“One good thing about music, when it hits, you feel no pain…”
Trenchtown Rock is one of Bob Marley’s more famous songs, and the above quote is particularly well known. And why should this not be the case?
As somebody writing a music blog, that sentiment digs deep. Music has a real impact, and is such a big part of many people’s lives.
“Trenchtown Rock” was released as a single in Jamaica in 1971, but was released more widely on the 1973 compilation, African Herbsman.
Trenchtown is a rough area of Kingston in Jamaica that Bob Marley grew up in, plagued by political gang violence in the 70s and 80s. Bob Marley provides a positive message with his music, and was once shot for his attempts to heal the divides.
The song is self-produced by The Wailers, and features a chirpy bassline and upbeat vocals. It is a song very much in line with the rawer, earlier period of Bob Marley’s career.
Lovely music!