It seems like only yesterday that Bob Marley’s early pioneering hit Mr. Brown featured here and now we have another song, but this time from the other bookend of his discography (and fittingly so) – Redemption Song. This is the final track on Bob Marley & the Wailers’ twelfth album made Uprising. I always found Redemption Song akin to an emancipation hymn; a contemporary spiritual masterpiece which always gave me goosebumps. Written during the final stages of Marley’s battle with cancer, Redemption Song is a poignant reflection of his life, beliefs, and enduring legacy.
Diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 1977, Marley faced his mortality with a determined spirit. According to his widow, Rita Marley, the song emerged from a deep sense of introspection and spiritual resolve. Marley drew inspiration from the words of Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican political leader and staunch advocate for black empowerment. Garvey’s 1937 speech, “The Work That Has Been Done,” provided the memorable line: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.”
[Verse 1]
Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the Almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly
[Chorus]
Won’t you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
‘Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
[Verse 2]
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
‘Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Ooh, some say it’s just a part of it
We’ve got to fulfill the book
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind
Whoa! Have no fear for atomic energy
‘Cause none of them-ah can-ah stop-ah the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it’s just a part of it
We’ve got to fulfill the book
Unlike many of Marley’s tracks, which are steeped in reggae rhythms, Redemption Song is delivered with the simplicity of an acoustic guitar. This stripped-back arrangement amplifies the message, making the lyrics the focal point. The song’s themes of freedom, self-determination, and spiritual redemption resonate deeply, not only within the context of Marley’s life but also within the broader struggles for social and racial justice.
The track was laid down at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica, during the sessions for the album Uprising in 1980. The studio process was intimate, with Marley often working alone to capture the raw emotion of the song. His acoustic performance was so compelling that it was decided to release the track in its bare form, devoid of additional instrumentation.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked it 42nd on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and it was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”
References:
1: Redemption Song – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
While I’ve mostly been drawn to Bob Marley because of his traditional groovy reggae songs, I’ve always liked “Redemption Song.” I agree the bare bones arrangement with just Marley and his acoustic guitar works very well for this song.
Yes, it sure does. Thanks for commenting Christian.
This must have been close to the end…I didn’t discover him really until after he passed…but I was only 13 or so when he did…I like him a lot.
I wouldn’t consider myself a big fan or anything, but I sure as heck admire him. Thanks for your reflections on this friend.
Great song
This is nice Matt! It kind of makes me sad as he passed way too young!
Hi there Sharon, upon reflection it is indeed sad that such an immense talent was taken away so young and in his prime really.
Have always loved this song.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your great affection for it here.