Greetings in the name of the most high, Jah Rastafari, ever faithful, ever sure, Jah Rastafari.

Give thanks and praises, for Jah the most high has delivered the victory. Greetings on this day of joy and thanksgiving. Forevermore this day will be held sacred to all and sundry of the faith of Jah. Jah Rastafari!

I am a Christian. I am Rastafarian only in the ich bin eine sense of the word. But I proudly, gratefully use the name of Jah — which is merely another name for God, Yahweh, Allah, the Great Spirit, Mother Nature — to give thanks for the birth of one of the Creator's most special gifts to the world: Bob Marley.

All around the world, people celebrate today because on Feb. 6, 1945, Marley was born. And when he grew to be a man, this creation of Jah gave the world important life lessons backed by the one-drop beat.

"Just can't live that negative way...make way for the positive day!" - 'Rastaman Vibrations'

"Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny." - 'Zimbabwe'

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality." - 'Wake Up and Live'

"Get up, stand up, stand up for your right. Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight." - 'Get Up, Stand Up'

"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind..." - 'Redemption Song'

"Open your eyes and look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?" - 'Exodus'

"Everything is gonna be all right." - 'No Woman No Cry'

The words are simple yet profound, and when backed by rolling reggae riddims, intricate harmonies, and masterfully constructed instrumentation, they gain even more meaning and power. Whether singing of seduction or praising God or using the metaphor of burning and looting or war, Robert Nesta Marley offered us bits of wisdom for living lives of peace, freedom, and integrity.