Turn Your Lights Down Low


"Turn Your Lights Down Low" is a song by Bob Marley & The Wailers from their 1977 album Exodus. It is the only song on Side B of the album that was not released as a single. However, a remastered version featuring Lauryn Hill was released in 1999. This cover was commercially successful around the world, topping the charts in New Zealand and Romania, and was nominated for "Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals" at the 43rd Grammy Awards but lost to B.B. King & Dr. John's "Is You Is, or Is You Ain't ".

Lauryn Hill version

A cover/remixed version released in 1999, with original artist Bob Marley featuring Lauryn Hill. Hill contributes her vocals to the song, as well as a rap verse. The single is taken from the compilation album Chant Down Babylon, which features remixes/covers of Bob Marley songs by various modern day soul, hip-hop and rock artists. This cover became a hit in late 1999 and early 2000, reaching number one in New Zealand and Romania for two weeks. The song also reached the top 10 in the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. In France, where it peaked at number 14, it received a Gold certification for sales exceeding 250,000 copies.

Music video

An accompanying music video to the Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley remix was directed by Francis Lawrence and released in 1999.
The video takes place in Jamaica, and opens with a group of Jamaican kids playing soccer. Following this, are a series of panning shots showing night life in Jamaica, and scenes where Hill is singing in a recording studio. In other scenes, Hill is shown dancing at a party with former boyfriend Rohan Marley, son of Bob Marley.

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Europe 84
Netherlands 63
Netherlands 66
Romania 24
Switzerland 67

Certifications

In other media

The 1999 version is featured on the soundtrack to the 1999 film The Best Man, starring Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, Terrence Howard, Nia Long and Sanaa Lathan. The song appears in the film as well.

Covers