Jimmy Cliff OM (Jamaican Order of Merit) born as James Chambers (1 April 19… Read Full Bio ↴Jimmy Cliff OM (Jamaican Order of Merit) born as James Chambers (1 April 1948, St. Catherine, Jamaica) is a Jamaican reggae musician. He is best known among mainstream audiences for songs like "Sittin' in Limbo", "You Can Get It If You Really Want," "Many Rivers to Cross" and the title track from The Harder They Come, a film soundtrack which helped popularise reggae across the world.

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.

If I Follow My Mind
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If I follow my mind
I'll never go wrong
I wanna sing that song
It wouldn't take so long
Never, never could do wrong
Yay, yay...
If I follow my heart
I'd live by emotions

be my every notion
never lead me astray now
each and every day now
Yay, yay...
If I follow my heart

My mind is a fine mind
My mind is a right mind
My mind is a clear mind, clear mind!
If I follow my mind!

I'll never go wrong
I wanna sing that song
It wouldn't take so long
Never, never could do wrong
Yay, yay...
If I follow my mind

My mind is a fine mind
My mind is a right mind
My mind mighty fine mind, fine mind!
If I follow my mind!

Hey, hey, hey, hey...

Ummmm...

If I follow my heart
I'd live by emotions
be my every notion
never lead me astray now
each and every day now
Yay, yay...
If I follow my mind
I'll never go wrong
I wanna sing that song
It wouldn't take so long
Never, never could do wrong
If I follow my mind now...
If I follow my mind...
If I follow my mind now...
If I follow my mind...

Never, never could do wrong
If I follow my mind...

Overall Meaning

The song "If I Follow My Mind" by Jimmy Cliff is an upbeat and positive song with a clear message about the importance of listening to one's own intuition and staying true to oneself. The lyrics suggest that, when faced with difficult decisions in life, one should trust their own instincts and follow their heart, as this is the best way to find happiness and fulfillment. The upbeat and catchy melody of the song reinforces this message and provides a sense of confidence and optimism.

The chorus of the song, which repeats the phrase "If I follow my mind, I'll never go wrong," emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and not allowing outside influences to cloud one's judgment. The verses expand on this message, suggesting that following one's heart and emotions is the best way to find true happiness and fulfillment in life. The lyrics are simple but effective, with a clear and powerful message that resonates with many listeners.

Line by Line Meaning

If I follow my mind
Jimmy Cliff is confident that if he follows his intuition, he will be on the right path.

I'll never go wrong
He believes that by pursuing his instinct, he can never make a bad decision.

I wanna sing that song
He wants to pursue his passion for music and create something beautiful.

It wouldn't take so long
He is aware that his goals may not be achieved immediately, but he is determined to keep going.

Never, never could do wrong
Jimmy is convinced that he is making the right decision by following his intuition, and he will not be led astray.

If I follow my heart
Jimmy Cliff believes in following his emotions and what feels right to him.

I'd live by emotions
He wants to live an authentic life where he can express himself emotionally.

be my every notion
He wants to embrace his thoughts and feelings and trust them to guide him.

never lead me astray now
He has faith that his emotions won't misguide him and that he is on the right path.

each and every day now
He wants to lead a consistent and authentic life, where he can pursue his passion and follow his heart.

My mind is a fine mind
Jimmy Cliff acknowledges the quality of his mind, and he trusts its judgment.

My mind is a right mind
He believes that his mind is reliable and logical.

My mind is a clear mind, clear mind!
He has an understanding that his mind is transparent and objective, and he can make clear and rational choices.

If I follow my mind!
He has complete confidence in his ability to think and make the right decisions.

Hey, hey, hey, hey...
This line is a bridge between two verses and does not convey any specific meaning.

If I follow my mind now...
Jimmy Cliff is restating his conviction that his mind will guide him in the right direction.

Never, never could do wrong
He thinks that he is making the right decision by following his mind.

If I follow my mind...
He is firm about his belief in listening to his inner voice and following his intuition.

