“Exodus” embodies Bob Marley’s reggae essence, featured on the 1977 album of the same name by Bob Marley and the Wailers. As a single, it peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, marking Bob Marley’s breakthrough into US black radio airplay, and diversifying his fanbase. In the year that punk rock rose, the music and Bob Marley’s album spoke the loudest.
Following a 1976 assassination attempt in Jamaica, Bob Marley sought refuge in London, where he wrote and recorded the song. Remarkably, “Exodus” was conceived as the album’s title before its creation, resonating with its revolutionary message in the chorus, “Exodus, movement of Jah people“.
“Exodus” Lyrics
Exodus: Movement of Jah people! Oh-oh-oh, yea-eah!
Men and people will fight ya down (tell me why!)
When ya see Jah light (ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!)
Let me tell you if you’re not wrong (then, why?)
Everything is all right
So we gonna walk, all right! Through the roads of creation
We the generation (tell me why!)
(Trod through great tribulation) trod through great tribulationExodus, all right! Movement of Jah people!
Oh, yeah! O-oo, yeah! All right!
Exodus: Movement of Jah people! Oh, yeah!Yeah-yeah-yeah, well!
Uh! Open your eyes (and look within)
Are you satisfied (with the life you’re living)? Uh!
We know where we’re going, uh!
We know where we’re from
We’re leaving Babylon
We’re going to our Father land2, 3, 4: Exodus: Movement of Jah people! Oh, yeah!
(Movement of Jah people!) Send us another brother Moses!
(Movement of Jah people!) From across the Red Sea!
(Movement of Jah people!) Send us another brother Moses!
(Movement of Jah people!) From across the Red Sea!
Movement of Jah people!Exodus, all right! Oo-oo-ooh! Oo-ooh!
Movement of Jah people! Oh, yeah!
Exodus!
Exodus! All right!
Exodus! Now, now, now, now!
Exodus!
Exodus! Oh, yea-ea-ea-ea-ea-ea-eah!
Exodus!
Exodus! All right!
Exodus! Uh-uh-uh-uh!Move! Move! Move! Move! Move! Move!
Open your eyes (and look within)
Are you satisfied (with the life you’re living?)
We know where we’re going
(We know where we’re from)
(We’re leaving Babylon, y’all!)
(We’re going to our Father’s land)Exodus, all right! Movement of Jah people!
Exodus: Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!Move! Move! Move! Move! Move! Move! Move!
Jah come to break downpression
(Rule equality)
Wipe away transgression
(Set the captives free)Exodus, all right, all right!
Movement of Jah people! Oh, yeah!
Exodus: Movement of Jah people! Oh, now, now, now, now!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!Move! Move! Move! Move! Move! Move! Uh-uh-uh-uh!
Bob Marley – “Exodus”
Move (ment of Jah people)!
Move (ment of Jah people)!
Move (ment of Jah people)!
Move (ment of Jah people)! Movement of Jah people!
Move (ment of Jah people)!
Move (ment of Jah people)!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Bob Marley
Exodus lyrics © Fifty Six Hope Road Music Ltd., Blackwell Fuller Music Publishing Llc, Westbury Music Ltd
Bob Marley’s “Exodus“: The Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics of “Exodus” by Bob Marley carry profound spiritual and political significance. Symbolizing a spiritual journey, the song portrays the movement of Jah (God) people away from oppression towards freedom, echoing Rastafarian beliefs of liberation from Babylon, a metaphor for oppressive systems.
The song intertwines the Biblical tale of Moses leading the Israelites to freedom with Rastafarian aspirations.
Bob Marley’s message of social justice and unity reverberates throughout the song, underscoring resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting his struggles and those of his community.
The song’s theme is also influenced by and speaks about Bob Marley’s failed assassination attempt. As a result, Bob Marley went into exile for two years, during which time he created his masterpiece and spread his message to the world.
Bob Marley’s Assassination Attempt
In 1976, Bob Marley faced a moment of reckoning. Two days before a peace concert aimed at uniting a politically divided Jamaica, gunmen raided his home. Bullets flew, injuring Marley, his wife Rita, and his manager. Though the motive remains unclear, many believe it stemmed from the upcoming concert, seen as an endorsement for then-Prime Minister Michael Manley.
Despite the attack, Marley’s spirit remained unbroken. He famously performed at the concert with visible bandages, a testament to his resilience and unwavering message of unity. This experience, however, profoundly impacted his life and music.
Exile followed the attack. Bob Marley left Jamaica for London, where he poured his emotions into his next album, aptly titled “Exodus.” The title track became an anthem, reflecting the yearning for freedom and a new beginning.
