27 Inspiring Bob Marley Quotes [+Songs] that Make us Think, Reflect & Remember

Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer and guitarist who died in 1981. The great musician is not only an icon to Jamaican culture but has become an inspirational symbol to a diverse array of people from all around the world.

He was a devout Rastafarian who believed in the power of love, peace, and unity.

Marley’s lyrics and messages were rooted in the Rastafari philosophy and reflected a sense of hope for a better future while playing a pivotal role in bringing together people from different cultural backgrounds.

His music helped inspire the youth of Jamaica, and his legacy has continued to grow since his death.

Do you know about his life? Let’s learn about Bob Marley’s life and words that are inspiring.

Quick Biography of the Legend Bob Marley

Bob Marley a.k.a. Robert Nesta Marley was born to Norval Marley and Cedella Booker. His father was a Jamaican of English descent and his mother was a black teenager. Norval ditched Kingston before getting married to her and left his family for good.

Bob Marley (1945 - 1981)
Bob Marley (1945 – 1981)

Born on February 6, 1945, in Jamaica, Bob Marley is one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century. 

He began his career as a musician in 1963 with the band the Wailers. During the 1970s, he formed the group Bob Marley and the Wailers, which became one of the most popular reggae groups in the world.

The Wailers would go on to release some of the most critically acclaimed reggae albums ever recorded, including Catch a Fire, Burnin’, Natty Dread, Rastaman Vibration, and Exodus. He once said…

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. 

~ Bob Marley

He has been honored with the Grammy Award and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (1994).

Marley’s last performance was in Pittsburgh in September 1980. But it was only two months later that he collapsed and was taken to hospital in New York.

After eight months of unsuccessful treatment, Marley boarded a plane home to Jamaica.

On the flight, his condition worsened and he was rushed to hospital in Miami, where he died on May 11, 1981.

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Get Up, Stand Up (Live At The Rainbow Theatre, London / 1977)

Bob Marley Quotes

The Jamaican musician and songwriter, Bob Marley, had a huge impact on the global music scene throughout his life.

He was well-known for his lyrics reflecting the philosophy of Rastafari, which he studied deeply after spending time living in poverty in his early days. And the same can be seen in his famous quotes.

The amazing musician, singer, and songwriter has inspired many artists over the years with his music. And I personally have been influenced by his words and his music since my childhood.

Here is presenting 25+ famous Bob Marley Quotes about Life, Love, & Relationships.

Bob Marley Quotes
Bob Marley Quotes

10 Best Bob Marley Quotes About Love and Relationships

Here are some of my favorite quotes from Bob Marley:

If she’s amazing, she won’t be easy. If she’s easy, she won’t be amazing. If she’s worth it, you won’t give up. If you give up, you’re not worthy. … Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for.

~ Bob Marley 

Love would never leave us alone.

~ Bob Marley 

Live the life you love. Love the life you live.

~ Bob Marley 

One love, one heart, Let’s get together and feel alright.

~ Bob Marley 

And don’t expect more than she can give. Smile when she makes you happy, let her know when she makes you mad, and miss her when she’s not there.

~ Bob Marley 

Conquer the devils with a little thing called love.

~ Bob Marley 
Bob Marley Quotes On Love
Bob Marley Quotes on Love

You may not be her first, her last, her only. She loved before, she may love again. But if she loves you now, what else matters?

~ Bob Marley 

You say you love rain, but you use an umbrella to walk under it. You say you love sun, but you seek shelter when it is shining. You say you love wind, but when it comes you close your windows. So that’s why I’m scared when you say you love me.

~ Bob Marley 

The biggest coward of a man is to awaken the love of a woman without the intention of loving her.

~ Bob Marley 

He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.

~ Bob Marley 
Wallpainting Of Bob Marley
Wall painting of Bob Marley

15+ Inspirational Quotes From Bob Marley About Life

Here are Bob Marley’s most famous quotes that will inspire you to live a better life.

Time Will Tell How Strong You Are
Time will tell how strong you are

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

~ Bob Marley 

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief, and jealousy. Don’t bury your thoughts. Put your vision to reality.

~ Bob Marley 

Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but its everything in between that makes it all worth living.

~ Bob Marley 
Living For Others Is The Only Way
Living for Others is the only Way

Live for yourself and you will live in vain; Live for others, and you will live again.

~ Bob Marley 
Inspirational Quotes Of Bob Marley
Inspirational Quotes of Bob Marley

The people who were trying to make this world worse are not taking the day off. Why should I?

~ Bob Marley 

When one door is closed, don’t you know, another is open.

