BY SOFO ARCHON
Bob Marley’s music was revolutionary at its very core, and that’s the reason why it has touched the hearts of millions of souls, and is still influential, even so many years after he passed away.
Bob Marley’s songs inspired world change — starting with ourselves. Through them, he spoke out about important things that should concern us all, such as inequality, corruption, racism, violence, greed, and all these amidst violent political upheaval in Jamaica during the 1970’s.
Below you’ll find a short collection of my favorite quotes, lyrics and poems by Bob Marley.
“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul; wisdom is better than silver or fold.”
“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively”
“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.”
“If she’s amazing, she won’t be easy. If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing. If she’s worth it, you won’t give up. If you give up, you’re not worthy. … Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.”
“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”
“Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?”
“Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you’re riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake up and live!”
“Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I’m not perfect – and I don’t live to be – but before you start pointing fingers… make sure you hands are clean!”
“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.”
“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.”
“The winds that sometimes take something we love, are the same that bring us something we learn to love. Therefore, we should not cry about something that was taken from us, but, yes, love what we have been given. Because what is really ours is never gone forever.”
“You say you love rain, but you use an umbrella to walk under it. You say you love sun, but you seek shelter when it is shining. You say you love wind, but when it comes you close your windows. So that’s why I’m scared when you say you love me.”
“I no have education. I have inspiration. If I was educated I would be a damn fool.”
“Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life.”
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.”
“Live for yourself and you will live in vain; Live for others, and you will live again.”