Contributed by Lila V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@eddymanijean6794

‎Si je suis mon esprit‎
Jimmy Cliff
‎Si je suis mon espritJe‎
‎ ne me tromperai‎
‎ jamaisJe veux chanter cette chansonCe‎
‎ ne prendrait pas si longtempsN‎
‎ jamais, jamais pu faire de malYay‎
‎, yay... ‎
‎Si je suis mon cœurJe‎
‎ vivrais par les émotionsSoyez‎
‎ chacune de mes notionsJamais‎
‎ jamais égaré maintenantJeai‎
‎ et tous les jours maintenantYay‎
‎, yay... ‎
‎Si je suis mon cœur‎

‎Mon esprit est un esprit finMon esprit‎
‎ est un esprit‎
‎ justeMon esprit est un esprit clair, un esprit clair! ‎
‎Si je suis mon esprit!‎

‎Je ne me tromperai‎
‎ jamaisJe veux chanter cette chansonCe‎
‎ ne prendrait pas si longtempsN‎
‎ jamais, je ne pourrais jamais faire de malYay‎
‎, yay... ‎
‎Si je suis mon esprit‎

‎Mon esprit est un esprit finMon esprit‎
‎ est un esprit justeMon esprit‎
‎ puissant esprit fin, esprit fin! ‎
‎Si je suis mon esprit!‎

‎Hé, hé, hé, hé...‎

‎um...‎

‎Si je suis mon cœurJe‎
‎ vivrais par les émotionsSoyez‎
‎ chacune de mes notionsJamais‎
‎ jamais égaré maintenantJeai‎
‎ et tous les jours maintenantYay‎
‎, yay... ‎
‎Si je suis mon espritJe‎
‎ ne me tromperai‎
‎ jamaisJe veux chanter cette chansonCe‎
‎ ne prendrait pas si longtempsN’auraient‎
‎ jamais pu faire de malSi‎
‎ je suis mon esprit maintenant... ‎
‎Si je suis dans mon esprit... ‎
‎Si je suis mon esprit maintenant... ‎
‎Si je suis dans mon esprit... ‎
‎Jamais, jamais pu faire de malSi‎
‎ je suis mon esprit...‎

Auteurs-compositeurs : Jimmy Cliff
Pour utilisation non commerciale uniquement.
Données de : Musixmatch

@eddymanijean6794

If I Follow My Mind
Jimmy Cliff
If I follow my mind
I'll never go wrong
I wanna sing that song
It wouldn't take so long
Never, never could do wrong
Yay, yay...
If I follow my heart
I'd live by emotions
Be my every notion
Never lead me astray now
Each and every day now
Yay, yay...
If I follow my heart

My mind is a fine mind
My mind is a right mind
My mind is a clear mind, clear mind!
If I follow my mind!

I'll never go wrong
I wanna sing that song
It wouldn't take so long
Never, never could do wrong
Yay, yay...
If I follow my mind

My mind is a fine mind
My mind is a right mind
My mind mighty fine mind, fine mind!
If I follow my mind!

Hey, hey, hey, hey...

Ummmm...

If I follow my heart
I'd live by emotions
Be my every notion
Never lead me astray now
Each and every day now
Yay, yay...
If I follow my mind
I'll never go wrong
I wanna sing that song
It wouldn't take so long
Never, never could do wrong
If I follow my mind now...
If I follow my mind...
If I follow my mind now...
If I follow my mind...
Never, never could do wrong
If I follow my mind...

Auteurs-compositeurs : Jimmy Cliff
Pour utilisation non commerciale uniquement.
Données de : Musixmatch

All comments from YouTube:

@jamesonkashika8213

2y↑9

Listened to this song over 30 years ago when l was a young boy. Nothing has changed. Best album cliff has ever produced.

@Relevance4life

I agree

@jonathanankrah8434

3y↑1

Absolutely true for who you are. U imparted all of us growing up. And today you live as a legend who should live forever and keep preaching your words of wisdom

@yinkadoyinbo5950

3y↑1

You looks exactly my late brother that introduced me to your great music, well I’ve been following and listening to your voice/music, thanks to my late brother since 1976. Continue to rest in peace my dear brother

@successtaly3468

29w

my dad,s best song---------nice tune Jimmy.

@ogundarefrancis-mary4478

6y↑3

Jim Cliff made me love reggae music in my early twenties, I was inspired by his music. He is remains my hero. Some of his songs such as Remake the World, If I follow my mind, Dear Mother, No woman no cry latter in life became inspirational songs. As a Catholic Priest over thirty years, I still love these song.

@kamdembenjamin8967

ALLELUJAH 👼🌈👼

@chickengunproyt8868

AJJ MOKA AGAR 🔥🔥🔥🔥

@harunayahuza7399

33w

That was my best music 🎵🎵. And currently is still the best.

@sylvanusebecha9444

5y↑9

I was introduced to Jimmy Cliff's music by my Dad when I was a kid. I still love his music still.

@collinsamankwah5118

SYLVANUS EBECHA in

@collinsamankwah5118

Youtube.com the

@franciscoeneas4719

7copa 24

@antoniusmanso2982

Me too ! Jmmy Cliff is top.

