This may be an odd time for a tribute, but hey it’s never a bad time to praise influential people of music.
March 23 marks 39 years since Bob Marley’s album “Kaya” was released. The blazin’ up empire has been heavily influenced in one way or another by this record, whether or not they know it, and I know for a fact I’m obsessed with it.
The one thing about Marley is his lyrics are pure, no cursing or talk of violence. While in the first track “Easy Skanking” he sings about lighting a spliff, it’s all in good nature. In today’s society, marijuana is glorified so in a way, this original stoner album is relatable to now.
With all reggae music, the laid-back sound brings you to peace, or if you’re like me and hate the cold, the Caribbean. Jamaica, man. It’s a beautiful country. With every Marley album, especially “Kaya,” he gets a hold of the Caribbean life. The optimistic vibe from the song “Kaya” is the island’s sun and the tragic messages of some of the other tracks represent the rain.
In a more literal and less metaphorical way, the song “Kaya” is all the characteristics from above. Kaya is slang for marijuana, so when he says “I felt so high I even touched the sky/Above the pouring rain,” it’s literal; he’s happy. That high is common throughout his culture, and it if it brings joy, it shows in the music.
The man wasn’t always at peace, coming from the slums of Kingston, Jamaica doesn’t provide a healthy environment, but the coping mechanisms he uses, like in “Running Away” and “She’s Gone,” are expressed.
“She’s Gone” is about his woman, Rita, leaving. She didn’t leave him for eternity and was soon with him until his death. Along with “Running Away,” if you don’t listen close enough, it’s easy to miss the core of the song. He doesn’t want to go running away from his problems, so he turns to the Wailers and this comes out. The interpretations made from songs like these can be deceiving, because you can’t trust a happy song.
This well-rounded man of few words, but impeccable messages shall be missed, but the music will live on till the end of time.