War

Bob Marley's song 'War' is a powerful anthem for equality and peace, deeply rooted in the Rastafarian belief system and the political struggles of the time. The lyrics are a direct adaptation of a speech given by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I before the United Nations General Assembly in 1963. Marley's adaptation into song form serves as a rallying cry against the systemic racism and oppression that existed then and continues to persist in various forms today.

The song's opening lines set the tone for a message that is as much a statement of political philosophy as it is a call to action. Marley speaks against the idea of racial superiority, declaring that as long as such ideologies exist, there will be conflict. He extends this to the concept of class and the importance of human rights, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved until all people are treated equally, regardless of race or social status. The repetition of 'Me say war' underscores the inevitability of struggle under these conditions of inequality.

Marley also touches on the specific geopolitical struggles of African nations such as Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa, which were embroiled in conflicts and under oppressive regimes at the time. The song becomes a voice for the African continent's fight for liberation and self-determination. The refrain 'Good over evil' is a hopeful conclusion to the song, expressing Marley's unwavering belief in the triumph of justice and the end of war through the power of good.