So Much Things To Say

Bob Marley's 'So Much Things To Say' is a song that resonates with themes of historical oppression, resilience, and spiritual strength. The lyrics reflect Marley's Rastafarian beliefs and his perspective on the injustices faced by black people throughout history. The song begins with a chorus that emphasizes the abundance of criticism and negative talk directed towards the singer and, by extension, the Rastafarian community and black people in general. Marley is pointing out that despite the overwhelming amount of negative rhetoric, he remains undeterred in his beliefs and mission.

Marley references key figures in black history, such as Jesus Christ, Marcus Garvey, and Paul Bogle, to illustrate the pattern of persecution faced by leaders who stood up for their rights and the rights of their people. By invoking these names, Marley is drawing a parallel between their struggles and his own, suggesting that just as these figures were unjustly treated, so too are he and his contemporaries. The repetition of 'I'll never forget no way' serves as a powerful reminder to remember the past and to continue the fight for justice.

The song also delves into the spiritual aspect of Marley's resistance. He states that his battle is not against 'flesh and blood,' but against 'spiritual wickedness in high and low places.' This line reflects the Rastafarian belief in a spiritual warfare against the forces of evil that oppress humanity. Marley emphasizes that his vindication comes not from human laws, which have found him 'guilty,' but from a higher divine justice. The metaphor of rain not falling on one man's house alone is a call for unity and shared struggle, reinforcing the idea that oppression affects everyone and that resilience is a collective effort.