~ Bob Marley 

Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.

~ Bob Marley 

Get up, stand up, Stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up, Don’t give up the fight.

~ Bob Marley 

Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold.

~ Bob Marley 
Bob Marley Quotes To Ponder Upon
Bob Marley Quotes to Ponder Upon

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.

~ Bob Marley 

My future is righteousness.

~ Bob Marley 

Wake up and live!

~ Bob Marley 

Better to die fighting for freedom than be a prisoner all the days of your life.

~ Bob Marley 

The day you stop racing is the day you win the race.

~ Bob Marley 

The winds that sometimes take something we love, are the same that bring us something we learn to love. Therefore we should not cry about something that was taken from us, but, yes, love what we have been given. Because what is really ours is never gone forever.

~ Bob Marley 
Robert Nesta Marley
Robert Nesta Marley

Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?

~ Bob Marley 

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 

Interesting Facts about Bob Marley Facts

  • Marley converted to the Rastafari faith in 1966, and began to use marijuana in 1968. He believed that marijuana helps him to meditate, philosophise, and connect with Jah.
  • Bob Marley had 11 children, 4 with his wife Rita, 2 from Rita’s previous relationships, and rest from other women.
  • He was an avid football fan. Marley used to play football in his parking lot and even inside recording studios. He even made a Jamaican football player his tour manager in1970. He once said to a journalist, “If you want to get to know me, you will have to play football against me and the Wailers.”
  • In 1976, Bob Marley and his wife were shot by unknown gunmen a couple of days before a free concert “Smile Jamaica”organised by the Jamaican Prime Minister that time. However, they performed in the show as scheduled.
  • Bob Marley’s final album is Uprising, which includes the Redemption Song and Forever Loving Jah, and contains unreleased material.
The “Redemption Song”

Throughout his life, legendary Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley created some of the most memorable music. His best-selling albums are timeless classics that have stood the test of time. Here’re 10 studio album by him who holds great historical significance:

  • The Wailing Wailers (1965)
  • Soul Rebels (1970)
  • The Best of the Wailers (1971)
  • Catch a Fire (1973)
  • Burnin’ (1973)
  • Rastaman Vibration (1976)
  • Kaya (1978)
  • Survival (1979)
  • Uprising (1980)
  • Confrontation (1983)

The Most Famous Songs by Bob Marley

Bob Marley is a name that has been synonymous with music for decades. His lyrics have helped shape the way people think, remember, and smile to this day. Here are 5 of the most well-known songs by Bob Marley:

One Love/People Get Ready – This song’s lyrics reflect Marley’s philosophy of “one love”.
Burnin’ And Looten’ – The song was actually released as part in 1973 but it didn’t get popular until about 3 years later after he died in May 1981.
No More Trouble (1973)
Jamming (1984)
No Woman, No Cry (1974)

Bonus –

12 Best Songs of Bob Marley – Live Santa Barbara 1979

Find Bob Marley’s live performances and other songs on this YouTube channel.

Listen to him once, I guarantee he will transport you!

Bob Marley’s story is about an inspiring man who overcame his hardships to become one of the most influential musicians of all time.

His music has inspired many people across the world and his message of peace and love continues to be heard today.

Do you find the quotes from Bob Marley inspiring? How have you been inspired by Bob Marley?

Give us a cheer in the comments below if you are inspired by Bob Marley’s life and words.

FAQs – Bob Marley

Why Bob Marley Is So Popular?

Marley’s music helped to increase the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and made him a global figure in popular culture for over a decade. He infused his music with a sense of spirituality and became known as a Rastafari icon.

What Did Bob Marley Stand for?

Bob Marley was a proponent of social justice, human rights, peace, love, and unity. His music showed expressed all these themes.

Are There Any Conspiracy Theories Around Bob Marley’s Death?

It is suggested that Marley was murdered by the CIA for his growing political stature in Jamaica. It is also suggested that he was assassinated at Hope Road. He was also given a pair of boots and a radioactive copper wire that pricked his toe, causing cancer. There are also a lot of theories are floating around that Issels has been an ex-SS officer working with the CIA to poison Marley.

What Was Bob Marley’s Age at the Time of His Death?

Bob Marley died in 1981, he was just 36. Marley’s body was flown home to Jamaica where he was given a state funeral on May 21, 1981.

What Were Bob Marley’s Last Words?

His last words were: “Money can’t buy life.” The reggae legend passed away leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by many people for years to come. 

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Palak is a theatre artist with a passion for creativity. She loves photography and writing. Owing to her inclination towards social development, she tries to have a sustainable lifestyle while contributing to social causes.

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