Known as the artist who "bridged the gap," Warwick's soulful blend of pop, gospel and R&B music transcended racial, cultural, national, and musical boundaries.
Throughout the 1980's and 1990's, Warwick collaborated with many of her musical peers, including Johnny Mathis, Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osbourne, Kashif and Stevie Wonder. Warwick was also host of the hit television music show, "Solid Gold." In addition, she recorded several theme songs, including "Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams," for the popular television series "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," and "The Love Boat," for the hit series from Aaron Spelling. More recently, Warwick recorded her first Christmas album entitled "My Favorite Time of the Year" featured jazzy interpretations of many holiday classics. In 2007, Rhino Records re-released the CD with new cover art, a critically acclaimed Gospel album, "Why We Sing," for Rhino/Warner Records, and a new jazz album, "Only Trust Your Heart," a collection of standards, celebrating the music of legendary composer Sammy Cahn for Sony Red/MPCA Records.
Dionne Warwick has won 5 Grammy Awards during her music career:
• 1969: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"
• 1971: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again"
• 1979: "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance" for the single, "Déjà Vu"
• 1979: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "I'll Never Love This Way Again"
• 1986: "Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal" for the single, "That's What Friends Are For"
Dionne Warwick was born in a musical family of which numerous superstars arose.
Warwick's sister Dee Dee Warwick had a successful singing career, Warwick's aunt is gospel singer Cissy Houston, and one of Warwick's cousins is Whitney Houston.
People Get Ready
Dionne Warwick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
So 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 ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own
Believe me now, have pity
On those whose chances grow thinner
But there's no hiding place against the kingdoms throne
So people get ready, there's a train a coming
So 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
Dionne Warwick's People Get Ready is an iconic gospel and soul song with a powerful message of salvation and redemption. The lyrics are a call to action for people to prepare for the coming of the Lord, depicted as a train that will transport the faithful to their heavenly destination. The imagery of a train is used to convey the idea of urgency, that time is running out and the only way to be saved is to get on board.
The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with Warwick urging listeners to get ready for the "train to Jordan," a reference to the biblical river that was crossed by the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. She emphasizes that no baggage is necessary, only faith to hear the "diesels humming." This is a metaphor for the sound of the Lord's trumpet, signaling the end of the age and the beginning of the final journey. The second verse reinforces the idea that faith is key, and that there is hope for all who are chosen by God. The bridge contrasts the fate of the "hopeless sinner" with that of the faithful, warning that there is no escape from judgment for those who do not turn from their wicked ways.
The chorus then repeats the urgency of the message, with Warwick encouraging listeners to get ready for the train, thanking the Lord for their salvation. Overall, People Get Ready is a powerful and uplifting song that serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and living a righteous life.
Line by Line Meaning
People, get ready, there's a train a coming
Be prepared, because there is a train on its way
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
You don't need any additional items, just get on the train
All you need is faith to hear the diesels humming
The only requirement is belief in order to recognize the sound of the train engine
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
No ticket is required, just express gratitude to God for the opportunity
So people, get ready for the train to Jordan
Prepare for this train that will take you to a new land
Picking up passengers from coast-to-coast
It will collect passengers from all over
Faith is the key, open the doors and board them
Believing is important, so open your heart to let others on board
There's hope for all among His chosen ones
All are able to have optimism if they believe in a higher power
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
There is no space for those who are hopeless and unrepentant
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own
Those who would harm innocent people to benefit themselves won't be allowed on board
Believe me now, have pity
Trust me, I'm telling the truth, and have mercy
On those whose chances grow thinner
Show kindness to those who are running out of opportunities
But there's no hiding place against the kingdom's throne
No one can escape the consequences of their actions on Judgement Day
So people get ready, there's a train a coming
Again, prepare yourselves for this upcoming journey
So people get ready, there's a train a coming
One more time, get ready for this train
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
Reinforcing the fact that no additional items are necessary
All you need is faith to hear the diesels humming
Believing is important in recognizing the sound of the train
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
Once again, expressing that gratitude is enough to board the train
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis Mayfield
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aline Dowd
on I Cry Alone
Brings back oh so many memories.