About the song
Bob Marley – No Woman, No Cry: A Song of Comfort and Resilience
In the realm of reggae music, few names resonate with the power and cultural impact of Bob Marley. His music, infused with messages of love, unity, and social justice, transcended borders and generations, making him a global icon. Among his extensive discography, one song stands out as a beacon of solace and resilience: “No Woman, No Cry”.
Released in 1974 as part of the album Natty Dread, “No Woman, No Cry” is a poignant ballad that weaves together themes of hardship, perseverance, and unwavering hope. The song’s opening lines, “No woman, no cry,” set the tone, offering a comforting reassurance amidst the struggles of life.
Marley’s gentle vocals, accompanied by the soothing rhythm of reggae, paint vivid imagery of a community facing adversity. The lyrics transport listeners to the impoverished streets of Trench Town, Jamaica, where Marley himself grew up. Despite the harsh realities of poverty and oppression, the song exudes an undercurrent of strength and resilience.
The verses offer glimpses into the lives of those living in Trench Town, capturing their struggles and their unwavering spirit. Marley sings of “good friends we have lost along the way,” acknowledging the pain of loss while simultaneously celebrating the enduring bonds of community.
The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “No woman, no cry,” serves as a constant reminder of hope amidst despair. It is a message of encouragement, urging listeners to wipe away their tears and find solace in the strength of their community and their own inner resilience.
“No Woman, No Cry” is more than just a song; it is an embodiment of Marley’s philosophy of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level, offering comfort and inspiration to those facing their own challenges.
As the song fades, Marley’s voice trails off, leaving behind a lingering message of hope: “Everything’s gonna be alright.” It is a message that resonates as powerfully today as it did when the song was first released, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always light and hope to be found.
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Lyrics
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
‘Cause, ’cause, ’cause I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
Oba, observing the hypocrites, yeah
Mingle with the good people we meet, yeah
Good friends we have, oh, good friends we’ve lost
Along the way, yeah
In this great future, you can’t forget your past
So dry your tears, I say, yeah
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry, eh, yeah
Little darlin’, don’t shed no tears
No, woman, no cry
Eh, said, said, said, I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown, yeah
And then Georgie would make the fire lights, I say
A log wood burnin’ through the night, yeah
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge, I say
Of which I’ll share with you, yeah
My feet is my only carriage
And so I’ve got to push on through
But while I’m gone
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
So no, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry
I say, oh little, oh little, darling, don’t shed no tears
No, woman, no cry, eh
No, woman, no, woman, no, woman, no cry
No, woman, no cry, one more time I’ve got to say
Oh little, little darling, please don’t shed no tears
No, woman, no cry
No, woman, no, woman no cry