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.
Stepping Out Of Limbo
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stepping out of limbo, stepping to life
Stepping out of limbo, stepping alive
Stepping out of limbo, we know where we've been
Stepping out of limbo, we've been sitting for too long
Stepping out of limbo, and we're singing a new song
We gonna keep on putting up resistance
Strong and revolutionary and we will not be contrary
Strong and revolutionary and we will not be contrary
We gonna keep on putting up resistance
And we know that our faith will lead us on
And we know where we are going
Cause we know where we have been
We are going to our father's home
We know what we have seen
We've got love, we've got friendship
We've got life, we've got all
That's all we know that we will go
Stepping out of limbo, took the time and searched the soul
Stepping out of limbo, now we've got that self-control
We gonna keep on putting up resistance
And we know that our faith will lead us on
Stepping out of limbo, and we'll see the light to glow
Stepping out of limbo, to where crystal waters flow
And we've got on putting up resistance
And we'll see that is faith that lead us on
Stepping out of limbo
Jimmy Cliff's song "Stepping Out Of Limbo" is an empowering call to action for people who have been stuck in a state of inaction or uncertainty. The lyrics suggest that the time has come to take control of our lives and step out of the "limbo" we've been living in. The message is inspiring and compelling, reminding us that it's never too late to change our circumstances or to start anew.
The song's lyrics are clear and straightforward, with a simple melody that adds to the overall sense of urgency conveyed in the words. As Cliff sings about stepping out of limbo, he encourages listeners to have faith and stay strong in the face of resistance. The repeated refrain of "stepping out of limbo, stepping alive" drives home the message that we are taking action and moving forward towards a better future.
One interesting aspect of "Stepping Out Of Limbo" is the way that Cliff mixes together elements of Caribbean music with influences from African American gospel and R&B. This fusion of styles gives the song a distinctive sound that is both uplifting and joyful. In addition, the lyrics reflect the political and social themes that often feature in reggae music, with references to resistance and revolution.
Line by Line Meaning
Stepping out of limbo, stepping alive
They are leaving a state of confusion and inactivity and moving towards something new and exciting
Stepping out of limbo, we know where we've been
They have realized where they've been and what they've been doing is no longer working for them
Stepping out of limbo, we've been sitting for too long
They've been stagnant and inactive for too long and need change
Stepping out of limbo, and we're singing a new song
They're excited about the changes they're making and the new experiences they're having
We gonna keep on putting up resistance
They will continue to struggle against obstacles
And we know that our faith will lead us on
Their belief in themselves and their cause will guide them through difficult times
Strong and revolutionary and we will not be contrary
They are determined to be strong, revolutionary, and not go against their beliefs
And we know where we are going
They have a clear vision for their future
Cause we know where we have been
They have learned from their past experiences
We are going to our father's home
Their goal is to reach a peaceful, happy place
We know what we have seen
They have experienced hardships and obstacles, but also the beauty in life
We've got love, we've got friendship
They value the relationships in their life and draw strength from them
We've got life, we've got all
They are grateful for their life and everything in it
Stepping out of limbo, took the time and searched the soul
They have reflected on their life and made the decision to move forward
Stepping out of limbo, now we've got that self-control
They have gained self-control and are able to make positive changes in their life
Stepping out of limbo, and we'll see the light to glow
They are optimistic about the future and ready to embrace new opportunities
Stepping out of limbo, to where crystal waters flow
They are moving towards a place of peace and contentment
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GUILLY BRIGHT-PLUMMER, JIMMY CLIFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Keith2800
Underrated song. Always a favorite of mine!
@hirofan
Keith2800 is the original
in the movie “The
Harder They Come?”