Bob Marley: Concrete Jungle Meaning

Song Released: 1971

Concrete Jungle Lyrics

No sun will shine in my day today; (no sun will shine)
The high yellow moon won't come out to play:
(that high yellow moon won't come out to play)
I said (darkness) darkness has covered my light,
(and the stage) And the stage my day into...

1. 1TOP RATED

   #1 top rated interpretation:
   anonymous

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   Jan 22nd 2017 !⃝

   When Bob Marley wrote "Concrete Jungle," he was broke and stranded in a foreign country. While writing the song, he most likely reflected upon his time in the impoverished neighborhoods of Jamaica. One of the lyrics says, “No chains around my feet But I’m not free.” This line depicts Marley being ensnared in the troubles of poverty with no way out. Furthermore, "Concrete Jungle" focuses around the ghetto-like slums of West Kingston, Jamaica. West Kingston was often called the “Jungle” or “Concrete Jungle.” During his song, Marley focuses on the poverty and brutality that has plagued West Kingston, and implies his desire to spread his messages to audiences other than Jamaica.
2. anonymous

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   Mar 15th 2023 !⃝

   I could be wrong but concrete jungle is his view of London(UK) and I completely understand where he is coming from.
   
   There is nothing here but concrete pavements.
   
   In the literal sense and metaphorically.
   
   
3. anonymous

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   Mar 5th 2023 !⃝

   Before I read some interpretations, I have always thought the song is about bad times in one’s life. Instead of feeling pity for yourself( there are no chains around my wrists but I am not free, I know I am not bound in captivity...) here Marley encourages us to shed the chains that hold us in our minds and set ourselves free! It is a clarion call that we people of colour must mentally liberate us and all shall follow. We must shed the slave mentality and set ourselves from inferiority. A mentally liberated man is free!
4. anonymous

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   Feb 19th 2022 !⃝

   The above interpretations of the song Concrete Jungle are just wrong. I doubt even one of the people writing is Jamaican born or grew up in the era the song was written and performed. Bob is writing about the harsh, hopless condition of the poor and the downtrodden (could be anyone in any place). This is NOT about a correctional facility, it is about being imprisoned in your mind and surroundings without hope. But Bob leaves you with plenty of hope. He sings "sweet life must be somewhere to be found in this concrete jungle. Bob Marley is right - keep hope alive! “No sun will shine on my day today,
   And the high yellow moon won’t come out to play.
   Darkness has covered my life and has changed my day into night,
   Now, where is this love to be found?
   
   
   
   
5. KevinMM

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   Oct 28th 2020 !⃝

   I looked this up on google thinking’s I’d find a definite answer. I’d like to start by saying although a Bob Marley fan, and even more a huge reggae fan in general dub/roots/etc, I have not researched this information. Just like everyone else who did not speak to Bob Marley personally, I could be wrong.
   This song is about prison, period. Prison is a jungle in itself. A jungle made of concrete. Many times there is literally no sun, no moon, no light. The chains are, at that point off, but one is still not free, a captive. No soft touch and no caress; a tragic reality but still most do their best in spirit and find a way to laugh (as clowns) which is is a direct and bold way to refer to it. Concrete jungle.
6. anonymous

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   Oct 28th 2020 !⃝

   I will start by saying although a Bob Marley fan, and even more a huge reggae fan in general dub/roots/etc, I have not researched this information. So just like everyone else who did not speak to Bob Marley personally, I could be wrong.
   
   This song is about prison, period. Prison is a jungle in itself. A jungle made of concrete. Many times there is literally no sun, no moon, no light. The chains are, at that point off, but one is still not free, captive. No soft touch and no caress; a tragic reality but still most do their best in spirit and find a way to laugh (as clowns) which is is a direct and bold way to refer to it. Concrete jungle.
7. anonymous

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   Mar 11th 2019 !⃝

   Thé high yellow moon is thé White woman. She won t Côme out to play ....poor her. Time ll tell
8. anonymous

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   Feb 17th 2018 !⃝

   Errata:(stage) Should be changed
   
   "I said (darkness) darkness has covered my light,
   (and the stage) And the stage my day into nights..."

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