Lets Get Together

Ok so, a few weeks ago my friend introduced me to Bob Marley. My first experience with Ol Bob was when i was pretty blazed. However, Since then I've gotten tired of the cliche' same old same old screamo hardcore bullshit that i used to listen to so, I decided to download some Marley. What an amazing change.

Since summer has been a pretty big disappointment for me, listening to Bob Marley has been a breath of fresh air. With all the crappy and meaningless music that surrounds us on a daily basis, its so amazing to hear music that actually means something! This is music that ANYBODY can listen to. You don't have to dress like a "scene" kid, or wear tight pants to look the part for, no sir, this is music that an 8 year old or an 80 year old can both listen to and realize the great message. The great thing about this music is that when you listen to it, you really do stop, and feel calmer and happier. I've never encountered music that actually made me believe that things are going to get better, that really moved me the way this music does.

Ok, so some of you might be saying "well the kid smoked pot, that's the only reason he likes this guy." Those are the people I really feel sorry for. You dont need to be high, or under any influence to appreciate the messages in this music or to truly grasp the benefits this music has on a person's outlook on life.

If someone took the time to actually listen to the lyrics written by this man they would quickly realize that musicians like Bob Marley are few and far between. There is so much violence, hate, fear and ignorance in this world and we are bombarded by it on a daily almost hourly basis. On the news, in the paper and even very close to us, all the time, and when you come across a musician that stands for the very opposite of all those things, he/she deserves to be heard and enjoyed. Bob Marley was a man who truly believed in the "good" in people and that you could cure racism and hate by injecting music and love into people's lives.

Here was a man who wasn't concerned with money, fame, or fortune. This was a man who just lived for his music and spreading the message of tolerance and love. With all the violent, degrading and vulgar music shoved down our throats, its nice to be able slow things down, sit down and listen to some music that actually means something. This is music that's all about enjoying life and not taking things for granted, being happy for what God has given you and making the world you live in just a little bit better. Bob Marley was a man that wasn't just all talk, he truly lived his life the way he sang about it in his songs.

One of my favorite quotes is by Bob Marley. When he was scheduled to perform at a peace rally, a gunman came to his house and shot him down. Two days later, he walked out on that stage, and sang. Someone asked him, "Why?" he said, "The people who are trying to make this world worse, aren't taking a day off, how can I?" Light Up the Darkness.

Like I said, you don't need to smoke pot to enjoy this music. You just have to be ready to embrace music that is chill, happy and all about positive attitudes. If we all listened to Bob Marley I believe the world would truly be a better place for all. And remember "Money can't buy life".