About the song
Released as part of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ iconic 1974 album Natty Dread, “Lively Up Yourself Dub” is a reimagined instrumental version of one of Marley’s most uplifting and infectious tracks. While the original song, “Lively Up Yourself,” is a vibrant anthem of self-confidence and positive energy, the dub version strips down the vocals and lets the rhythm take center stage, emphasizing the deep grooves and hypnotic basslines that define classic reggae and dub music.
A Key Track from Natty Dread
The album Natty Dread, released on October 25, 1974, marked a significant turning point in Bob Marley’s career. It was his first album after the departure of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, solidifying his role as the band’s central figure. This was also the first album to feature the legendary backing vocal trio The I-Threes—Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt—who would go on to become a crucial part of Marley’s signature sound.
The original version of “Lively Up Yourself” was one of the album’s standout tracks, showcasing Marley’s ability to blend social messages with a laid-back, groovy feel. The dub version, however, takes a different approach. By removing most of the lyrics and manipulating the instrumental layers, it highlights the deep bass, echo effects, and rhythmic complexity that would later influence generations of dub and reggae producers.
The Meaning and Impact of the Song
At its core, “Lively Up Yourself” is an encouragement to embrace life with enthusiasm, joy, and confidence. The phrase itself—”lively up yourself”—is a piece of Jamaican Patois urging people to bring energy and positivity into their lives. While the dub version removes the lyrical message, it retains the spirit of the original, allowing the rhythm to do the talking.
Dub music, pioneered by producers like King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry, was more than just an instrumental offshoot of reggae—it was an innovation in sound engineering, using reverb, delay, and remixing techniques to transform familiar tracks into new sonic experiences. “Lively Up Yourself Dub” stands as a prime example of how Marley and his collaborators embraced this experimental approach, showing their willingness to push boundaries within the reggae genre.
Cultural and Social Influence
As with much of Bob Marley’s work, Natty Dread and its songs, including the dub versions, had a profound impact on global music. By the mid-1970s, reggae was gaining international recognition, and the expansion of dub music played a crucial role in its evolution. The techniques used in “Lively Up Yourself Dub” would later inspire not only reggae artists but also hip-hop producers, electronic musicians, and even modern rock artists who experimented with sound manipulation.
Furthermore, Marley’s music always carried a deeper cultural significance. His songs were rooted in Rastafarian philosophy, social justice, and African unity, making his work more than just entertainment—it was a powerful form of expression for marginalized communities worldwide. Even an instrumental track like “Lively Up Yourself Dub” contributes to this legacy, showing the strength of reggae’s rhythmic foundation and its ability to resonate beyond words.
Conclusion
Whether in its original form or as a dub remix, “Lively Up Yourself” remains one of Bob Marley’s most enduring tracks. The dub version, in particular, serves as a testament to the artistry of reggae production and the genre’s global influence. It highlights the power of rhythm and bass, proving that even without lyrics, music can inspire movement, energy, and emotion.
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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!