Survival

Bob Marley's 'Survival' is a powerful song that delves into the themes of social injustice, resilience, and the struggle for equality. The lyrics speak to the experience of black people, particularly in the context of Marley's own experiences as a Jamaican and as a Rastafarian. The song's refrain, 'We're the survivors; yes, the black survival,' serves as a rallying cry, emphasizing the strength and endurance of black communities in the face of systemic oppression and adversity.

Marley references biblical figures like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who survived trials by fire and lions' dens, drawing a parallel to the survival of black people through historical and contemporary challenges. These references also underscore a spiritual dimension to the struggle, suggesting that faith and unity are crucial for overcoming hardships. The song criticizes the disparities in wealth and power ('Some people got everything / Some people got nothing') and calls for action and awareness ('We gotta live up woe now, woe now / 'Cause the father's time has come').

The latter part of the song touches on the dangers of modern technology and its potential for inhumanity, such as 'scientific atrocity' and 'nuclear mis-energy.' Marley warns of a world that breeds 'lifelong insecurity,' yet he reinforces the message of survival and unity. 'Survival' is not just a song about the struggles faced by black people; it's an anthem that encourages perseverance and solidarity in the face of any form of oppression or injustice.