Jah Live
Bob Marley
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Jah Live - Bob Marley Jah live! children yeah! Jah-Jah live! children yeah Jah live! children yeah! Jah-Jah live! children yeah The truth is an offense but not a sin! Is he who laugh last, children! Is he who win Is a foolish dog bark at a flying bird! One sheep must learn, children! To respect the sheperd! Jah live! children yeah! Jah-Jah live! children yeah! Jah live! children yeah Jah-Jah live! children yeah, Jah! Fools sayin' in their heart Rasta your God is dead But I and I know Jah! Jah! Dreaded it shall be dreaded and dread Jah live! children yeah! Jah-Jah live! children yeah! Jah live! children yeah Jah-Jah live! children yeah Let Jah a-rise! Now that the enemies are scattered Let Jah a-rise! The enemies, the enemies are scattered Jah live! children yeah! Jah-Jah live! children yeah Jah live! children yeah Jah-Jah live!
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Written by: BOB MARLEY, LEE PERRY
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
19 facts about this song
Song Analysis"Jah Live" was written as a response to the announcements of Bob Marley's death by some sections of the media. The term 'Jah' is a shortened version of 'Jehovah', which is one of the names of God in Rastafarian belief.
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Historical ContextThe song was released as a non-album single in 1975, in response to rumors of Bob Marley's death, which followed the release of the album "Natty Dread".
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Song ThemeThe lyrics "Evil men that think Jah is dead" express Marley's irritation at the false reports of his death, as well as showing his strong belief in the ever-living presence of God (Jah).
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Musical Style"Jah Live" is characterized by a reggae rhythm, a music genre that Bob Marley was instrumental in popularizing globally.
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ProductionProduced by the Jamaican record producer Lee "Scratch" Perry, "Jah Live" is one of the numerous successful collaborations between the artist and producer.
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Lyrics InterpretationIn the song, Marley sings, "The truth is an offense but not a sin”. This is typically interpreted as his stance against the suppression of truth and encouragement to seek truth without fear of offending others.
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Cultural ContextThe song pays tribute to the Rastafarian faith, highlighting the belief in the immortal presence of Jah, while reflecting the broader Caribbean cultural and religious context in which Bob Marley's music evolved.
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Music ImpactAlthough "Jah Live" was a non-album single, it became one of Bob Marley & the Wailers' classic songs and remains a popular track amongst reggae enthusiasts.
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LegacyThe philosophical and spiritual beliefs expressed in "Jah Live" are a significant part of Bob Marley's enduring global influence as an artist who promoted peace, love, and unity through his music.
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Recording Context"Jah Live" was recorded by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1975. It is a reaction to the news of the death of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia.
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GenreThis song belongs to the reggae genre, which is a music style originated in Jamaica. Bob Marley is one of the most famous and influential representatives of this genre.
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LyricsThe lyrics of "Jah Live" emphasize a strong belief in the everlasting existence of God, whom Rastafarians refer to as Jah. This is a central part of the Rastafarian religion which Bob Marley was a devout follower of.
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Circumstances of ReleaseThis song was released as a single immediately following the death of Emperor Haile Selassie I to dispute claims that he had died. Rastafarians regard Selassie as the returned Messiah and believe that he lives on.
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Music ProductionJamaican music producer, Lee "Scratch" Perry, collaborated with Bob Marley and the Wailers on the production of "Jah Live". Perry is one of the most notable figures in the development of reggae and dub music in Jamaica.
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Recording StudioThe song "Jah Live" was recorded at the famous Island Studios in London, where many other iconic reggae tracks have been made.
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B-sideThe B-side of the "Jah Live" single is "Concrete Jungle", a song from the album "Catch a Fire", which was the fifth album by Bob Marley and the Wailers, and their first album released by Island Records in 1973.
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AlbumDespite its impact, "Jah Live" isn't featured in any of Marley's original studio albums. It has, however, appeared on some compilation albums and deluxe edition reissues of standard albums, like "Rastaman Vibration".
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Critical ReceptionThe song has been critically acclaimed as one of Marley's most emphatic spiritual messages, and its release played a pivotal role in uplifting the spirits of Rastafarians worldwide at a time of great grief.
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Live Performances"Jah Live" was included in the setlist for live performances in Marley's concerts till the late '70s, symbolizing the deep and enduring faith he held in Rastafarian beliefs.
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Citation
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"Jah Live Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3219427/Bob+Marley/Jah+Live>.
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