Bob Marley was an iconic songwriter and singer. His songs were relevant in his times continue to be inspirational today. He wrote a number of songs on the political turmoil of his time and others with emotional and spiritual significance. The best thing about Marley’s songs is that they will keep inspiring several generations to come. Here is a list of some of the most loved and remembered protest and politically charged songs written by Bob Marley.
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Concrete Jungle
Hugely popular in its time, Concrete Jungle is about the struggles that poor folks have to go through for surviving in the urban areas. Marley emphasizes that the rule of survival is as wild in civilized cities as they are in the jungles. The lyrics revolve around life in a Jamaican Ghetto. Marley sings of hopelessness and being a ‘captive’ without any chains that bind his feet.
Redemption Song
Bob Marley recorded this song solo, with just the accompaniment of his own guitar. It is a heart wrenching number that speaks about emancipation being our personal choice. It did not require more than one take for recording this song. Part of the song was taken from a speech of Marcus Garvey. The song tells how slavery has not really been abolished and persists in different forms.
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War
This one is another song of protest with a strong message against racism and classism. Marley feels that until or unless racism disappears from the society and the hearts of the men and women the eternal war cannot stop. It is a beautiful message of equality that will make sense forever.
Africa Unite
Marley is known for fighting against the unjust social order and in favor of African liberation. Africa Unite is a song that marks him as one of the musicians who fought for the freedom of Africa. This song became an anthem and helped in uniting the African countries.
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Belly Full
This one is another song that addresses social inequality and the problems such as poverty. This song is a protest against the difference between the living standards of the rich and the poor. He speaks truth when he mentions that hunger can turn the mob angry and bring their rage down on the rich.
Bob Marley is one of the most inspiring and influential songwriters. His songs of protest are still loved by the tech savvy generations. They speak of social inequality, poverty and political problems.
