About the song
Bob Marley and the Enduring Power of “One Love/People Get Ready”
In the annals of music history, few names resonate with the cultural impact and enduring legacy of Bob Marley. The Jamaican singer-songwriter, who rose to prominence in the 1970s, remains a global icon, revered not only for his musical prowess but also for his unwavering commitment to social justice and unity. Marley’s music, infused with reggae, ska, and rocksteady rhythms, transcended cultural and linguistic barriers, carrying messages of love, peace, and hope to a world yearning for change.
Among Marley’s vast repertoire, two songs stand out as enduring anthems that continue to inspire and uplift generations: “One Love” and “People Get Ready”. These tracks, released in 1977 on the album Exodus, embody the essence of Marley’s artistry and the profound impact he had on the world.
“One Love” is a timeless plea for unity and harmony, a call to bridge the divides that often separate humanity. With its opening lines, “One love, one heart,” Marley sets the stage for a powerful message of universal brotherhood. The song’s gentle melody and uplifting lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where love reigns supreme, transcending differences of race, religion, and nationality.
“People Get Ready”, on the other hand, serves as a rousing call to action, urging listeners to prepare for a brighter future. Marley’s impassioned vocals and the song’s infectious rhythm create a sense of urgency and anticipation, as he paints a picture of a world where oppression and injustice are replaced by freedom and equality.
The pairing of “One Love” and “People Get Ready” on Exodus is not merely a coincidence; it is a deliberate statement of Marley’s overarching message. The former speaks to the ideal of a world united in love, while the latter serves as a reminder of the collective action required to achieve that ideal. Together, these songs form a powerful testament to Marley’s unwavering belief in the power of music to inspire change and promote a better world.
Decades after their release, “One Love” and “People Get Ready” continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, their messages of love, unity, and hope as relevant today as they were when Marley first penned them. These anthems serve as a reminder of the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries, unite people, and inspire positive change. As Marley himself sang, “One love, one heart, Let’s get together and feel alright.”
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Lyrics
One love
One heart
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
One love (oh, Lord, have mercy)
One heart
I tell you, let’s just salsabrate (let’s join together)
And I will feel alright (and I’ll feel alright)
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
Now, let them all pass all their dirty remarks (one love)
There is one question I’d really like to ask (one soul)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save the soul?
One love
One heart
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
One love (hear my plea)
One heart
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
Let’s join together (thanks and Praise to the Lord)
And I’ll feel alright (and I will feel alright)
Let’s join together to fight this holy battle
So when the man comes there will be no, no doom
Have pity on those whose chances grows thinner
There ain’t no hiding place when the king comes along, yes
One love (hear my plea)
One heart (whoa)
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
One love (oh, Lord, have mercy)
One heart
I tell you, let’s just salsabrate (let’s join together)
And I will feel alright (and I’ll feel alright)
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
One love
One heart
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
One love (oh, Lord)
One heart (ohh)
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
Let’s join together (give thanks and Praise to the Lord)
And I’ll feel alright (and I will feel alright)
I tell you, let them all pass all their dirty remarks (one love)
There is one question I’d really like to ask (one soul)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save the soul?
One love (oh, Lord, have mercy)
One heart
I tell you, let’s just salsabrate (let’s join together)
And I will feel alright (and I’ll feel alright)
One love (hear my plea)
One heart (hear my plea)
Let’s join together and I’ll feel alright
Let’s join together (give thanks and Praise to the Lord)
And I’ll feel alright (and I will feel alright)