The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.
If Bob Marley were alive today, he would have turned 69 yesterday. In fact, it’s hard to be believe Bob Marley died of cancer in 1981, at the tender age of 36.
His songs still play on the radio, his lyrics are still shared via social media, and his image continues to adorn products and memorabilia around the world. Many greatest hits albums have been released since his death, and in 2012, the fantastic documentary “Marley” hit theatres to critical acclaim. There’s even a new coffee brand called “Marley Coffee” that’s just been released.
It’s pretty clear that this is due to Marley’s family working to keep his legacy alive. In addition to a few spouses and blood relatives, Marley had many children who are successful adults on their own, or as the guardians of his intellectual property – which is important work considering his ability to inspire people through his music and lyrics.
In the list we’ve curated below, we focus on the powerful quotes and memorable lyrics that had such a profound effect on us.
Bob Marley Quotes: 20 Powerful Sayings & Lyrics To Live By
1) On Relationships:
“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Being in relationship is about being vulnerable. Don’t let the fear of getting hurt keep you from something great.
2) On The Key To Life:
“love the life you live. live the life you love.” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: This quote is about pursuing your dreams and living your passion.
3) On Love:
“The biggest coward is a man who awakens a woman’s love with no intention of loving her” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Don’t play with someones emotions. Leading someone on – when your clearly not interested – isn’t fair.
4) On Greatness:
“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Don’t chase wealth or material gain. Work to inspire and change lives and the monetary success will naturally follow.
5) On Strength And Courage:
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: No matter how great the odds against you, you are capable of overcoming them. Keep pressing on.
6) On Finding The One:
“If she’s amazing, she won’t be easy. If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing. If she’s worth it, you wont give up. If you give up, you’re not worthy.” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Relationships are challenging but the reward will be worth the effort.
7) “Zion Train” is track #3 on the album Uprising.
“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: You don’t need to sacrifice or compromise your beliefs to be successful. Avoid anything that forces you to do so.
8) On Balance In Life:
“The good times of today are the sad thoughts of tomorrow.” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Life is full of ups and downs. But the balance will give you perspective.
9) “Trench Town Rock” is track #3 on the album African Herbsman.
“One good thing about music—when it hits you, you feel no pain” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: The great thing about music is it’s ability to hit you like a drug without any of the negatives.
10) On Gratitude:
“Rat Race” is track #4 on the album Rebel Music.
“In the abundance of water, a fool is thirsty” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Only a fool doesn’t realize when he has many blessings in front of him. Be grateful for all you’ve been given: always.
11) On The Cycle of Life:
“The winds that sometimes take something we love, are the same that bring us something we learn to love.” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Life is about balance. The bad will always allow us to savor the good.
12) On Appreciation:
“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some people will complain where others will celebrate.
13) On Helping Others:
“Live for yourself and you will live in vain; Live for others, and you will live again.” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: Happiness is never reduced by being shared. Get out and help make the world a better place.
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14) On Everything Working Out Alright
“Don’t worry about a thing ’cause every little thing gonna be alright”
– Bob Marley “Three Little Birds”, Legend.
Our Interpretation: It might seem like you’re going through hell but it will get better. Keep pressing on.
Related: Hard Work Quotes: 40 Sayings To Strengthen Your Work Ethic
15) On Opportunities:
“When one door is closed, don’t you know that many more are open”
Our Interpretation: Don’t let one failure convince you that success isn’t around the corner. Opportunities are everywhere.
16) On Freedom
“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, no one but ourselves can free our minds” – Bob Marley – Redemption Song – Uprising
Our Interpretation: Don’t let the opinions of others or the media keep you from developing your own. Be curious and question everything.
17) On Passing Judgement:
“Judge not unless you judge yourself” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: It’s easy to pick apart the actions of others without doing the same yourself.
18) On Fighting For Freedom:
“Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: You’ve got to fight as hard as you can for your opinions and beliefs.
19) On Doing Good In The World:
“The people who were trying to make this world worse are not taking the day off. Why should I?” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: There are forces at work – greater than us – that contribute to the destruction of the world. As much as it may seem like a battle between David & Goliath, use that as motivation to bring about positive change.
20) On Truth:
“You can fool some people some times but you cant fool all the people all the time” – Bob Marley
Our Interpretation: It is much easier to be truthful than have to live a life of constant lies and deception. No matter what you are hiding, find someone you trust and be honest with them.
Are there any Bob Marley Quotes on this list we missed? Let us know in the comments.
We hope his positive message of self-reflection, love, peace, and non-violent protest inspire others as much as it has on us.
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photo via: monosnaps
