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Bob Marley The Best Songs
On The Acoustic

bob marley songs

Welcome to my Bob Marley the best songs page. 

In this webpage, we will explore four of Bob Marley songs as a collection of full lesson tutorials available for purchase along with several free chord sheets in .pdf format and some rhythm tips on playing each song.

Jump links to quickly access song sections.


Bob Marley The Best Songs
Chords, Lyrics, Rhythm Tips, Tutorials

1. Could You Be Loved

could you beloved bob marley

Could You Be Loved is a classic reggae song performed by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Written by Bob Marley himself, the song forms part of their last studio album "Uprising," which was released on June 10, 1980, by Island Records.

Upon its release, "Could You Be Loved" gained wide recognition and charted in several international markets. It reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, adding to Marley's substantial popularity in Britain.

The song also found great success around Europe, peaking at number six in the Netherlands, and making it to the top ten in New Zealand. The song gained moderate success in the United States, peaking at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Over the years, "Could You Be Loved" has been covered by various artists extending Marley's brand of reggae to a broader audience. This includes notable musicians such as Joe Cocker and the popular reggae band UB40. Lauryn Hill and her former group The Fugees also performed and recorded the song, adding their own style to Marley's classic.

The song was featured in several film soundtracks, including "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," providing a broader reach. Furthermore, the song was included in a United Nations' campaign in 1999, sponsored by UNICEF, that aimed to spread awareness among young people about HIV/AIDS and associated societal issues. This speaks to the enduring universal appeal of "Could You Be Loved" and Bob Marley's music.

  • Drop D Tuning = No
  • Capo = No
  • Rhythm = shuffle with a steady down up down up
  • Picking = No
  • Chords = C, Am, Dm, F, Em, G

  • Chords & Lyrics

     

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    2. Is This Love

    is this love bob marley

    Is This Love was is a globally acclaimed song recorded by Jamaican reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers. The song was part of their album titled "Kaya,". The song was solely written by the legendary Bob Marley himself.

    Upon its release, "Could You Be Loved" experienced significant chart success internationally. It reached number five on the UK Singles Chart, number six in the Netherlands, and number eight in New Zealand while also charting in various other countries such as Belgium, France and Sweden. In the United States, it achieved modest success, peaking at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Over the years, the song has been reinterpreted and covered by a diverse range of musicians. Notably, Joe Cocker covered the song in 1997 and UB40 recorded a version for their 2005 album "Who You Fighting For?" Artists such as Lauryn Hill and Marcia Griffiths also paid tribute to this reggae classic in their performances.

    Among interesting trivia, the song is noted for its varied influences, blending elements of reggae with funk and disco, thus enhancing its crossover appeal. Another notable feature is Bob Marley's use of a personal mantra in the lyrics: "Love would never leave us alone". The song received further exposure when it was included in the soundtrack for the movie "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" in 1998. It retains a timeless resonance globally, reflecting Marley's enduring legacy and his message of peace, love and unity.

    • Drop D Tuning = No
    • Capo = 2nd fret
    • Rhythm = down down up down up down up and repeat with some picking riffs
    • Picking = a little
    • Chords = Gbm, D, A, Dbm, Bm, E

    Chords & Lyrics

     

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    3. No Woman No Cry

    no woman no cry bob marley

    No Woman No Cry is one of the most renowned songs by legendary reggae artist Bob Marley and his band, the Wailers. This heartfelt anthem was included in their 1974 studio album titled "Natty Dread."

    The song, story-driven and emotionally powerful, was credited to Vincent Ford, a friend of Marley's who ran a soup kitchen in Trenchtown, the ghetto of Kingston, Jamaica where Marley grew up. However, it is widely believed that it was actually written by Bob Marley himself and was credited to Ford to ensure the royalties from the song would support Ford's soup kitchen.

    Upon its initial release, "No Woman, No Cry" did not chart. However, the live version of the song from the 1975 album "Live!" became immensely popular and reached number 22 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1981, after Marley's death, it re-entered the chart peaking at number 8.

    The song's universal message of hope in times of struggle has led to numerous artists covering "No Woman, No Cry" over the years. Notable renditions include those by Joan Baez, Boney M, Fugees, Nina Simone, and Pearl Jam. The Fugees' version, particularly, was very successful and it charted globally.

    "No Woman, No Cry" is filled with references to Marley's life in Trenchtown, providing a vivid depiction of growing up in the poverty of this Jamaican community. The 'government yard in Trenchtown' mentioned in the song refers to the low-income housing project where Marley lived in his early years.

    Despite its seemingly sad title, the song delivers an uplifting message; the term 'No Woman, No Cry' is a patois phrase meaning 'don't worry, woman, don't cry'. This Jamaican classic has left an enduring impact and in 2004, Rolling Stone ranked "No Woman, No Cry" number 37 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

    • Drop D Tuning = No
    • Capo = No
    • Rhythm = down down down up down up will work
    • Picking = a few riffs in the rhythm
    • Chords = C, G6, Am, F, G
    Chords & Lyrics Unavailable

     

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    4. Three Little Birds

    three little birds bob marley

    Three Little Birds has become one of Bob Marley's most popular songs. The song, written by Bob Marley himself, was featured on their ninth album, "Exodus," which was released in 1977. The song was later released as a single in 1980.

    "Three Little Birds" charted at number 17 in the UK upon its release as a single. Additionally, it secured the 20th spot on the Dutch Top 40 chart. The song, despite not charting significantly in the United States upon initial release, has gained considerable popularity and recognition in pop culture over subsequent years.

    This universally loved anthem of hope and reassurance has been covered by numerous artists across diverse genres. Some notable covers include performances by artists such as Connie Talbot, Billy Ocean, Ziggy Marley (Bob Marley's son), and even the comedy band The Axis of Awesome. Most recently, the song was featured on the soundtrack for the animated movie "Sing" (2016), sung by the character Buster Moon, voiced by actor Matthew McConaughey.

    Some believe they were the members of the I-Threes, the backing vocalists for The Wailers. Another interesting fact is the song's cultural impact – it's often used in various media forms to denote a sense of peace, relaxation, and optimism. Notably, "Three Little Birds" has transcended music to become an inspiring mantra for English football club, West Ham United F.C., and was even featured in a promotional campaign for travel booking website, Booking.com.

    This Bob Marley track stands not only as a major reggae hit but as a timeless musical reassurance that 'every little thing is gonna be alright.'

    • Drop D Tuning = No
    • Capo = original is capo 2nd
    • Rhythm = down strokes
    • Picking = yes
    • Chords = G, C, D
    Chords & Lyrics

     

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    Thank you for dropping by my Bob Marley the best songs page. I hope the info here was helpful.


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