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You’ll never find justice in a world where criminals make the rules.” Did Bob Marley really say that?

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Short answer: this line is widely attributed to Bob Marley online—but I couldn’t find a reliable primary source (song lyric, interview, book, or filmed speech) that proves he said it. It circulates on social media without citation, which usually means it’s apocryphal. Instead of repeating a maybe-fake quote, let’s anchor in what Marley definitely said about justice—and why the spirit of the line resonates today. Encyclopedia Britannica

Did Marley actually say it?

  • I searched for the phrase in published lyrics, interviews, and reputable biographies. It doesn’t show up in Marley’s documented songs or major reference bios. The line mostly appears on reposts and quote images without an original source. That’s a classic sign of a misattribution. Encyclopedia Britannica

What Marley did say (with sources)

If you want authentic Marley on justice and power, go to the songs:

  • “War” (1976) quotes Emperor Haile Selassie’s 1963 U.N. address: “Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned…” Marley put the anti-racism, pro-human-rights message front and center. Wikipedia+1
  • “Get Up, Stand Up” (1973) is a direct call to defend your rights—Marley’s most explicitly militant anthem. Wikipedia
  • “Redemption Song” (1980) carries Marcus Garvey’s famous line: “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.” (Garvey’s words, echoed by Marley.) Wikipedia+1

These are on-record, fully sourced statements of Marley’s worldview: justice requires truth, equality, and everyday courage, not passive hope. Encyclopedia Britannica

Why the viral line still hits

Even if the line isn’t traceable to Marley, people share it because it feels true: when systems are shaped by self-interested actors, everyday people don’t experience justice by default. That’s exactly why Marley’s real lyrics still matter—they demand action and integrity in the face of power.

Use it well (and accurately)

If you love the sentiment, try this wording in posts or merch:

  • “You won’t find justice in systems built by injustice—you have to make it.”
    Then, if you want a Marley connection, pair it with verifiable lines from “Get Up, Stand Up” or “Redemption Song,” and cite them properly. Wikipedia+1

References & resources

  • Bob Marley – biography & context: Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica+1
  • “War” (lyrics source & origin in Selassie’s 1963 speech): Wikipedia entry for “War”; full UN text on Wikisource. Wikipedia+1
  • “Get Up, Stand Up” (release & status): Wikipedia entry; background features. Wikipedia+1
  • “Redemption Song” (Garvey link): Wikipedia entry; AAIHS article on Garvey’s words in Marley’s lyric. Wikipedia+1

Note: Quote images on social platforms often lack sources and should be treated as unverified unless backed by a primary record (lyrics, audio/video, interview transcript, or printed book).

Disclaimer

This post blends documented music history with commentary. I’m not claiming legal or scholarly authority—sources are linked so you can verify and read more. If you publish, stream, or sell anything referencing Marley, follow fair-use rules and cite original sources.

About the Author

Audrey Childers writes about history, culture, and the hidden wiring of power—with a side of kitchen-witch coziness. She’s the author of:

  • Healing Stews & Enchanted Brews: A Witchy Crockpot Cookbook
  • Healing Stews & Enchanted Brews: Holiday Magic

Perfect for moonlit reading sessions, ritual nights, and nourishing your body while you nourish your spirit.