Iron lion zion - Bob Marley

Bob Marley wrote and recorded 'Iron lion zion' in April 1973 or 1974. It was released posthumously in May 1992 on the box set 'Songs of freedom'. It reached number 5 in the UK singles chart and number 4 in the Dutch Top 40 when the track was released as a single.

The song's lyrics are directly related to Rastafarian beliefs. Zion is 'the promised land', in the song referring to Ethiopia. The lion refers to the Lion of Judah, which appeared on the old royal Ethiopian flag, and represents Haile Selassie I, the former Ethiopian emperor whom Rastafarians regard as their Messiah.

My collection: 7" single no. 1799
Found: Melody Maker, Den Haag, December 11, 1992
Cost: 3 guilders
Tracks: 'Iron lion zion' / 'Smile Jamaica'