Context

This line is from the song "Get Up, Stand Up" by Bob Marley & The Wailers from the album Burnin' (1973).

Bob Marley wrote "Get Up, Stand Up" while traveling through Haiti, and the song begins with the exact words in the title, imploring people to get up and fight for change.

Where you've heard it

The song has become a symbol for musicians who are trying to inspire change throughout the world, whether it's in Haiti, Africa, or any other nation.

Additional Notable References:

• This PBS documentary about musicians and change uses it as its title.
• An "earth-friendly" Bluetooth® speaker system.
• A cover on an album raising money for charity.
• An episode of Grey's Anatomy.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

It's meant to be inspirational, not pretentious. Although if Bono is singing it, add 8 points to pretentious factor.