About the song
“War”, a powerful song by Bob Marley, was first released in 1976 as part of the album “Rastaman Vibration”. One of Marley’s most politically charged tracks, “War” uses music as a platform to speak out against inequality, injustice, and the dehumanizing effects of war and violence. Inspired by the speech of Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, the song delivers a forceful message about the destructive nature of oppression and the need for peace and justice. With its combination of reggae rhythms and incisive lyrics, “War” stands as one of Marley’s most profound and enduring songs.
At its core, “War” is a call for unity and resistance against the forces that perpetuate conflict and division. The song is deeply rooted in the struggles faced by marginalized groups, particularly in the context of the social and racial tensions of the 1960s and 1970s. The lyrics of “War” echo the sentiments expressed by Haile Selassie in his famous speech to the United Nations in 1963, where he spoke about the injustice faced by oppressed peoples around the world. Marley’s version of this message translates Selassie’s words into a potent musical expression, urging listeners to stand against the cycle of violence and to recognize the need for equality and peace.
Musically, “War” is an example of Marley’s ability to blend spirituality and social activism with infectious melodies. The song’s arrangement is simple yet powerful, with a driving beat and stirring vocal harmonies that emphasize its urgent message. The repetitive chorus, “Until the philosophy which hold one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned, everywhere is war,” reinforces the central theme of the song—the idea that peace cannot be achieved until racial and social injustice are eradicated. The song’s haunting rhythm and Marley’s impassioned delivery create an atmosphere of both solemnity and hope, making it a rallying cry for peace and social justice.
Released at a time when Marley was already a global icon and the face of reggae music, “War” gained significant attention for its politically conscious message. The 1970s was a period marked by widespread civil rights movements and anti-war protests, particularly in the United States, and Marley’s music became a voice for resistance and change. Songs like “War” were not just reflections of the socio-political climate; they actively contributed to it. Marley’s music was part of a broader movement that sought to confront systemic racism, inequality, and the devastating effects of violence, whether in the form of war, colonialism, or social oppression.
“War” resonated with people on a global scale, especially in regions struggling with colonialism and racial discrimination. It became an anthem for those fighting for justice and equality, particularly in the African diaspora and among oppressed peoples worldwide. The song’s impact was not limited to its release; its message continues to be relevant today, especially in the context of ongoing struggles for civil rights, racial equality, and social justice.
Beyond its immediate cultural and political relevance, “War” reflects the broader spiritual philosophy that underpinned much of Bob Marley’s work. As a follower of the Rastafari movement, Marley believed that music could be a force for social change and spiritual awakening. Through “War,” he expressed a vision of a world where peace could only exist when social, racial, and economic injustices were addressed. The song urges listeners to recognize that the fight for equality and justice is not just a political struggle but a deeply moral one.
In conclusion, “War” by Bob Marley is much more than a song—it is a powerful statement about the interconnectedness of peace, justice, and humanity. Its bold political message, coupled with Marley’s passionate delivery and reggae-infused melodies, has made it one of his most important and enduring works. As relevant today as when it was first released, “War” remains a reminder that the pursuit of equality and peace is an ongoing struggle, and music continues to play a crucial role in inspiring change.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Until the philosophy which hold one race
Superior and another Inferior
Is finally
And permanently
Discredited
And abandoned
Everywhere is war
Me say war[Verse 2]
That until there are no longer
First-class and second-class citizens of any nation
Until the colour of a man’s skin
Is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes
Me say war[Verse 3]
That until the basic human rights
Are equally guaranteed to all
Without regard to race
Dis a war[Verse 4]
That until that day
The dream of lasting peace
World citizenship
Rule of international morality
Will remain in but a fleeting illusion to be pursued
But never attained
Now everywhere is war
War[Verse 5]
And until the ignoble and unhappy regime
That hold our brothers in Angola
In Mozambique
South Africa
Sub-human bondage
Have been toppled
Utterly destroyed
Well, everywhere is war
Me say war[Chorus]
War in the east
War in the west
War up north
War down south[Verse 6]
War, war
Rumors of war
And until that day
The African continent
Will not know peace
We Africans will fight, we find it necessary
And we know we shall win
As we are confident
In the victory
Of good over evil[Outro]
Good over evil, yeah!
Good over evil
Good over evil, yeah!
Good over evil
Good over evil, yeah!