Bob Marley, the undisputed king of reggae, left an indelible mark on the world with his music, message, and relentless pursuit of unity, peace, and love. From “No Woman, No Cry” to “Three Little Birds,” his songs have become timeless anthems. But there’s one track that stands out as perhaps his most iconic: “One Love.” Its uplifting message of harmony and togetherness has resonated with millions around the globe. However, what many people don’t know is the surprising story behind what really inspired this global hit.
The Birth of a Global Anthem
“One Love” was first released in 1965 by Marley’s original group, The Wailers, and later re-recorded for the album Exodus in 1977. At first listen, it seems like a simple call for unity and peace, filled with Marley’s signature laid-back yet powerful energy. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll uncover a much more complex story behind the song's creation.
For years, fans believed “One Love” was simply an expression of Marley’s Rastafarian faith, which emphasized love for all people, regardless of race or background. While that’s partly true, there’s more to the inspiration for this track than meets the eye.
A Song Born from Struggle
Bob Marley wrote “One Love” during a turbulent time in Jamaica, when the country was divided by political violence. The 1960s and 1970s were particularly volatile, with rival political factions clashing, sometimes violently. The strife had a personal effect on Marley, who found himself caught between these warring factions.
Marley’s vision of “One Love” was not just about love in the romantic or spiritual sense—it was a plea for peace amidst the chaos of political unrest. He believed that music had the power to bridge divides and unite people, regardless of their differences. His message in “One Love” wasn’t just about harmony; it was a call to action, urging people to put aside their conflicts and work together for the common good.
The Unexpected Source of Inspiration
Here’s where things get really interesting. While Marley’s personal experiences shaped the message of “One Love,” there was another surprising source of inspiration for the song’s structure and rhythm. Many fans don’t realize that Marley borrowed heavily from a 1965 ska song called “People Get Ready,” written by Curtis Mayfield for The Impressions.
Marley admired Mayfield’s work and saw parallels between the social justice themes in “People Get Ready” and his own mission to inspire change through music. He used the same feel-good, gospel-influenced structure as a foundation for “One Love,” but infused it with his unique reggae sound and Rastafarian principles. It was the perfect blend of influences—a fusion of Marley’s Jamaican roots with the soul and gospel traditions of the American civil rights movement.
In an interview, Marley once referred to “One Love” as a song that “combines the vision of one world, one people.” That vision was fueled not only by his own faith and experiences but also by the broader fight for social justice around the world.
A Song That Almost Didn’t Happen
While “One Love” is now considered one of Marley’s most beloved and enduring tracks, it almost didn’t reach the world in the form we know today. After recording the original version in 1965, Marley wasn’t entirely satisfied with the track. He spent years revisiting and refining it, adding the rich layers of instrumentation and background vocals that would come to define the final version in 1977.
Even then, Marley faced resistance from his producers, who weren’t sure the song would resonate with international audiences. But Marley pushed back, convinced that his message of unity was exactly what the world needed at the time. His persistence paid off, and “One Love” went on to become one of his greatest hits, featured in advertisements, films, and even adopted as a global anthem for peace by organizations like UNICEF.
The Legacy of “One Love”
Today, “One Love” is more than just a song—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its lyrics, “One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel all right,” have become a universal mantra for peace and solidarity. But understanding the song’s true origins gives it an even deeper meaning. It was born out of struggle, shaped by the influences of civil rights movements, and fueled by Marley’s unwavering belief in the power of music to unite people.
For Marley, “One Love” was not just an idealistic dream but a necessary call to action in a world filled with division. And while he may no longer be with us, his message continues to inspire new generations to work toward that vision of unity, love, and understanding.