Composer

:

Bob Marley & the Wailers

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1974

"No Woman, No Cry" is a reggae song composed by Bob Marley and the Wailers. It was first recorded in 1974 and released on the album "Natty Dread" in 1975. The song became one of Marley's most popular and enduring hits, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song is composed of four movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is a slow, mournful introduction, featuring Marley's plaintive vocals and a simple guitar accompaniment. The second movement picks up the tempo and introduces a more upbeat rhythm, with Marley singing about the struggles of life in the ghetto. The third movement is a bridge section, featuring a call-and-response between Marley and the backing vocals, and a guitar solo. The final movement returns to the slow, mournful tone of the introduction, with Marley singing the refrain "No woman, no cry" over and over again. The lyrics of "No Woman, No Cry" are a tribute to the women of the Jamaican ghetto, who Marley saw as the backbone of the community. The song speaks to the struggles of poverty and violence that these women face, and offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The refrain "No woman, no cry" is often misinterpreted as meaning "No woman, don't cry," but Marley explained that it actually means "No woman, don't shed any tears," and is meant to be a message of comfort and support. The song's premiere was at the Lyceum Theatre in London on July 18, 1975, during a concert by Bob Marley and the Wailers. The performance was recorded and released as the album "Live!" later that year, and the version of "No Woman, No Cry" on that album became one of the most famous live recordings in music history. Overall, "No Woman, No Cry" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the struggles of life in the ghetto, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Its simple yet powerful melody and lyrics have made it one of Bob Marley's most enduring and beloved songs, and a symbol of hope and inspiration for people around the world.

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