Reggae

Since I have arrived in the Caribbean, I have heard almost exclusively Reggae music. Tonight at Quitos, I was dancing and feeling light and breezy when a line from one of the songs hit me over the head like a ton of bricks. It may come across as simple happy music for potheads, but the lyrics of reggae are quite profound. They are rarely silly love songs, but have messages that can literally alter the way you think. The line that affected me so strongly was from the song, “So Much Things”,

“ Don’t forget who you are and where you stand in the struggle.”

 

Wow. Those are words to live by. You can apply this philosophy to all of your struggles, from daily efforts to life’s greatest catastrophes.”

 

Most people know that Reggae came out of Jamaica and was inspired by the struggles and beauty that comes out of their island lifestyle. I find the lyrics apply to all of humanity. It is often about prejudice due to their slavery history, but injustice is a universal experience. While addressing the discrimination, the music remarkably inspires dignity. There are classics, like, “Get up, Stand up. Stand up for your rights” by Bob Marley. 

Not contrary to this message of empowerment, sometimes the music is about finding the joy that is to be had. The rastas believe heaven is here on earth and don’t wait to enjoy your life.  These are happy tunes that remind you how sweet life can be – like in the song, “Three little birds”.

Don’t worry about a thing,

cause every little thing gonna be all right.

Singing: don’t worry about a thing,

cause every little thing gonna be all right!

Rise up this morning,

Smiled with the rising sun,

Three little birds

Pitch by my doorstep

Singing sweet songs

Of melodies pure and true,

Saying, (this is my message to you-ou-ou:)

 

A significant meaning of reggae music is about uniting all of mankind. It’s difficult to not feel the infectious hope while listening to One Foundation or One Love by Bob Marley.

Got to build our love on one foundation.

 

There will never be - no love at all;

There will never be no love at all.

 

Got to put aside the segregation

Got to put aside the organization;

Got to put aside the denomination.

There will - there will never be no love at all;

 

Or the great Redemption song that speaks of true empowerment of yourself over others:

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.

How long shall they kill our prophets,

While we stand aside and look?

Some say its just a part of it:

Weve got to fulfil de book

 

Bob Marley was indeed a prophet, but there are other great reggae musicians with a powerful message, like Jimmy Cliff. The soundtrack to The Harder they Come is one of the greatest soundtracks of all time. Every song is a classic and takes you on a journey. A song that has helped me when I feel lost on my way and tempted, but gives me the courage to keep going and doing the right thing is: Many Rivers to Cross.

Many rivers to cross

But I can't seem to find my way over

Wandering I am lost

As I travel along the white cliffs of dover

 

Many rivers to cross

And it's only my will that keeps me alive

I've been licked, washed up for years

And I merely survive because of my pride

 

And this loneliness won't leave me alone

It's such a drag to be on your own

My woman left me and she didn't say why

Well, I guess I'll have to cry

 

Many rivers to cross

But just where to begin I'm playing for time

There have been times I find myself

Thinking of committing some dreadful crime

 

Yes, I've got many rivers to cross

But I can't seem to find my way over

Wandering, I am lost

As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover

Yes, I've got many rivers to cross

And I merely survive because of my will...

There are so many great reggae songs, I could go on and still leave out an essential one. I decided to end (it’s late!) on the song that encourages me to be a better person. Thinking about it and listening it to it now to transcribe it, makes me feel like it is so much more than a song. It is a lesson on how to live.  Its called Pass it On.

What your hands do,

It's your own eyes that've seen.

So won't you judge your actions

To make sure the results are clean?

 

It's your own conscience

That is gonna remind you

That it's your heart and nobody else's

That is gonna judge.

 

Be not selfish in your doings:

Pass it on. (Pass it on, children)

Help your brothers (help them) in their needs:

Pass it on.

 

Live for yourself and you will live in vain;

Live for others, you will live again.

 

In the kingdom of Jah,

Man shall reign.

Pass it on;

Pass it on;

Pass it on;

Pass it on.

 

What's in the darkness

Must be revealed to light.

We're not here to judge what's good from bad

But to do the things that are right.

 

On a hot, sunny day,

Follow the shadows for rescue.

But as the day grows old,

I know the sun is gonna find you.

 

Be not selfish in your doings:

Pass it on.

Help your brothers in their needs:

Pass it on.

 

Live for yourself, you will live in vain;

Live for others, you will live again.