#OnRepeat: Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds"

Having come down with a horrible cold for the past week and the weather being gloomy these last couple days, Bob Marley's song, "Three Little Birds",  has been a good pick-me-up song for what's #OnRepeat this Thursday. For those of you who don't know who Bob Marley is--or maybe you just know him by his music--he is a musician, singer, and songwriter from Jamaica who fused spiritual ideologies into his music. Some of his hit songs include "One Love," "Wait in Vain," and "I Shot the Sheriff."

I like Bob Marley not only for musical reasons--his songs groove hard, he has a very distinct voice, his melodies are simple yet catchy--but because of what he and his music stands for.  Bob Marley was a Rastafari, and his Pan-African ideologies and political beliefs were apparent in his music.  His music promoted peaceful rebellion against what was happening at the time.  His beliefs and songwriting changed reggae music, making him a cultural icon still to this day.

Bob Marley's music is especially important to me because while doing research on music, ideologies, and social movements that have influenced the development of Afro-Brazilian music and identity, Reggae music, along with Pan-Africanism, is something that came up throughout my readings.  I grew up listening to Bob Marley's music, but for no reason in particular, stopped listening to it for awhile.  This rediscovery has only made me appreciate the music all the more.

"Three Little Birds" is a very feel-good song whose form reflects the simple message: "Don't worry about a thing. 'Cause every little thing is gonna be alright." This alternates with the verse several times. The song is simple, yet the message is reassuring and positive. Listen below:

Do you know of an musician or group whose music reflects their personal beliefs? Do you consider them to be an important figure in our society or in music? Let us know in the comments below!