Son… Read Full Bio ↴"Many Rivers to Cross" is a song written in 1969 by Jimmy Cliff.
Song information
This is one of the few Cliff tracks to use an organ, which helps to supplement the gospel feel provided by the backing vocalists. Cliff released the song, with production work by Leslie Kong, on his 1969 album, Jimmy Cliff. It was also released on the 1972 soundtrack album for the film The Harder They Come, in which Cliff also starred as an actor. Rolling Stone ranked it #317 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Many Rivers to Cross
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 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
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
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...
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%.
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.