marley for a long, long time and I refuse to make any apologies or offer any explanations for it.

The past few weeks have collectively been THE suck and I'm especially feeling it today as I try to get things done that need to get done, make some serious plans and deal with some issues that I've been putting off for a good while on top of still feeling pretty puny overall so the ONLY thing that I knew would make me feel even remotely better was some Bob. And sure enough, it did. A little. So I have, have, have to share some of my favorite tracks from his days with the Wailers and even a few of my favorite cover versions of those songs. Maybe if you're having a bad day too some of these will be just the pick me up you need to keep putting one foot in front of the other and walking in whichever direction it is that life's leading you. And if for some reason you're not familiar with Bob Marley's life and message, I'd encourage you to dig a little deeper. You might just find you're a fan too.


Bob Marley & The Wailers - "I Shot the Sheriff"

Bob Marley & The Wailers - "Waiting in Vain"

Bob Marley & The Wailers - "No Woman, No Cry"

Bob Marley & The Wailers - "Redemption Song"

Bob Marley & The Wailers - "Satisfy My Soul"

Bob Marley & The Wailers - "Get Up, Stand Up"


Covers I love...

From the very first time I rest my eyes on you, boy
My heart said follow through

Annie Lennox - "Waiting in Vain"

She added such an amazing element to this song, it's just gorgeous. I adore her in general but her voice singing the first few lines of this song just melts me every single time.


Eric Clapton - "I Shot the Sheriff"

It never ceases to amaze me how many people DON'T realize this is a cover.


The Fugees - "No Woman, No Cry"

If you read here at all then you probably know how much I love me some Ms. Hill and to this day I believe that her solo debut is one of the most ground breaking and phenomenal albums made in my lifetime. It was perfection through and through. And although I'll always love her solo, her time with Wyclef and Co. was well spent and this is one of the tracks from The Score that's evidence of that.



And lastly, for Jack who I hope still reads here, who I so worry for and so miss and whose pain at times is palpable for me even from this distance...this was my song this morning, I think I'll always be grateful for that gift (for better or worse) because I know it came from you...

Bob Marley & The Wailers - "Three Little Birds"



And to close, some quotes from him that I love:


“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold…”

“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.”

“Me only have one ambition, y'know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that's all.”

“Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?"

“Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect and I don't live to be. But, before you start pointing fingers, make sure your hands are clean.”

"In the abundance of water, the fool is thirsty.”

"If puss and dog can get together, why cant we love one another?"

"When one door is closed, don't you know, another is open."

"Free speech carries with it some freedom to listen."