About the song
In the midst of the tumultuous 1960s, The Impressions released a song that would become an iconic anthem of hope and unity – “People Get Ready”. Written and composed by the legendary Curtis Mayfield, this gospel-influenced track not only showcased Mayfield’s growing sense of social and political awareness but also resonated with listeners worldwide. Released in 1965, “People Get Ready” reached the top 10 on the Billboard charts and has since been recognized as one of the greatest songs of all time.
The song’s significance extends beyond its chart-topping success. It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, named one of the Top 10 Best Songs of All Time by Mojo music magazine, and selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry. Moreover, Martin Luther King Jr. referred to “People Get Ready” as the unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights Movement, often using it to inspire and comfort those fighting for equality.
The song’s message of hope and unity has been interpreted in various ways, but its core theme remains the same – a call to action for people to come together and prepare for a brighter future. The song’s use of train imagery, a common motif in Black American freedom songs, adds to its powerful symbolism. As Mayfield himself explained, the song was inspired by his church upbringing and the idea that once one dies, the soul embarks on a journey to the afterlife.
Over the years, “People Get Ready” has been covered by numerous artists, including Bob Marley and the Wailers, Bob Dylan, and Rod Stewart. Despite the many interpretations and covers, the original version by The Impressions remains the most iconic and enduring. As a testament to its timeless appeal, “People Get Ready” continues to inspire new generations of music lovers and social justice advocates.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the history and significance of “People Get Ready”, exploring its cultural and historical context, its impact on the Civil Rights Movement, and its enduring legacy as a powerful anthem of hope and unity.
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Lyrics
People get ready
There’s a train a-coming
You don’t need no baggage
You just get on board
All you need is faith
To hear the diesels humming
Don’t need no ticket
You just thank the Lord
People get ready
For the train to Jordan
Picking up passengers
From coast to coast
Faith is the key
Open the doors and board them
There’s room for all
Among the loved the most
There ain’t no room
For the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just
To save his own
Have pity on those
Whose chances are thinner
Cause there’s no hiding place
From the Kingdom’s Throne
So people get ready
For the train a-comin’
You don’t need no baggage
You just get on board
All you need is faith
To hear the diesels humming
Don’t need no ticket
You just thank, you just thank the Lord
Yeah
Oh
Yeah
Oh
I’m getting ready
I’m getting ready
This time I’m ready
This time I’m ready