My whole life, I have been surrounded by Bob Marley’s music. Whether it was my sister blasting it in her room, hearing it blend with the crashing waves and soothing breeze at the beach, or walking into Mr. Styer’s third-block Biotech class, there was, and still is, no leaving it.
I am not saying that I am annoyed or distressed by it because I never have been. Hearing more and more of Bob’s voice growing up made me want to be a part of the fan club that I am a part of today.
When I first began listening to Bob on my own, I heard the lyrics for more than what they were. Every word of every song had a positive connotation to it, and I knew I had to incorporate this music into my lifestyle. Ever since that first day of listening, I have tried finding positivity in everything I do. This includes going to school with an open mind, trying to achieve something that may seem impossible, or just simply being happy during the day.
Since I am human like the rest of you, there are days when I am down and not as positive as I wish to be. If and when this does happen, I still go back to the songs that are sung by the great Bob Marley. Whether it is singing the songs or just humming them, the beat and rhythm get me back to that positive and calm mindset.
This past football season, during the offseason, I had to think of an artist to listen to before each game that would get me ready to lead my brothers to victory. At first, I tried listening to rap because that’s what I did my junior year, but that didn’t do it for me. The next option was country, but that quickly fell apart. The third and final option was the guy who has made me calm down my whole life.
I tested it out before our first game against Interboro, and I would say that was the most calm I have ever been before a game. Not only was Bob calming me down, but he also gave me the mindset I needed to complete the goal of winning. Before each game, I would listen to the same three songs. “Three Little Birds,” “Buffalo Soldier,” and “Is This Love.” This repetition ultimately led to us adding a couple more trophies to the trophy case, as well as helping me make some more memories with my brothers that will last a lifetime.
If you are reading this and you haven’t gotten anything out of it, let me try one last time. Bob Marley has taught me a lot of things in my life. He has taught me to spread positivity across the globe, relax when times aren’t at their best, and live life with a purpose every day.
These lessons given to me have changed my life for the better, and I hope you, as the reader, can put some headphones in and listen to the sweet sounds of Bob and just remember that “every little thing, gonna be alright.”
