Released in 1980, "Could You Be Loved" was the lead single from the album Uprising . It was written during a time of immense pressure for Marley, who was dealing with his cancer diagnosis while still producing some of his most influential music. The song is often seen as a message to himself and his listeners to stay true to their convictions despite the "rocky road" of life.

Marley intentionally wrote the song with a faster, danceable beat to appeal to broader American radio audiences. Lyrical Meaning and Themes