One Drop

Bob Marley

About One Drop

"One Drop" is a 1979 Bob Marley song from the album Survival (1979) notable for exemplifying the one drop rhythm, one of the three main reggae drum rhythms, as performed by The Wailers' drummer Carlton Barrett. The song uses Marley's most militantly Rastafarian lyrics.(). "In 'One Drop,' Marley asserts that he does not want 'devil philosophy', he wants the 'teachings of His Majesty.' In this sense Rastafari was not merely a religious faith, for Marley it was a political and philosophical worldview. " The song was re-released on the compilation album Gold (2005). The name One Drop is also used by the Marley Beverage Company, partly associated with the family of Bob Marley, as the brand name for Marley "premium Jamaican coffee beverage made with real cane sugar and all-natural ingredients". 


Year:
1995
3:51
171 
#2

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

O-ooh, yea-ah,  Wo-yoy! Wo-yoy! Wo-yoy! Wo-yoy-yoy-yoy!
Feel it in the one drop
And we'll still find time to rap
We're makin' the one stop,
The generation gap
Now feel this drumbeat
As it beats within,
Playin' a riddim,
Resisting against the system, ooh-wee!

I know Jah's never let us down
Pull your rights from wrong
(I know Jah would never let us down)
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
They made their world so hard (so hard)
Every day we got to keep on fighting (fighting)
They made their world so hard (so hard)
Every day the people are dyin' (dying), yeah!
(Dread, dread) For hunger (dread, dread) and starvation (dread, dread)
Lamentation (dread dread)
But read it in Revelation (dread, dread, dread, dread)
You'll find your redemption
And then you give us the teachings of his majesty
For we no want no devil philosophy
A you forgive us the teachings of his majesty
A we no want no devil philosophy

Feel it in the one drop
And we still find time to rap
We're making the one stop
And we filling the gap
So feel this drumbeat
As it beats within
Playing a riddim, uh!
Fighting against ism and skism

Singing! I know Jah's never let us down
Pull your rights from wrong
I know Jah's never let us down
Oh, no! Oh, no! Oh, no!
They made their world so hard
Every day (we got to keep on fighting), every day
They made their world so hard
Every day (the people are dying), eh!
(Dread, dread, it dread, dread) Oh, whoa! Make dem a-go on so
(It dread on dread) Ah, whoa!
(Dread, dread) I'll walk (it dread, dread)
Ah, whoa! Frighten dem! Ah, whoa! Frighten dem, eh!
Give us the teachings of his majesty with a stick-up!
We no want no devil philosophy, can you hear?
Give us the teachings of his majesty
For we no want no devil philosophy

We feel it in the one drop you're lucky!
For we still got time to rap,
And we're making the one stop
Let me tell ya this generation gap
So feel this drumbeat
I tell you what it's beating within
Feel you heart playing a rythmn

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Bob Marley

Nesta Robert Marley OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981), more widely and commonly known as Bob Marley, was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers (1963–1981). Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience. more »

16 fans

Written by: BOB MARLEY

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Songwriting and Composition
"One Drop" is one of Bob Marley's masterpieces created in 1979. It was written and composed by Bob Marley himself, showcasing his artistic creativity and deep affection for music.
Album
The song is a part of the album "Survival," which is the 12th studio album of Bob Marley & the Wailers. The album, released on October 2, 1979, contained themes focused on pan-African solidarity.
Genre and Style
"One Drop" is an authentic reggae song with a rhythmic pattern called "One Drop." It's a drum beat echoing the heartbeat syncopation of East African musics – a physical and metaphorical pulse brought right back down to earth.
Lyrics and Meaning
The lyrics of "One Drop" reflect Marley's beliefs in the Rastafari movement. The 'one-drop' in the song represents the black African blood that unifies all people of African descent, confronting racial segregation and division.
Release
"One Drop" was released as a single along with the song “Ride Natty Ride” as the B-side. Both of these songs were also included in the album Survival.
Popularity and Influence
Even after decades of its initial release, "One Drop" remains a beloved classic among reggae lovers worldwide. The song has retained its popularity due to its catchy rhythmic pattern and profound lyrics.
Live Performances
"One Drop" was frequently performed by Bob Marley and the Wailers during their live concerts, consolidating its place as one of the signature songs of the band.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists globally, being inspired, have performed their renditions of "One Drop," celebrating Marley's legacy and honoring the timeless appeal of the song.
Message
True to Marley's spirit, "One Drop" is often credited for promoting peace, unity, and equality through its powerful lyrics and the strong emotional connection it forms with the listeners.
Music Impact
"One Drop" is not just a song but an iconic representation of Reggae music. Its impact transcends beyond just music, encompassing social, cultural, and racial realms owing to its powerful message.

Discuss the One Drop Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "One Drop Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3680927/Bob+Marley/One+Drop>.

    Missing lyrics by Bob Marley?

    Know any other songs by Bob Marley? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    One Drop

    3.6M
    20,155     976

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What was the name of the original drummer for The Beatles?
    A Pete Best
    B Pete West
    C Norman Chapman
    D Ringo Starr

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Bob Marley's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Bob Marley tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!