Bob Marley & the Wailers - Waiting in Vain

During my travels, it has been interesting to see the spread of music. Of course, the Beatles are omnipresent, but curious to see the Cranberries are so popular in Thailand, Taylor Swift in Cambodia, James Blunt in Argentina and I even saw an OMD cassette in a Bolivian market. However I would suggest the most universal is Bob Marley, his laid-back reggae winning hearts around the world.

1977 was a pivotal year for Marley, as he sheltered in England after his recent shooting in Jamaica.  A very productive year, as he recorded two albums, played lots of football and shuttled between the homes of his wife Rita and the recently crowned Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare.

"Exodus"  was released first in June, now regarded as his career highpoint, featured his key themes of religion ("Natural Mystic"), politics ("Exodus") and inspiration ("Three Little Birds", "One Love"). 

Then there are love songs, which we assume are dedicated to Breakspeare. "Waiting in Vain" was written in Nassau in her company, and one of the earliest songs to be recorded in London.   Waiting is a common homily for songwriters (Tom Petty "The Waiting" a great example), and Marley had already recorded "I'm Still Waiting" in 1965.

  

Despite its title, "Waiting in Vain" is gloriously sweet, as he is truly besotted ("My heart says follow through") and  patiently determined to win her love through the seasons ("three years since I'm knocking on your door").  He is under no illusions that it will be difficult ("I'm way down on your line"), but just pleads for respect and that his time is not wasted.

Although Marley was the obvious focus, we should not overlook the support from the Wailers. It must be difficult to appear this effortless, accompanied by a languid swagger.  The melody is powered by the keyboards and an understated but consummate guitar solo from Junior Marvin.  The unobtrusive shuffling drums and female backing vocals complement perfectly.

Marley would die aged only 36, but the 1984 compilation "Legend" kept his flame alive, a sales behemoth, still in the charts today.  An astonishing tribute to a global love affair.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WQVb_nuKvs

Hear Next -  Of course everyone should have "Legend", so "Exodus" is the next choice.


** The book of "Song from a Quarantine" is now available  on all Amazon sites in paperback and ebook formats.