Bob Marley's music is more than just a popular sound for people of all races, religions, and ages. His music conveys a Rastafarian attitude in four ways: (1) his lyrics connect Rastas directly with their faith since music is an integral part in Rastafaria, (2) his music pays tribute to important influences in religion, (3) his lyrics use Rasta terminology which makes it feel like the music is a Rasta's music, (4) the messages in the songs are directed towards Rastas; hen Rastas ilsten to it they are reminded of Rastafari's values.
Evidence pertaining to point #2:
In "So Much Things to Say" Marley sings that people (most probably Christians or anyone who is against the Rastafari faith) stole Marcus Garvey rights, turned their backs on Paul Boyle. Rastas consider Garvey to be a prophet. This serves to pay tribute to Garvey who is an importatn figure in the history of Rastafari. It also keeps him alive in a song so everytime a Rasta hears it, he will not forget his faith's past. This is much like the stories in the Qur'an of sinners not trusting the prophets but who turned their back to believe in another religion although Rastas would not call anyone of another faith as sinners.
Point #3:
In many of Bob Marley's songs Rasta terminology is used.
Downpressors- pressure is applied from a position of power to put down a victim. This word is used in the song "Guiltiness": woe to the downpressors, they'll eat the bread of sorrows.
It is also found in "Exodus": Jah come to break downpression, rule equality, wipe away transgression, set the captives [slaves] free.
In "Exodus" the phrase open your eyes and look within is used. This refers to the Rastafari approach to see life from the inside looking out. An individual must find truth within himself and then view reality from the eyes of this truth.
I and I- Iyaric," Divine within the individual. "Jamming" states that 'I and I will see you through.' This is the encouragement that Jah is with believers. This provides comfort and reassurance to Rastas.
~Rasta terminology is used in the lyrics to make the music feel like it is directed towards Rastas (much like hymns or Christian rock is for Christians), it is also meant to convey Rastafari messages to Rastas.
Point #4:
Many Rastafari messages are within each Bob Marley song:
"Exodus"-leave Babylon
"So Much Things to Say"-individuality
"Guiltiness"-no materialism
"Three Little Birds"-nature/pure/irie
"Punk Reggae Party"-no alcohol
"One Love"-obviously, one love
To bring the four points of Bob Marley's Exodus album together, his music in particular serves a similar purpose that the Bible/hymns do for Christians and that the Qur'an does for Muslims (since the Qur'an is more effective when it is recited rather than read). Marley's music is meant to be more than heard. Although it is true that the instruments and pure music mean as much as the lyrics (because an integral part in Rastafari is the music itself) Marley's lyrics are meant to evoke and sustain the Rastafari spirit in everyone...to either keep their Rastafari faith strong or to call them to the faith/practice.
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