About the song
Few artists in music history have left as profound an impact as Bob Marley, the global icon of reggae music and a symbol of social change, unity, and spiritual awakening. Among his vast catalog of legendary songs, “Lively Up Yourself” stands out as a defining track, radiating the uplifting, groove-driven essence of roots reggae. But beyond the original version, there exists a deeper, more atmospheric take: “Lively Up Yourself Dub”—a mesmerizing rework that showcases the power of reggae’s dub tradition.
Release and Album
Originally recorded for Bob Marley & The Wailers’ 1974 album “Natty Dread”, “Lively Up Yourself” became a staple of Marley’s repertoire. The dub version, however, emerged from the creative sessions of legendary Jamaican producer Lee “Scratch” Perry and the visionary studio techniques of King Tubby, two pioneers who transformed reggae into something hypnotic and otherworldly. While the exact release of “Lively Up Yourself Dub” varies, dub versions of Marley’s tracks became widely available through remix compilations and alternate pressings, including “Natty Dread” Deluxe Editions and posthumous dub collections.
Musical Style and Production
At its core, “Lively Up Yourself Dub” takes the infectious rhythm of the original song and strips it down to its essential elements. Dub music—a genre born in Jamaica’s studios in the late 1960s and early ’70s—reimagines tracks through heavy reverb, echo effects, and bass-forward mixing, creating an almost meditative listening experience.
Unlike the upbeat, vocal-driven “Lively Up Yourself”, the dub version shifts the focus to the deep, rolling basslines, the syncopated drumming of Carlton Barrett, and the intricate textures of Aston “Family Man” Barrett’s bass guitar. In classic dub fashion, Marley’s vocals are fragmented, fading in and out, as if drifting through the haze of Kingston’s streets. The track feels expansive, with delay effects stretching guitar licks into the distance, while percussive elements—like rimshots and hi-hats—create a hypnotic pulse.
Meaning and Cultural Impact
While the original “Lively Up Yourself” was a celebration of positivity, movement, and self-empowerment, the dub version removes the direct lyrical message and instead immerses the listener in pure rhythm and atmosphere. This is the magic of dub—it transforms music into a spiritual, almost trance-like experience, where the beat and echoes speak louder than words.
Dub music, pioneered by figures like King Tubby, Lee “Scratch” Perry, and Scientist, was more than just a production technique—it became a form of musical rebellion. By deconstructing and reimagining songs, dub allowed for political and spiritual expression without direct lyrics, making it a powerful tool in Jamaica’s sociopolitical landscape. “Lively Up Yourself Dub”, like many of Marley’s dub versions, became part of this tradition, offering a new way to feel the song beyond its words.
Legacy and Influence
The influence of Bob Marley’s dub experiments extends far beyond reggae. Dub techniques laid the foundation for hip-hop production, electronic music, and even modern rock, with artists like Massive Attack, Gorillaz, and The Clash incorporating heavy reverb, echo, and bass-forward mixing into their sounds. Marley’s music, particularly its dub versions, remains a blueprint for musicians seeking to create sonic landscapes that transcend traditional song structures.
For fans of Bob Marley, “Lively Up Yourself Dub” serves as a reminder of how dynamic and versatile his music was. It’s not just about lyrics or melody—it’s about feeling the groove, losing yourself in the rhythm, and connecting with something deeper. Whether played on a vintage sound system in a Kingston dancehall or through the headphones of a modern listener, the track continues to inspire, uplift, and transport those who tune in.
Conclusion
“Lively Up Yourself Dub” is more than just an alternate version of a classic Bob Marley song—it’s a journey into the heart of dub reggae, where echoes, basslines, and rhythm create an almost mystical experience. It reflects both Marley’s commitment to the groove and the innovative spirit of Jamaican producers who reshaped music history. Whether you’re a longtime reggae fan or a newcomer exploring Marley’s deeper cuts, this dub version is an essential listen, proving that reggae’s power isn’t just in its words, but in its soul-shaking rhythms.
Video
Lyrics
Lively up yourself and don’t be no dragLively up yourself, oh, Reggae is another bagLively up yourself and don’t say noLively up yourself, ’cause I said soYou, what you gon’ do?You rock so, you rock soLike you never did beforeYou dip so, you dip soTill you can dip through my doorYou skank so, you skank so, oh yeahcome alive todayYou’re gonna lively up yourself and don’t be no dragLively up yourself, oh, Reggae is another bagLively up yourself and don’t say noLively up yourself, ’cause I said soWhat you got that I don’t know?I’m trying to wonder, wonder why youWonder, wonder why you act so (lively up yourself)And don’t be no dragLively up yourself, oh, Reggae is another bag(Lively up yourself)your woman in the morning time y’all(Lively up yourself) oh, keep livening up your woman in the evening timeAnd take it, take it, take it, take it(Lively up yourself) I wanna be lively myselfGot no socks and no shirt (lively up yourself) I gotta lively up myself(Lively up yourself)(Lively up yourself) your woman in the morning time(Lively up yourself) your woman in the evening too, nowNow! (lively up yourself)(Lively up yourself)(Lively up yourself)(Lively up yourself)(Lively up yourself)(Lively up yourself)(Lively up)Rastafari and mighty man!