Songs like “Burnin’ Looting” and “War” resonate with the current racial unrest and social injustices prominent today.
Marley’s timeless music has historically been a place of solace for people around the world, especially during times of civil unrest.
With the onset of protests for social justice happening across the globe and the concurrent quarantine period, more people are looking to his music for wisdom and empowerment.
In “War” from 1976 quoting the great Haile Selassie I, Marley sings:
“Until the philosophy which holds one race / Superior and another Inferior / Is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned / Everywhere is war / Me say war”
“That until there are no longer / First-class and second-class citizens of any nation / Until the color of a man’s skin / Is of no more significance than the color of his eyes / Me say war / That until the basic human rights / Are equally guaranteed to all / Without regard to race / Dis a war”
Marley’s music has always spoken to us in a way that makes us want to change ourselves and the world.
Amid the political and racial tensions in the world today, it’s no wonder his music has had a huge boost in streams considering its authenticity and social awareness.
