A Yogi's Tribute to Bob Marley

Yesterday, February 6th marks what would have been Bob Marley's 69th birthday. I was lucky enough to grow up with his lyrics swimming around in my head from the time I was about 9 years old and on. Some of my favorite memories of growing up in Puerto Rico were the Sundays when my mom would light incense and spend all day cleaning the house listening to Marley's many albums on repeat. His wisdom crept into the crevices of my soul way back when and took up residence in my heart. They always bring me a sense of calmness and inner peace. Now, well into my adulthood, I am still continually inspired every time I hear one of his lyrics or familiar guitar strums and am honored to be able to bring his teachings and musical stylings into my yoga classes to share with my students. Whether it evokes a sense of nostalgia, a change in perspective or just a friendly reminder that every little thing's gonna be alright....everyone is moved by Marley in some way. 

Here are my top ten favorite lyrics written by the legend himself, accompanied in bold by the lesson we can take into our lives from his simple, yet oh-so powerful words.

  

1) Be Loyal

"In high seas or in low seas, I'm gonna be your friend. He said, "I'm gonna be your friend." 

And, baby, in high tide or low tide, I'll be by your side, I'll be by your side."

2) Believe in Magic

"There's a natural mystic blowing through the air. If you listen carefully now you will hear."

3) Remember your Roots

"Good friends we have, oh, good friends we have lost. Along the way. 

In this great future, you can't forget your past; So dry your tears, I say."

4) Stay True 

"Don't gain the world and loose your soul, wisdom is better than silver and gold." 

* This is probably my all-time favorite song lyric of Bob's. It's from his song "Zion Train" which is on the last album he ever released called "Uprising" in June of 1980. Marley died in May of 1981 and many believe his last album to be his most profound and most reflective of his deep Rastafarian beliefs at the time. To me, his message in this song is a reflection of the success, fame and prosperity he was experiencing at that point in his life and the internal struggle he felt to keep reminding himself to stay connected to his roots and remember where he came from. Surrounded by money, celebrity and greed, he was clinging tightly to his true sense of self and trying to not get swept away in the sea of materialism. This lyric really resonates with me as I too live in a world that's so focused on material possessions and constantly acquiring more and more. It can seem overwhelming  at times. I too have that same internal struggle to stay connected to my soul, spend time in nature and keep perspective on what's truly important in life.

5) Relax, Life is Good

"Rise up this mornin', Smiled with the risin' sun, Three little birds Pitch by my doorstep 

Singin' sweet songs Of melodies pure and true, Sayin', This is my message to you-ou-ou.
Singin': "Don't worry 'bout a thing, 'Cause every little thing gonna be all right." 

6)  Don't be a Hater

"Who are you to judge me and the life that I live? I know that I'm not perfect and that I don't claim to be. So before you point your fingers, be sure your hands are clean, Judge not before you judge yourself. Judge not if you're not ready for judgement- Woah oh oh! The boat of life is rocking and you may stumble too, so while you talk about me, someone else is judging you."

7) Choose your Thoughts Wisely

"Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."

8) Karma

"You can fool some people sometimes, but you can't fool all the people all the time."

9) Take Time to Reflect

"Open your eyes and look within, are you satisfied with the life you're living?"

{and lastly, not a song lyric but a beautiful, wise quote about relationships and how to work it out with your man.}

10) LOVE HARD, when there's love to be had....

“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. 

He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. 

Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. 

Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.”