Redemption Song

"Redemption Song" was the last track on Bob Marley's ninth Island music album, Uprising. Marley was a pioneer in spreading the reggae music of Jamaica throughout the world; however "Redemption Song" is a simple folk song.

Related Topics:
Bob Marley - Album - Uprising - Reggae - Jamaica - Folk

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At the time he wrote the song, circa 1979, Marley had already been diagnosed with the cancer that was to later take his life, and according to Rita Marley, he was already, secretly, in a lot of pain, and was dealing with his own mortality, a feature which is clearly apparent on the album, and particularly on this song.

Related Topics:
1979 - Cancer - Rita Marley

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The song, like most of Marley's, took on his Rastafarian religious convictions head on, but also urges people to free themselves from their self-imposed mental shackles. The song has been covered by a wide and varied group of artists, including Lauryn Hill, U2, Joe Strummer, Johnny Cash, Stevie Wonder, Majek Fashek and Christy Moore, which in itself bears testament to the huge fan base Marley had, and also the power of the song itself. At the 'Tribute to Heroes' concert, the concert held after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Wyclef Jean sang the song while draped in an American flag. Perhaps one of the most interesting variations, done by various Jewish youth groups, is to sing the prayer "Mi Chamocha", which speaks of the exodus from Egypt, to the tune of "Redemption Song".

Related Topics:
Rastafarian - Religious convictions - Lauryn Hill - U2 - Joe Strummer - Johnny Cash - Stevie Wonder - Majek Fashek - Christy Moore - September 11, 2001 attacks - Wyclef Jean - American flag - Exodus

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