Music as Social Reflection: A Sociology of Literature Study of Bob Marley’s “One Love/People Get Ready

Abstract

This journal discusses Bob Marley’s song “One Love/People Get Ready” as a work of
musical literature that conveys messages of unity, peace, and human solidarity. This song serves
not only as entertainment but also as a medium for social reflection that depicts a society marked
by conflict, discrimination, and injustice. The objective of this study is to analyze the meaning of
the song’s lyrics and identify their relevance to social reality, particularly in efforts to foster
harmony amidst diversity. Additionally, this study aims to examine how the moral messages in the
song can contribute to the formation of collective social consciousness.
The method used in this study is a qualitative method with a literary sociology approach.
Data were collected through literature review and textual analysis of song lyrics, then analyzed
using descriptive-analytical techniques to uncover the symbolic meanings and social messages
contained within them. This approach allows the researcher to understand the relationship between
musical works and the social context underpinning them.
The results of the study indicate that this song contains a universal message about the
importance of love, unity, and tolerance as solutions to various social problems. In conclusion, this
song serves not only as a work of entertainment but also as an educational tool capable of fostering
peace and social justice within the global community.
Keywords: Bob Marley, One Love, Sociology of Literature, Social Solidarity, Peace Education.