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.
Keep Your Eyes On The Sparrow
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wondering what on earth I have done wrong
There's a cloud that has overshadowed me
Blocks the light from my eyes, I cannot see
But I know just where I want a be
Right or wrong, I've got to face my destiny
Somebody tell me to
Keep your eyes on the sparrow
Watch yourself, what you do
Mind your back, what you choose
For tomorrow
One more thing
I see people going places every day
I see their faces, but they never look my way
Where's the key that should unlock the door
I'm sitting here by myself on the floor
Yes, I know just where I want to be
But how many times must I die before I'm set free
Somebody tell me to
Keep your eyes on the sparrow
Keep your eyes on the sparrow
Watch yourself, what you do
Mind your back, who you choose
For tomorrow
Here I stand with my head down in my hand
Wondering what on earth I have done wrong
There's a cloud that has overshadowed me
Blocks the light from my eyes, I cannot see
But I know just where I wanta be
Right or wrong, I've got to face my destiny
Somebody tell me to
Keep your eyes on the sparrow
Keep your eyes on the sparrow
Keep your eyes on the sparrow
Keep it on, keep it on up now
Keep your eyes on the sparrow
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
The lyrics of Jimmy Cliff's song Keep Your Eyes On The Sparrow are about a person who is feeling lost and unsure about their path in life. The singer wonders what they have done wrong to deserve the cloud that has overshadowed them, making it difficult to see and find their way. Despite this, the singer knows where they want to be and acknowledges that they must face their destiny, whether it’s right or wrong.
The chorus serves as a reminder to keep focus and stay aware of one's surroundings. The sparrow is used as a metaphor for staying grounded and keeping one's eyes on the prize. The singer sings this in a plea for someone to tell them what to do, as they feel lost and uncertain. The final verse expresses the feeling of being overlooked and ignored, but still determined to find a way forward.
The message of the song is one of perseverance in the face of uncertainty and adversity. It encourages the listener to stay true to their goals and not be deterred by setbacks or obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
Here I stand with my head down in my hand
I am feeling lost and overwhelmed with life.
Wondering what on earth I have done wrong
I am questioning my actions and decisions.
There's a cloud that has overshadowed me
I feel an invisible burden or pressure that is blocking my happiness.
Blocks the light from my eyes, I cannot see
I am unable to see the positive things in life due to my negative mindset.
But I know just where I want a be
I have a vision of where I want to be in life.
Right or wrong, I've got to face my destiny
I must face the consequences of my actions, even if they lead me to a difficult path.
Somebody tell me to
I am seeking guidance and advice from someone else.
Keep your eyes on the sparrow
Focus on the little things in life that bring joy and hope.
Watch yourself, what you do
Be mindful of your actions and their consequences.
Mind your back, what you choose
Be cautious of the decisions you make and the people you trust.
For tomorrow
Think about the future and how your choices today will impact it.
One more thing
An additional thought or realization.
I see people going places every day
I notice others moving forward in life while I feel stagnant.
I see their faces, but they never look my way
I feel overlooked and ignored by others.
Where's the key that should unlock the door
I am searching for the solution or opportunity to unlock my potential.
I'm sitting here by myself on the floor
I feel alone and helpless in my current situation.
But how many times must I die before I'm set free
I am tired of struggling and want to find a way to overcome my challenges.
Keep it on, keep it on up now
Continue to persevere and strive for a better future.
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
Reinforcement of the message to focus on the little things in life.
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
Reinforcement of the message to focus on the little things in life.
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
Reinforcement of the message to focus on the little things in life.
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
Reinforcement of the message to focus on the little things in life.
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
Reinforcement of the message to focus on the little things in life.
(Keep your eyes on the sparrow)
Reinforcement of the message to focus on the little things in life.
Contributed by Aaliyah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ken Akoh-Arrey
What a song! As a young man in secondary school, we would sit around and dream with it in broad daylight. It had so much power. That lead guitar still knocks me off, man. I can't still express this feeling each time I hear this song. I'm thankful YouTube has made it possible to visit my deepest inner feelings which had to be re-lived some day, Thank you Jimmy.
Sue Ridder
Same here!
sk321tm
Ken Akoh-Arrey chokes me up every time I hear it brother.
rachael street
Amazing song, gives me goosebumps every time i hear it, that lead guitar gives me a feeling i cant describe......one of my top 10 favorites....
Johnson Jervier
@snerper hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhkjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhjhhhhhhhjjhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhjj
José Emílio Gomes
Me too!
snerper
Brilliant rachael, the finger is definately firmly on the pulse, he is the man this song belongs to, lock, stock and barrel!
sk321tm
If your listening to this song and reading this.... I love you! ....You are my brother/sister. Jah bless. 333
Princess T
333
Jeremiah 33:3 ❤️
Nilson Neves
Jimmy é muito especial.