Feature Songs: “Words of Wonder” & “Get Up Stand Up”
As I mentioned in the previous DUTC (#115), this month is dedicated to Playing for Change (PFC) and Bob Marley, with the addition of Keith Richards for this installment. My featured “Song Around the World,” has Richards teaming up with Roberto Luti, Titi Tsira, and a number of worldwide musicians for a rendition (cover) of his 1992 reggae song, “Words of Wonder,” which is from his second studio album, Main Offender. One could say that Richards had the melody of “Get Up, Stand Up” in mind when he and his collaborators wrote the song, which is only fitting, as you will see below. The release of this album was between the Rolling Stones’ Steel Wheels and Voodoo Lounge projects. Richards teamed up with Talk Is Cheap collaborator Steve Jordan and added Waddy Watchtel to the mix both in composing and producing the album. All three are listed as writers for “Words of Wonder.” Sessions for the album included a group of Richards’ musician friends, known as “The X-Pensive Winos,” and took place in California and New York from March to September 1992 while touring in support of the album in Argentina and Europe was in late 1992, and North America in early 1993.
In 2014, PFC paired Richards’ “Words of Wonder” with a cover of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up,” and the result is mesmerizing. The Marley cover features Keb’ Mo,’ Mermans Mosengo, Aztec Indians, Natalie Pa’apa’a of Blue King Brown, and Jamaican singer, Sherita Lewis. Although the performance begins with “Words of Wonder,” transitioning to “Get Up, Stand Up” at around 4:28 of the eight plus minute long performance, it could have easily been the other way around, as the two songs mesh seamlessly together.
“Get Up, Stand Up” was written by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. It originally appeared on The Wailers’ 1973 album, Burnin.’ It was recorded and played live in numerous versions by Bob Marley and the Wailers, along with solo versions by Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Still later, it was included on the compilations Legend, and Rebel Music, as well as live recordings, such as Live at the Roxy and others. Marley wrote the song while touring Haiti ,as he was deeply moved by its poverty and the lives Haitians were living. The tune of the chorus is clearly based on the instrumental hook in “Slippin’ into Darkness” by War from their 1971 album, All Day Music, a band that Marley had expressed admiration for. The song was frequently performed at Marley’s concerts, often as the last song. In fact, “Get Up, Stand Up” was also the last song Marley ever performed on stage, on September 23rd, 1980, at the Stanley Theater, now the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. And now for some music.
Keith Richards. “Words of Wonder” 1992.
Bob Marley & The Wailers. “Get Up Stand Up” 1973.
Bob Marley & The Wailers. “Get Up, Stand Up.” (Live at the Rainbow Theater, London 1977).
Peter Tosh. “Get Up, Stand Up” 1977.
Bunny Wailer. “Get Up, Stand Up” 1977.
And because I mentioned it…
War. “Slippin’ Into Darkness” 1971.
PFC featuring Keith Richards. “Words of Wonder” / “Get Up, Stand Up” covers. Song Around the World, 2014.
Los Angeles 2025
“Slippin’ into Darkness” is not familiar at all. Love the Keith Richard clips. I have a lot of respect for Bunny and Tosh but right next to Bob Marley like that, you really hear why he was so very exceptional.
He was at that. And stay tuned for a War post coming soon to a neighborhood near you!
Ha! a clue!
“Get Up, Stand Up” is a classic in my book and has to be among my all-time favorite reggae songs. I like all versions you presented here. Given Bob Marley happens to be my long-time favorite reggae artist, I’m mostly drawn to his version.
I didn’t know Keith Richards’ “Words of Wonder” – pretty cool! I LOVE that PFC clip and mash of the two songs. To me that’s the highlight here, which even outshines my beloved Bob Marley! 🙂
It certainly is a classic! Glad you liked the PFC clip of those two songs. It’s one of my favorites from them.
I was a pretty big fan of War and still have my vinyl copy of that Greatest Hits album. The PFC medley takes the two songs to a whole new level for me.