Cedella Booker and Bob Marley:Bob Marley's Death

On the afternoon of May 11, 1981 after a losing battle with cancer, Bob’s prophecy had been fulfilled.

 

He had died whispering comforting words to his dear mother Ciddy “Maddah, don’ cry”.

Reminiscent of the song he had written and performed in 1975, 6 years prior to this fateful day, he had already told her that everything was going to be alright in “No Woman No Cry”.

I remember when we used to sit In a government yard in Trench Town

And then Georgie would make a fire light

As it was log wood burning through the night

Then we would cook cornmeal porridge

Of which I’ll share with you

My feet is my only carriage

So I’ve got to push on through

But while I’m gone…

No woman, no cry

No woman, no cry

Oh, my little darling I say don’t shed no tears

No woman, no cry

Little sister, don’t shed no tears

No woman, no cry

This song sums up in a nutshell the love of a son for his mother.

Even while he is carrying his own heavy burden he was thinking of her sacrifice, her love and her well being.

Although this song was evidently dedicated to none other than Cedella Booker, it is a universally fitting tribute to the love shared between a mother and her child and proves Marley was indeed a lover of all, especially women.