Bob Marley’s “The Heathen” Lyrics Meaning

For starters we know that the word heathen, regardless of what context it is used in, is a characteristic that is not applied favorably. For religious folk like Bob Marley whose beliefs are grounded in books like the Bible, a heathen would be akin to a nonbeliever. 

And furthermore, based on his strong Rastafarian leanings, within the context of these lyrics we can also say that he is referring to the likes of foreign invaders and going a step further those of the European/Western variety. And the reason we’re able to make such an assertion is because Bob Marley in particular, as well as Rastafarians in general, tend to be critical of Western European colonialism, etc.

So with all of that background understanding in mind, it would reasonable to postulate that Marley conceptualized this song as one in which he is, say addressing an African revolutionary fighter. He is basically someone who is ideologically waging war against colonial/imperial forces. 

And the reason we say ideologically is because it becomes apparent in the first verse that said fighter and the forces he represents have already been defeated, i.e. forced into retreat. But what Bob is telling them is that “he who fight(s) and run away live(s) to fight another day”. 

Or viewed differently, although the addressee has been beaten once doesn’t mean it will happen again. And now, with ‘the heathen’s back on the wall’, would be a pretty good time to strike.

Now it isn’t abundantly clear what that statement, which actually highlights this piece, is supposed to mean. But all lyrics considered, the implication would be that the enemy, i.e. “the heathen”, is in some type of a weakened/vulnerable state. This thus makes a successful counterstrike very much possible.

A Challenging Task Ahead

But this is not to say that overcoming “the heathen” will be an easy task. Rather Bob Marley, once again being who he is, also relies on Biblical prophecies in terms of encouraging these fighters. 

And the way he sees it, “as a man sow, shall he reap”. So it is inevitable that ‘the heathens’, despite being conquerors, or rather let’s say based on the aforenoted logic because they are conquerors, will one day fall. 

All things considered, that is perhaps the basis of his inspirational message to the addressees. And the exact message is that “Jah” has actually ordained that they will be victorious so long as they persist.

The Conclusion of “The Heathen”

And conclusively, once again taking all of the lyrics into consideration, it is arguable that for the most part Jah Bob is not admonishing the intended audience to “fight” solely in a literal sense. 

What he most comprehensively means is that they should not idly accept the dominion of their oppressors. He encourages them to rather endeavor to maintain the same fervor of those who resisted them in the first place.

Facts about “The Heathen”

“The Heathen” was written by Bob Marley (1945-1981) and produced by him and the Wailers. The Wailers consisted of a sub-unit known as the I Threes, i.e. Marley’s female backup vocalists. The I Threes consisted of the following:

• Judy Mowatt
• Marcia Griffiths
• Bob’s wife, Rita Marley 

And other official members of the band who participated on this project are bassist Aston Barrett, drummer Carly Barrett (1950-1987), keyboardist Tyrone Downie, guitarist Junior Marvin and percussionist Alvin “Seeco” Patterson.

The album this track is derived from was Bob Marley and the Wailers ninth studio effort, 1977’s Exodus. That project went on to break the top 20 of the Billboard 200 and top 10 of the UK Albums Chart, in addition to being certified platinum Across the Pond. 

And it also made the top half of Rolling Stone’s ranking of the “500 Greatest Albums of All Time”.

In late 1976 an assassination attempt was made on Bob Marley’s life in his ‘hood of Kingston, Jamaica. Therefore he recorded Exodus in London, where he relocated to in the aftermath of the shooting.

The abovenoted Biblical reference can be found in Galatians 6:7.

Was “The Heathens” a Single from “Exodus”?

No. In all Marley released 6 singles in support of “Exodus”. Among them include:

• “Exodus”
• “Three Little Birds”
• “One Love/People Get Ready”
• “Waiting in Vain”
• “Turn Your Lights Down Low”
• “Jamming”