Coming In From The Cold

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Coming In From The Cold" by Bob Marley & The Wailers from their 1980 album Uprising, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the vibes. This track, kicking off the album with its upbeat and optimistic rhythm, was a late addition to balance the heavier, slower songs on Uprising. Producer Chris Blackwell suggested Bob Marley add some uptempo tracks, leading to this sprightly reggae anthem. Interestingly, the song was initially set to open with "Chant Down Babylon," but Marley swapped it out, though a 12-inch version was mistakenly titled "Coming From The Cold." The lyrics, with lines like “When one door is closed / Don’t you know another is open,” reflect Marley’s Rastafarian philosophy of resilience and hope, urging listeners to rise above systemic oppression. Recorded at Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica, the track features Marley on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, backed by the I Threes, including his wife Rita Marley, alongside the core Wailers like Aston “Family Man” Barrett on bass.

Another tidbit about "Coming In From The Cold" comes from its context during the Uprising recording sessions. Marley was battling exhaustion and illness, with his health deteriorating due to cancer. Despite this, he poured his spirit into the album, and this track’s lively energy stands out as a testament to his enduring positivity. The song’s message about overcoming hardship resonated deeply with fans, especially during the Uprising Tour, which began the day the album dropped on June 10, 1980. A post from the official Bob Marley X account in 2019 celebrated the album’s release, asking fans their favorite tracks, with many citing this song for its uplifting groove. The Uprising album, including this track, was Marley’s final studio release before his passing in 1981, making it a poignant part of his legacy.

Bob Marley’s journey to becoming a reggae icon began in the rural village of Nine Mile, Jamaica, where he was born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6, 1945. Raised by his mother, Cedella Marley, in a community rich with African storytelling traditions, Marley moved to Kingston’s Trench Town as a teen. There, he was exposed to ska, a blend of Jamaican mento and American R&B, which shaped his early music. In the early 1960s, while training as a welder, he formed a vocal group with friends Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, initially called the Teenagers, then the Wailing Wailers, and finally The Wailers. Their first hit, “Simmer Down,” recorded in 1963 at Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One, was an anthem for Kingston’s underclass, marking Marley’s shift from mimicking pop styles to crafting raw, socially conscious music. Mentored by singer Joe Higgs, The Wailers honed their harmonies, and by 1973, their album Catch A Fire with Island Records, pushed by producer Chris Blackwell, launched them globally.

Marley’s career exploded in the 1970s, with albums like Natty Dread and Exodus blending reggae with rock and soul, earning him international fame. His music, rooted in Rastafarian beliefs, spoke to themes of freedom, resistance, and unity, influencing genres from punk to hip-hop. Today, his legacy lives on through his official platforms, including the Bob Marley website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also connect via The Wailers’ official site, which details the band’s ongoing tours, and through communities like the Bob Marley Wiki on Fandom. On Facebook, groups like Bob Marley Fans keep the love alive, sharing stories and rare photos. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep jamming to Marley’s timeless sound, knowing his music still inspires millions worldwide.