You Can Get it
Desmond Dekker Lyrics


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You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last

Persecution you must bear
Win or lose you've got to get your share
Got your mind set on a dream
You can get it, though harder them seem now

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last
I know it, listen

Rome was not built in a day
Opposition will come your way
But the hotter the battle you see
It's the sweeter the victory, now

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you'll succeed at last

You can get it if you really want - don't you know it?




You can get it if you really want - don't I've showen it
You can get it if you really want

Overall Meaning

Desmond Dekker's "You Can Get It If You Really Want" is a motivational song that encourages listeners not to give up on their dreams. The chorus is repeated over and over, reminding listeners that they can achieve their goals if they are willing to try, try, and try again. The song acknowledges that pursuing one's dreams can be challenging and even sometimes painful, but it encourages listeners to persevere through the hardships to find success.


Dekker acknowledges that pursuing one's dreams may require sacrificing other things, such as comfort or security. He advises listeners that "Persecution you must bear" and that "Opposition will come your way." However, he encourages them to keep their "mind set on a dream" regardless of how difficult it may seem. In the end, he reminds listeners that the "hotter the battle you see / It's the sweeter the victory."


Ultimately the song is a reminder that success often requires hard work, perseverance, and the willingness to face challenges head-on. The message is something that can be applied to any aspect of life, whether it is pursuing a career, overcoming personal challenges, or striving to achieve a goal.


Line by Line Meaning

You can get it if you really want
Whatever it is that you truly want, you can attain it.


But you must try, try and try
Achieving your goal requires persistence and effort.


Try and try, you'll succeed at last
Even if your efforts are initially unsuccessful, if you keep trying, eventually you will succeed.


Persecution you must bear
On your journey to your goal, you will encounter challenges and difficulties.


Win or lose you've got to get your share
Whether you ultimately succeed or fail, you must continue striving to achieve your share of what you desire.


Got your mind set on a dream
You have a specific goal or aspiration in mind.


You can get it, though harder they seem now
Even if your dream appears difficult or impossible to achieve, it is still possible with enough effort.


Rome was not built in a day
Achieving great things takes time and effort; it cannot be accomplished overnight.


Opposition will come your way
You will inevitably face challenges and obstacles on your path to success.


But the hotter the battle you see
The more challenging the obstacles you face, the more rewarding it will be to overcome them.


It's the sweeter the victory, now
The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment you feel when you overcome challenges makes the victory all the more sweet.


don't you know it?
Are you aware of this fact?


don't I've shown it
Haven't I given you evidence of this?




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY CLIFF

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Peter Woodward

This takes me back to my youth, this was my first reggae record. Brings back so many good memories

P-Bass Pete

I never knew why this song wasn't up there with the likes of Jackie Wilson's "Your love keeps lifting me higher" or Sam Cook's "Cupid" in terms of the greatest songs from the 1960's. Those are all my go to's for beating a bad mood.

Mostn Dokk

Desmond is an artist, one of a kind

Lucy Hogan

I love this its my anthem to beat my depression and troubles you said the sweeter the victory

1979mattant

It's mine too Lucy

Anthony Perrin

Words fail. Exemplary. Superb. Class of his own. This and "The Israelites". Unbeatable.

larry allen

I love his voice

Dennis Lee Mondl

Best reggae musician ever ❤🥰 👍.. Marvelous Desmond 🥰👍 I'm a white guy... Love all of your songs, and can't hold my feets still when I listen to your tracks 😊🥰🌿🤘

Abu Sosa

Never gets old.

Eliz

Marvelous full joy tune...a gift yo all us young black youth....who fought yo victory over racism...in 80s n beyond. Give thanks for this strong vibration....

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