Bob Marley – Turn Your Lights Down Low

About the song

Released in 1977, “Turn Your Lights Down Low” is one of Bob Marley’s most soulful and romantic songs. It first appeared on his album Exodus, an album that solidified his place as a global icon and cemented his influence on the world of music. This song, with its smooth reggae rhythms and tender lyrics, stands out as one of Marley’s softer and more intimate compositions, showcasing a different side of the legendary Jamaican musician.

“Turn Your Lights Down Low” blends elements of reggae with a sensual, mellow feel that makes it one of Bob Marley’s most beloved tracks. The song was a collaboration with Rita Marley, Bob’s wife, and it features her harmonious backing vocals alongside his own. The lyrics of the song express a deep yearning for love and affection, asking the lover to “turn your lights down low,” which symbolizes the act of creating an intimate, personal space where love and connection can flourish. In many ways, it’s a plea for closeness, both emotionally and physically. The intimacy of the song is elevated by the smooth, slow reggae beat, which feels both tender and timeless. This track is a prime example of how Marley’s music transcended beyond political and spiritual themes, exploring the more personal, human experiences of love and desire.

Though “Turn Your Lights Down Low” might not carry the same political weight as some of Bob Marley’s other songs, it is still deeply reflective of his larger themes of peace, unity, and love. Marley’s ability to express profound emotions through simple, yet powerful lyrics allowed him to touch the hearts of people worldwide. His music had a unique way of resonating with listeners from all walks of life, and this song, in particular, has become a classic in the realm of reggae music, often associated with the themes of love, romance, and tenderness.

The social and cultural impact of “Turn Your Lights Down Low” can be seen in its lasting legacy. The song remains a staple in Marley’s discography, beloved by fans around the world for its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics. It also continues to influence new generations of musicians, especially within the genres of reggae, soul, and even pop. The fusion of reggae’s signature rhythmic style with a slower, romantic feel was a departure from the usual upbeat, anthemic style Marley was known for, but it demonstrated his versatility as an artist. The track’s influence has remained relevant through the years, and it is still a popular choice for weddings, intimate moments, and romantic playlists.

Over the years, “Turn Your Lights Down Low” has been covered by various artists, further cementing its place in popular music culture. The song’s lyrical simplicity, combined with its haunting beauty, has led to numerous renditions, but none capture the warmth and intimacy of the original as Bob Marley did. It has been featured in various media, from movies to advertisements, helping to introduce Marley’s music to new audiences.

Beyond its musical influence, the song also reflects the universal desire for connection and affection. In a world often filled with chaos and division, “Turn Your Lights Down Low” serves as a reminder of the simple yet profound need for love and intimacy. It’s a testament to Bob Marley’s ability to create music that transcends time, offering a universal message of love that resonates as strongly today as it did when it was first released. In this song, Marley encapsulates the emotional depth and range that made him not only a musical legend but also a cultural and spiritual figure whose music continues to inspire and heal people worldwide.

In conclusion, “Turn Your Lights Down Low” is an enduring example of Bob Marley’s versatility as an artist. It’s a gentle and romantic ballad that explores the intimacy of love, further showcasing the depth and emotional range of his songwriting. The song remains a timeless classic, with its blend of heartfelt lyrics, soothing melodies, and soulful reggae rhythms capturing the essence of Bob Marley’s enduring legacy. Whether you’re a long-time fan of his work or a new listener discovering his catalog, this track is an essential part of understanding Marley’s artistic genius and his ability to craft music that resonates with the heart and soul.

Video

Lyrics

Uh, turn your lights down low
And pull your window curtain (yeah)
Oh, let Jah moon come shining in
Into our life again
Sayin’, “Ooh, it’s been a long, long time”
(Long, long time)
I got this message for you, girl
But it seems I was never on time
Still I wanna get through to you, girly
On time, on time (word)
I want to give you some love
I want to give you some good, good lovin’
(Uh, uh, uh)
Oh I, oh I, oh I
Yeah, I want to give you some good, good lovin’ (uh)

Turn your lights down low
(Word, w-word, uh)
Never ever try to resist, oh no
(Na, na, na)
Oh, let your love come shinin’ in
(Na, na, na)
Into our lives again
(Na, na, na)
Saying ooh, I love you
(I love you, I love you)
And I want you to know right now
(Know right now)
Ooh, I love you
(Uh-uh, yeah, uh)
And I want you to know right now (uh)
That I, that I (na, na, na)
I wanna give you some love (uh, yeah, I)
I wanna give you some good, good lovin’ (good, good)
Oh I, oh I, oh I
I wanna give you some good, good lovin’ (yeah uh-uh)

Loving you is a like a song I replay (loving you is easy ’cause you’re beautiful)
Every three minutes and thirty seconds of every day (uh, uh)
And every chorus was written for us to recite (right)
Every beautiful melody of devotion every night
This potion might, this ocean might, carry me
In a wave of emotion to ask you to marry me
And every word, every second, and every third
Expresses the happiness more clearly than ever heard (uh)
And when I play ’em, every chord is a poem
Tellin’ the Lord how grateful I am because I know him (what? Word)
The harmonies possess a sensation similar to your caress (uh)
If you askin’ then I’m tellin’ you it’s yes (yes, yes)
Stand in love, take my hand in love, Jah bless (right)

I want to give you some good, good lovin’ (yeah)

Turn your lights down low (right, right now)
And pull your window curtain (I said, right, right now)
And let Jah love come tumbling in (right, right now)
Into our lives again (uh, uh, said, right, right now)
Sayin’ (sayin’ ooh)
Ooh, it’s been a long, long time (yeah)
I got this message for you, boy
But it seems I was never on time
Still I wanna get through to you, boy
On time (right, right now), on time (said right, right now, uh)
I want to give you some love (wha-what, yeah, wha-what?)
Oh, how I
I want to give you some good, good lovin’ (can you hear me?)
Oh I, oh I, oh I (uh, uh, yeah, it’s like)
I want to give you some good, good lovin’ (uh)

Yeah, it’s like
You, you, you, you, you (yeah, yeah, yeah)
I want to give you some good, good lovin’ (good, good)
Oh I, oh I (uh, yeah-yeah, right, right now)
I wanna give you some good, good lovin’ (yo, yo, uh, right right now)

I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh yeah
What, what, what (feels so good)

Please, don’t forget passionate
Babies in the bassinet
You call, we be ready
Ha ha, Ma steady (feels so good)
Yes, yes
Baby love (it feels so)