Deciphering Redemption Song - Bob Marley | The story behind the song | Lyrics breakdown

Summary

This video explores the profound impact of Bob Marley's final song, *Redemption Song*, shedding light on its powerful themes of freedom, resistance, and social justice. Marley's lyrics address the historical trauma of slavery and the oppression of black people, while his Rastafarian beliefs and personal struggles shape the song's message. The video delves into Marley's activism, his near-fatal shooting in 1976, and his refusal to back down despite political threats. Despite his untimely death in 1981, Marley's legacy as a global symbol of peace and resistance endures, with *Redemption Song* standing as a timeless anthem of hope and liberation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song' was his last written song before his death, and it carries profound messages about freedom, resistance, and historical reflection.
• 😀 The song's lyrics reflect Bob Marley's personal and collective experience with the oppression of the Black community, particularly the legacy of slavery and colonialism.
• 😀 Bob Marley's use of the word 'I' in the song is a collective statement, representing all Black people who have suffered through history, especially through the transatlantic slave trade.
• 😀 The concept of 'Redemption' in the song is not about religious salvation, but about the historical context of slave emancipation, where freedom should not be bought or earned.
• 😀 Marley's Rastafarian faith deeply influenced his music, and his spiritual beliefs are embedded in the message of the song, particularly around themes of freedom and unity.
• 😀 The song critiques the fact that Black communities still find themselves singing songs asking for 'redemption' instead of celebrating freedom, which is a fundamental human right.
• 😀 Bob Marley also questions the systemic killing of Black activists and prophets, referencing figures like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., who were murdered for fighting against oppression.
• 😀 In 1976, Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt orchestrated amidst political violence in Jamaica, highlighting the dangers he faced for advocating peace and unity.
• 😀 Despite being shot, Bob Marley performed a major concert just two days after the attack, demonstrating his commitment to spreading his message of peace, love, and unity.
• 😀 Bob Marley’s tragic death at age 36 was linked to his refusal to undergo necessary medical treatment due to his Rastafarian beliefs, marking his life as one of sacrifice for his faith and his cause.

Q & A

What is the significance of Bob Marley's song 'Redemption Song'?

'Redemption Song' is Bob Marley's last recorded song and serves as a powerful anthem of freedom and resistance. It reflects on the painful history of slavery and oppression, while also offering a call to action for true liberation and justice.

How does Bob Marley reference slavery in 'Redemption Song'?

In the song, Marley refers to slavery through the metaphor of 'the old pirates, yes, they stole me. They sold me to the merchant ships,' symbolizing the historical exploitation and dehumanization of black people during the slave trade.

What is the contrast between 'redemption' and 'freedom' in the song?

Marley contrasts 'redemption' with 'freedom,' suggesting that redemption, in the context of slavery, was about buying a slave's freedom, while true freedom is an inherent human right that cannot be bought or authorized by others.

What does Bob Marley mean by 'How long will they kill our prophets, while we stand aside and look?'

This line expresses Marley's frustration with the violent suppression of black activists and leaders, such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., who were murdered for challenging the system. He calls for action, urging people not to stand idly by as these prophets are silenced.

What happened during the 1976 assassination attempt on Bob Marley?

On December 3, 1976, Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt when seven armed men invaded his home and shot him and his wife, Rita. Despite being injured, Marley performed at a concert two days later, demonstrating his resilience.

How did Bob Marley view the political situation in Jamaica during the 1970s?

Bob Marley did not align with either of Jamaica's two rival political parties, seeing them as two sides of the same coin. He believed they did nothing to help the people and focused instead on spreading peace and unity through his music.

Why did Bob Marley refuse to amputate his toe after it became infected?

Marley, following his Rastafarian beliefs, viewed his body as a sacred temple. He rejected the idea of amputating his infected toe because his religious convictions forbade altering his body, which eventually contributed to the worsening of his cancer.

What role did Rastafarianism play in Bob Marley's life and music?

Rastafarianism was central to Bob Marley's life and music. It shaped his worldview, inspiring themes of spiritual freedom, the reverence of Jah (God), and a connection to Africa. His faith also influenced his personal practices, such as his refusal to cut his hair or get tattoos.

What is the connection between Bob Marley’s passion for football and his death?

Bob Marley's love for football led to an injury on his toe, which later turned out to be a malignant tumor. His refusal to seek medical intervention, due to his Rastafarian beliefs, contributed to the spread of his cancer, ultimately leading to his death.

How did Bob Marley contribute to peace during political tensions in Jamaica?

In the midst of political violence in Jamaica, Marley organized a free concert to promote peace. Despite threats on his life, he performed at the 'Smile Jamaica' concert and later called rival political leaders to the stage to shake hands, urging unity and peace.