No woman, no cry
No woman, no cry
No woman, no cry
No woman, no cry
‘Cause, ’cause, ’cause I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
Oba, observing the hypocrites, yeah
Mingle with the good people we meet, yeah
Good friends we have had, oh good friends we’ve lost along the way, yeah
In this bright future you can’t forget your past
So dry your tears I say, yeah
No woman, no cry
No woman, no cry, eh, yeah
Little darling don’t shed no tears
No woman, no cry
Eh, said, said, said I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown, yeah
And then Georgie would make the fire light, I say
A log wood burning through the night
Then we would cook corn meal porridge, I say
Of which I’ll share with you, yeah
My feet is my only carriage
And so I’ve got to push on through
But while I’m gone
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
Everything’s gonna be alright
So no woman, no cry
No woman, no cry, I say
Oh little, oh little darling, don’t shed no tears
No woman, no cry, eh
No woman, no woman, no woman, no cry
No woman, no cry
One more time I’ve got to say
Oh little, little darling, please don’t shed no tears
No woman, no cry
Finding Comfort in Hard Times
“No Woman No Cry” by Bob Marley is more than just a song—it’s a message of hope and resilience. The lyrics recall Marley’s memories of growing up in Trenchtown, a neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica, where community and friendship helped people get through tough times. The phrase “No woman, no cry” isn’t telling women not to cry; rather, Marley comforts a loved one, urging them not to be sad despite hardships. Fond memories of sharing food, laughing by the fire, and leaning on each other remind listeners that even in struggle, there is always hope. The repetition of “Everything’s gonna be alright” serves as reassurance, offering a sense of peace and unity.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Vincent Ford
- Release Year: 1974
- Label: Island Records