People Get Ready
Impressions (w/Curtis Mayfield) Lyrics


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People get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

So people get ready, for the train to Jordan
Picking up passengers coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em
There's hope for all, among those loved the most

There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Whom would hurt all mankind, just to save his own, believe me now
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there is no hiding place, against the kingdom's throne

So people get ready there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board




All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "People Get Ready" by The Impressions speak to a powerful and timeless theme of spiritual preparation and redemption. The song begins with an urgent call to action, encouraging listeners to be ready for the train that is coming. The reference to the train is a metaphorical representation of the journey through life, and the call to be ready speaks to the idea of being spiritually prepared for what lies ahead.


The lyrics also suggest that faith is a powerful antidote to the challenges of life, and that all people are welcome on the journey, regardless of their background or history. The idea of picking up passengers "coast to coast" suggests a universal and inclusive journey, where all are welcome to join the train.


As the lyrics progress, there is a warning about the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. The reference to "hopeless sinners" who would "hurt all mankind" speaks to the idea of selfish and destructive behavior, which can ultimately lead to one's downfall. However, even in this warning, there is a message of hope, as the lyrics suggest that redemption is possible for those who seek it.


Overall, the lyrics of "People Get Ready" speak to the idea that life is a journey, and that preparation and faith are key to making the most of that journey. The song is both urgent and hopeful, and its message remains relevant and inspiring to this day.


Line by Line Meaning

People get ready, there's a train a comin'
Prepare yourself for the arrival of the train


You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
You don't need any belongings, just hop on the train


All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
You just need to have faith to hear the sound


Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
You don't need a ticket, just show gratitude to the Lord


So people get ready, for the train to Jordan
Prepare yourself for the train to Jordan


Picking up passengers coast to coast
Collecting riders from all across the country


Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em
Faith is what unlocks the door to board the train


There's hope for all, among those loved the most
There is hope for everyone, especially the ones who are loved deeply


There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
The train has no space for those who have given up


Whom would hurt all mankind, just to save his own, believe me now
Someone who would harm others to protect themselves has no place on the train


Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
Show empathy for those who are running out of time and opportunities


For there is no hiding place, against the kingdom's throne
No one can escape judgment from the kingdom's throne


So people get ready there's a train a comin'
Prepare yourself, the train is coming


You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
Don't worry about belongings, just get on board


All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Faith is all you need to hear the sound of the train


Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
Showing gratitude to the Lord is all you need, no ticket required




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis Mayfield

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

oops44

People Get Ready

People get ready
There's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage
You just get on board
All you need is faith
To hear the diesels hummin'
You don't need no ticket
You just thank the Lord

So people get ready
There'a a train to Jordan
Picking up passengers
Coast to coast
Faith is the key
Open the doors and board them
There's hope for all
Among those 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 grow thinner
There's no hiding place
Against the Kingdom's throne

So people get ready
There's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage
You just get on board
All you need is faith
To hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket
You just thank the Lord



Ceo founder

When music had soul, meaning and harmony!
Masterpiece/masterclass of a song!
Thank you to the late great and legendary: Mr.
Curtis Mayfield!
Rest In Glory.
Thank you to the almighty Impressions!
Salute!
Did "770" individuals really dislike this historic ballad?
Sad!



All comments from YouTube:

Beta Ray Bill

The song never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Put simply, one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Curtis Mayfield truly was a giant amongst men. Rise In Power, brother.

GospelGriot

Mayfield was the son and grandson of Christian ministers. This song is rich with references from the Bible and classic African-American spirituals. Simply put, Mayfield gifted us with a modern gospel hymn. The secret of its appeal is not politics but the amazing transcendence of the Word of God -- poetically put to music.

Virgil Graham

Right on right on !

Liza Rosa

This is pure perfection and gold. Smooth as honey. He was fantabulous! His legacy lives forever!

victor boone205

I played that song for my dad a few days before he died in the hospital. His eyes were closed as he sang to it with a little soul. Priceless moment...

Jeffrey Baran

My dad passed and started listening to his music and haven't stopped since. Suddenly I love what he loved.

Laynee Annen

I'm sure your father's are in heaven, this song will bring anyone to their knees.

Travis Huey

Simply one of the greatest songs ever written. It's arrangement is amazing.

Jenny Macallan

Travis Huey
Agree. When my son was in his high-school chorus, they sang this as the closing number at a recital. You could feel the goosebumps spreading in the audience. To hear those young people sing this message of acceptamce and tolerance gave us all hope for the future.

Bill Stephens

Curtis Mayfield was one talented musician, composer, singer and guitarist. One of the unappreciated innovators in that last category.

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