@rubenadonis8822

Bra Jim thanks for the great music you have made my uncle proud he was the coolest guy and u take my mind way back with the time that I have spent with him God bless you

@johnmoroe9747

46w

That's the best remind me olden days

@radiolimpopo858

4y↑1

I heard this album first time in Zambia !! Decades ago, and ever since to this very day I love this album and all its songs!!

@libbysummersgill

Man I love, respect, inspiration in its rarest form and positive thinking, giving hope when it was long 4gotten! I've got many rivers to cross!

@toureibrahim7544

12y

j"avais 18 ans lorsque ce disque est sorti.je l’écoute encore aujourd'hui a 54 ans.Trop de beaux souvenirs de lycée y sont colles.Merci Agbaataaa et Vive Jimmy Cliff.

@user-bm6vr7yf5d

35w

Love Jim what a great album ❤❤❤❤

@nevisempress6106

11y↑3

My mind is divine mind....if a follow my mind I would NEVER, EVER GO WRONG !!! .........If I follow my heart, I would be led my emotions, in my every notions it would lead me astray now each and every day now', hey, hey...... if I follow my heart...... WHAT INCREDIBLE LYRICS!!!!! We don't get them these days like before. Wonderful and conscious song....A BIG TUNNNNEEEE!!!!

@mac-adamsbanda415

We were enjoying this music during our record dances in secondary school in the seventies

@oluwadamilarei.856

9y↑8

Its absolutely true, I did follow my mind when this Album was released, was tough, but I make it at the long run.
Thank you Jimmy.

@michaelturay2271

Oluwadamilare I. Best love songs of the 80s

@GodsonCUmeh-vj8vm

39w

Nice music

@antoniusmanso2982

3y↑1

Trabalho lindo esse vinil de JCliff , eu tinha .

@woshingtonliborio5053

9y↑7

incrivel como existem cançoes que tocan o inconciente humano ... esta musica me faz lembrar de uma viagem que fiz com meu pai quando tinha apenas 6 anos de idade ...2300km a bordo de um passat linda musica .adoro

@rodtimaosccplhp

O Reggae nos proporciona essas lindas lembranças. Amo ;)

@tatianeferreira796

Meu filho de apenas 8 anos ama essa música

@jonathanankrah8434

3y↑2

Musical genius with philosophical lyrics.

@jamesg7037

9y↑8

The lyrics to this song were a big thinking point in Liberia back in 1975. Following my mind was a bright laser beam of personal hope philosophy. But... how many opportunities for a mind to shine out in country, where we're growing rice, pushing back rice birds and groundhogs, and at the end of the day hauling firewood? And at relax team, hanging around the palaver hut following our hearts with the other folk?

In any event, that seed of Following My Mind shook the air around many old speakers around quiet Liberian nights....

@onjiashukem3069

5y↑1

Love the song

@sharmilanicholls2522

3y↑1

Such a classic!

@lamibakoyakasai2802

I follow my mind that's why I always luv you for all this years.

@franciscogomesribeiro9683

11y↑7

Cada dia mais linda e emocionante viva o Jimmy

@Nastard2

6y↑4

As a college student, it's easy to lose my motivation amid the daily toil of it all. Just enrolling in classes and applying for financial aid can be very trying, to say nothing of keeping up with homework, writing papers, preparing for tests...This song is great to listen to when I need to remember that education is a noble pursuit, an enormous privilege, and a test of willpower and self-discipline as much as critical thinking. Got to keep my eyes on the prize and follow my mind! Thanks, Jimmy.

@JHareTV

You are not following your mind in college tool boy

@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171

ENORMOUS PRIVILEGE! I gotta say that I've been half embarrassed for the jealousy that it can stir in some when I admit I went to school, because some don't get that chance, or can't apply themselves to achieve it. Make use of All of those resources, the career center, the clubs, take all you can from it, and don't coast through! Meet you instructors in their office hours, don't go unnoticed. Put everything all you have into it, you'll do fine, and you'll have a bright future. You won't fail while you stay knowing there's ALWAYS a way unbeknownst to ourselves, and
remain open to suggestion.

@cameronsullings8148

Love this one

@lamibakoyakasai2802

4y↑1

Jmmy I always you since I was a kid.

@dyphnebell890

4y↑1

Love it

@radiolimpopo858

Love Jimmy !!!

@007DARLYNTON

11y

brings tears of joy

@beestonpoet

12y

a perfect feel good positive song .. this is a jam!

@franknsiah5648

I have been listening to Jimmy Cliff's songs when I was 11years old.At 57 years I listen to and still admire his songs.Thank God and may he live to be as old as Methuselah.