Released three years after the event, "Ambush In The Night" reflects Marley’s perspective on the systemic forces behind the violence.
Gunmen opened fire, wounding Bob Marley, his wife Rita, and manager Don Taylor. Ambush In The Night (1979) Bob Marley & The Wailers
"Ambush In The Night" is a pivotal track from Bob Marley & The Wailers ' 1979 album . More than just a reggae rhythm, the song is a raw, autobiographical account of the assassination attempt on Marley’s life in 1976. Historical Context: The 1976 Assassination Attempt Released three years after the event, "Ambush In
On December 3, 1976, seven armed men stormed Marley's home at in Kingston, Jamaica. The attack occurred just two days before the "Smile Jamaica" peace concert, which Marley had agreed to perform during a period of intense political violence between the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) . More than just a reggae rhythm, the song
Despite being shot, Marley performed at the concert 48 hours later, famously stating that the people who are trying to make the world worse don't take a day off, so he couldn't either. Lyrical Themes and Meaning