Many Rivers to Cross
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover

Many rivers to cross
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
I've been licked, washed up for years
And I merely survive because of my pride

And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My woman left me and she didn't say why
Well I guess, I have to try

Many rivers to cross
But just where to begin, I'm playing for time
There are times I find myself
Thinking of committing some dreadful crime

Yes, I've got many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over




Wandering I am lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover

Overall Meaning

In Jimmy Cliff's song "Many Rivers to Cross," the singer expresses his inner turmoil as he struggles to navigate through life's challenges. The metaphorical rivers represent obstacles and hardships that he encounters, and no matter how hard he tries, he cannot seem to find a way to overcome them. He is lost and wandering, figuratively journeying along the white cliffs of Dover without a clear sense of direction or purpose. The lyrics are reflective of the human condition, where life is a journey full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and the occasional setback.


The singer's will to survive, although battered and bruised, is what keeps him going. He has been beaten down and written off, but his pride won't allow him to give up. The loneliness he feels after his woman leaves him is palpable, and he finds himself contemplating doing something drastic. However, he knows that he has many rivers to cross, and he must summon the strength to keep moving forward, no matter how bleak the situation appears. The song is a testament to the human spirit, which allows us to persevere in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

Many rivers to cross
The singer has faced numerous challenges in life.


But I can't seem to find my way over
Despite the singer's efforts, he has not been able to overcome his obstacles.


Wandering I am lost
The singer feels lost and directionless.


As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover
The artist is metaphorically journeying through life, symbolized by the white cliffs of Dover.


And it's only my will that keeps me alive
The artist's determination and strength of will have kept him going through difficult times.


I've been licked, washed up for years
The singer has been defeated and struggling for years.


And I merely survive because of my pride
The singer has to rely on his pride to keep him going, even if it is a difficult and ego-centric solution.


And this loneliness won't leave me alone
The artist is experiencing acute loneliness that is persistent.


It's such a drag to be on your own
Being alone is difficult and unpleasant for the artist.


My woman left me and she didn't say why
The artist's girlfriend left him for undefined reasons.


Well I guess, I have to try
The singer acknowledges that he has to keep trying despite the odds.


But just where to begin, I'm playing for time
The artist is unsure of how to start fixing his situation and is procrastinating.


There are times I find myself
The singer sometimes experiences dark thoughts.


Thinking of committing some dreadful crime
The singer has disturbing urges in his mind.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIMMY CLIFF

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

AceofHz1

[Verse 1]
Many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering, I am lost
As I travel along White Cliffs of Dover

[Verse 2]
Many rivers to cross
And it's only my will that keeps me alive
I've been licked, washed up for years
And I merely survive because of my pride
[Bridge]
Oh, that loneliness won't leave me alone
It's such a drag to be on your own
My woman left and she didn't say why
Well I guess I'll have to try

[Verse 3]
Many rivers I've crossed
But just where to begin? I'm playing for time
There'll be times I find myself
Thinking of committing some dreadful crime

[Outro]
Yes, I've got many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering, I am lost
As I travel along the White Cliffs of Dover...



All comments from YouTube:

yualanda davis

This song will never Die ,in 2023 and still listening 👂 ❤GOD BLESS JIMMY CLIFF WITH A MAGNIFICENT BLESSED VOICE FROM 🇯🇲

Kathy Barth

Jimmy Cliff has a phenomenal voice. He could have picked any genre. He truly has soul.

Nick Jones

Truly one of the best live performances of any artist. The perfect voice with the perfect song.

Jeffery Jorgensen

making glad I'll be there within the hour I need to see you guys it's important

Joel Springman

100%!!!

Terry

That's is true love ok

NorthBelle

100%.

1 More Replies...

M. Lewis

Listening 8/7/23 and this performance gives me chills. Love his voice.

Amada G

Chills! Yes sept 11,2023

TheMrTTT

This guy is almost 80. As a kid, his first few successful songs influenced the Beatles, Rolling Stones etc. This guy is a legend.

More Comments

More Versions