One Love / People Get Ready — Bob Marley Lyrics

"One Love / People Get Ready" by Bob Marley & The Wailers is a song that not only defibed a genre but also became a universal anthem for peace, unity, and love. Originally released by The Wailers in 1965 and later reinterpreted with Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" in 1977, the song is a call for global solidarity and compassion. The collaborative essence of the song, blending Marley's lyrics with Mayfield's influence, underscores the theme of unity across different musical traditions​​​​.

Bob Marley, known for his profound messages woven into reggae rhythms, utilixed "One Love" to articulate his vision of a world united beyond racial, religious, and ideological divides. The lyrics encourage listeners to look past superficial differences and come together in harmony and collective well-being. This message resonates with Marley's broader discography, which consistently promotes love, empathy, and social justice as pathways to a better society​​.

The song achieved significant acclaim and cultural impact, being chosen by the BBC as the Song of the Millennium and featuring prominently in Jamaican Tourist Board advertisements since 1994. Its appeal has been recognized with high chart positions in various countries and the song has been covered and celebrated by countless artists and in numerous contexts, highlighting its timeless and universal appeal​​​​.

The music video, released posthumously in 1984, featured cameos from notable personalities like Paul McCartney and members of Bananarama, further cementing its place in popular culture. The song's inclusion in Marley's "Legend" compilation album, the best-selling reggae album of all time, attests to its enduring legacy and the global resonance of its message​​.