Cliff moved to Kingston in 1962. After he released two singles that failed to make much of an impression, his career took off when his "Hurricane Hattie" became a hit, while he was aged just 14; it was produced by Leslie Kong, with whom Cliff would remain until Kong's death. Later local hit singles included "King of Kings", "Dearest Beverley" and "Pride and Passion". In 1964, Cliff was chosen as one of the Jamaican representatives at the World's Fair, and Cliff soon signed to Island Records and moved to Britain. Island initially (and unsuccessfully) tried to sell Cliff to the rock audience, but his career took off in the late 1960s. His international debut album was Hard Road to Travel, which received excellent reviews and included "Waterfall", a Brazilian hit that won the International Song Festival.
"Waterfall" was followed in 1969 by "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" and "Vietnam" in 1970, both popular throughout most of the world. Folk rock singer-songwriter Bob Dylan even called "Vietnam" the best protest song he'd ever heard. Wonderful World included a cover of Cat Stevens' "Wild World", which was a success in 1970.
Leslie Kong died of a heart attack in 1971. The soundtrack to the reggae film The Harder They Come was a huge success that sold well across the world, but did not break Cliff into the mainstream. After a series of albums, Cliff took a break and traveled to Africa, exploring his newfound Muslim spirituality. He quickly returned to music, touring for several years before he recorded with Kool & the Gang for Power & the Glory (1983). (During the 1981 River Tour, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band added Cliff's little-known "Trapped" to their live set; it achieved great prominence when included on 1985's We Are the World benefit album.) The follow-up, Cliff Hanger (1985) won a Grammy Award, though it was his last major success in the U.S. until 1993. He continued to sell well in Jamaica and, to a lesser extent, the UK, returning to the mainstream pop charts in the U.S. and elsewhere with a version of Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now" on the Cool Runnings film soundtrack in 1993 .
In 2002, Cliff released his new album, Fantastic Plastic People in Europe, after first providing free downloads using Delacove's People Music Media p2p software. This album featured collaborations with Joe Strummer, Annie Lennox, and Sting as well as new songs that were very reminiscent of Cliff's original hits. In 2004 Cliff completely reworked the songs, dropping the traditional reggae in favor of an electronica sound, for inclusion in Black Magic.
Cliff has also covered the famous African song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".
His recording of 'You Can Get It If You Really Want' was used as a campaign anthem by the Sandinista National Liberation Front in the 1990 election in Nicaragua (they lost). It was also adopted by the British Conservative Party during their annual conference in October, 2007. It is unclear whether Mr Cliff endorsed either party. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame March 15,2010.
I See the Light
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
Oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies
Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies
I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Here is that rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
Bri-ri-ri-ri', bright, (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day, yeah, eh
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day, yeah, na
It's gonna be a bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
Bri-ri-ri-ri', bright (bright)
Bright (bright) sunshiny day
The song "I Can See Clearly Now" by Jimmy Cliff is an uplifting and hopeful song that expresses the positivity and joy that comes after experiencing difficult times. The opening line, "I can see clearly now the rain is gone," suggests that the songwriter has finally overcome the obstacles and difficulties he was facing previously. He can now see all the obstacles that were once in his way due to the dark clouds that used to blind his vision, but they are now gone.
The songwriter expresses his optimism through the repeating lines of "It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day." He mentions that all the bad feelings have disappeared and he has finally reached a point of acceptance and happiness. The rainbow that he has been praying for symbolizes hope and new beginnings. This entire song is about looking forward to a brighter future after overcoming the past.
Overall, the song is about overcoming obstacles, seeing things in a new light, and discovering hope and joy in life. It reminds us that no matter what struggles we face, there is always the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see clearly now the rain is gone
My troubles have cleared up, and I can now see things more clearly.
I can see all obstacles in my way
I am now able to identify and overcome any challenges that may come my way.
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
The difficult times that clouded my judgment and prevented me from seeing the good things in life are now behind me.
It's gonna be a bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day
I am optimistic that the future holds many opportunities for happiness and success.
Oh, yes I can make it now the pain is gone
I have moved past my past hurts and traumas, and I now feel empowered to achieve my goals.
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
I no longer feel weighed down by negative emotions and can move forward with a clear mind.
Here is that rainbow I've been praying for
I have finally found the happiness, joy, and contentment that I have been searching for.
Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies
I am surrounded by positivity, and there is no room for negativity in my life.
Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies
I am focused on a bright and positive future and will not let any obstacles or challenges get in the way of achieving my goals.
Bri-ri-ri-ri', bright, (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day, yeah, eh
I am filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and positivity about what the future holds.
It's gonna be a bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day, yeah, na
Despite any challenges that may come my way, I remain confident that I can overcome them and achieve my desired outcomes.
Bri-ri-ri-ri', bright (bright) Bright (bright) sunshiny day
I am optimistic about what the future holds, and I know that there are many new and exciting opportunities waiting for me.
Lyrics © CTM Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Nash
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@koffiremi3098
From the moments of my youth
I've been searching for the truth
To my being and all that seemed like mystery
So I turning in the dark, there a spot of light that spark,
Turning everything into reality
Now I see the light, yes I see the light,
Find and see the light, shining bright, it's all right
For the balance of my life
I'll cling to this guiding light
as the essence of my natural creation
as myself I grow to be, doubt and fear is gone from me
Crystalized by the light of my salvation
Cause I see the light, yes I see the light!
Find and see the light, shining bright, it's all right
bridge
Yes there were times when I was lonely
Took me a woman out the darkness
She will be my one and only
She's number one above the rest
Now what seemed like mystery were just untold history
And the secrets that's been known only to God's
And as I sit and reminisce I get peaceful, joy, and bliss
From the memory of what could beat the odds.
Cause I see the light, yes I see the light!
Find and see the light, shining bright, it's all right
Yes I see the light, got to see the light!
Now and I see the light, shining bright, it's all right
@dinahammah7648
Another favourite song,Jimmy Cliff, Thank you.
@rickpoole6504
I have tis lp and never get tired of listening to it. You are the best. Thank you jimmy
@davidjenkins2683
Yes I do love All of.jimmy cliff song so presous. Love
@P4boot
This music gives me morale, I hate it’s short!
@omonaiyemere2427
A SONG THAT TAKES MY MIND BACK IN TIME. THE REMINISCENCE OF THOSE YEARS THAT HAS GONE BY. THANK YOU FOR THE LYRICS!
@toniaugusta
my favorite album, my favorite song, one of my favorite musicians!
@davidinua5210
Ever so inspirational. Jimmy your winsome spirit is TIMELESS.
@toniaugusta
My favorite Cliff album and one of my favorite songs of all time.
@timijeboda1228
Thanks so much for posting this masterpiece. Thanks for the positive memories, Brother Jimmy CLIFF. You are a Gift to our people. Much respect & appreciation for your voice and Love for our people.
@joeyaniah4157
I cry listening to this song...so inspiring, so overwhelming....too soul stirring