The original song was released by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1974. Although Marley is the primary author, he famously credited his friend Vincent Ford (who ran a soup kitchen in Trenchtown) to ensure Ford received the royalties to fund his charitable work.
Joe Dassin's version featured lyrics rewritten by the renowned songwriting duo Claude Lemesle and Pierre Delanoë . It was released as a single in 1978 and later included on his album 15 Ans de Chansons . Key Differences in Meaning Si tu penses a moi (No Woman No Cry)
The transition from Jamaican Patois to French changed the core sentiment of the song: Joe Dassin – Si tu penses à moi Lyrics - Genius The original song was released by Bob Marley