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.
Sunshine in the Music
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
We got sunshine in the music
Saw the power in the song
We got sunshine in the music
So rock on
And jam on
We're rockin'
We're jammin'
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
For all the lonely, lonely people
For all the lonely, lonely hearts
For all the people who needs people
There is a chance to make a new start
We got sunshine in the music
Saw the power in the song
We got sunshine in the music
Music keeps me full of love
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
There is light in every month of May (We got sunshine)
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
Music brightens up a cloudy day
So rock on, huh
And jam on
We're rockin'
We're jammin', huh
We ain't got no cold ambition
We are not a politician
We ain't got no nuclear weapon
Just the soul and power in the song
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
There is light in every month of May (We got sunshine)
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
Music keeps me full of love
So rock on, huh
And jam on, huh
We're rockin', huh
We're jammin', huh
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
We got sunshine in the music
We got sunshine in the song
We got sunshine in the music
We got sunshine in the song
We got sunshine in the music
We got sunshine in the song
We got sunshine in Jamaica
We got sunshine in the song
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
The lyrics of Jimmy Cliff's "Sunshine in the Music" celebrate the power of music to bring people together and spread joy. The song begins with a joyous chant of "aiaiai" and "heyey," establishing an upbeat and festive atmosphere. The chorus repeats the phrase "We got sunshine in the music" four times, emphasizing the idea that music is a source of light, warmth, and happiness.
The first verse suggests that music has the power to heal and uplift people who are feeling down. The lyrics state "Saw the power in the song," implying that there is something transformative and magical about music. The second verse speaks directly to the theme of loneliness, stating "For all the lonely, lonely people / For all the lonely, lonely hearts / For all the people who needs people / There is a chance to make a new start." Here, the lyrics suggest that music has the power to connect people and bring them out of isolation.
The third verse affirms the idea that music can be a positive force in the world, without any of the negative qualities associated with politics or weapons: "We ain't got no cold ambition / We are not a politician / We ain't got no nuclear weapon / Just the soul and power in the song." The chorus repeats the idea that music brings sunshine, light, and love.
Overall, the lyrics of "Sunshine in the Music" express a deeply optimistic and celebratory view of music. The song suggests that music can be a force for good in the world, helping to connect people and lift them up when they are feeling down.
Line by Line Meaning
We got sunshine in the music
The music has a positive energy that brightens up people's day.
Saw the power in the song
Recognized the impact that the music has on people's lives.
Music keeps me full of love
The music has the ability to create a positive emotional state.
For all the lonely, lonely people
The music is meant to reach out to those who feel isolated.
For all the lonely, lonely hearts
The music speaks to those who long for love and companionship.
For all the people who needs people
The music aims to connect people with each other and foster a sense of community.
There is a chance to make a new start
The music offers a fresh perspective and an opportunity for change.
There is light in every month of May
The music brings a sense of hope and renewal, much like the spring season.
Music brightens up a cloudy day
The music has the ability to improve one's mood, even when things seem bleak.
We ain't got no cold ambition
The music is not driven by greed or a desire for power.
We are not a politician
The music is not affiliated with any political organization or agenda.
We ain't got no nuclear weapon
The music is not destructive or harmful.
Just the soul and power in the song
The music is fueled by its emotional and spiritual quality, rather than any external factors.
We got sunshine in Jamaica
Jamaica is associated with warmth and positivity, which is reflected in the music.
We got sunshine in the song
The music embodies the same bright, joyful energy as the Jamaican sunshine.
Contributed by Adalyn J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Learn Embrace Life
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
We got sunshine in the music
Saw the power in the song
We got sunshine in the music
Music keeps me full of love
So rock on
And jam on
We're rockin'
We're jammin
For all the lonely, lonely people
For all the lonely, lonely hearts
For all the people who needs people
Here is a chance to make a new start
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
There is light in every month of May (We got sunshine)
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
Brightens up a cloudy day
So rock on, huh
And jam on
We're rockin'
We're jammin', huh
We ain't got no cold ambition
We are not a politician
We ain't got no nuclear weapon
Just the soul and power in the song
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
There is light in every month of May (we got sunshine)
We got sunshine in the music (we got sunshine)
Music keeps me full of love
So rock on, huh
And jam on, huh
We're rockin', huh
We're jammin', huh
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
We got sunshine in the music
We got sunshine in the song
We got sunshine in Jamaica
We got sunshine in the song
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, yaaa (Aiaiai, yaaa)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, yaaa (Aiaiai, yaaa)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: J Cliff
lilla Sander
Aye-ya-ya-yee (aye-ya-ya-yee)
Aye-ya-ya-yoo (aye-ya-ya-yoo)
Aye-ya-ya-yeh (aye-ya-ya-yeh)
Aye-ya-ya-yoo (aye-ya-ya-yoo)
We got sunshine in the music
Saw the power in the song
We got sunshine in the music
And music is the food of love
So rock on
And jam on
We're rockin'
We're jammin'
For all the lonely, lonely people
For all the lonely, lonely hearts
For all the people who needs people
There is a chance to make a new start
We got sunshine in the music
Saw the power in the song
We got sunshine in the music
And music is the food of love
We got sunshine in the music (we got sunshine)
It's like the every month of May (we got sunshine)
We got sunshine in the music (we got sunshine)
To brighten up a cloudy day
So rock on, huh
And jam on
We're rockin'
We're jammin', huh
We ain't got no ammunition
We are not a politician
We ain't got no nuclear weapon
Just the soul and power in the song
We got sunshine in the music (we got sunshine)
It's like the every month of May (we got sunshine)
We got sunshine in the music (we got sunshine)
And music is the food of love
So rock on, huh
And jam on, huh
We're rockin', huh
We're jammin', huh
Aye-ya-ya-yee (aye-ya-ya-yee)
Aye-ya-ya-yoo (aye-ya-ya-yoo)
Aye-ya-ya-yeh (aye-ya-ya-yeh)
Aye-ya-ya-yoo (aye-ya-ya-yoo)
We got sunshine in the music
We got sunshine in the song
We got sunshine in Jamaica
We got sunshine in the song
Aye-ya-ya-yee (aye-ya-ya-yee)
Aye-ya-ya-yoo (aye-ya-ya-yoo)
Aye-ya-ya-yeh (aye-ya-ya-yeh)
Aye-ya-ya-yoo (aye-ya-ya-yoo)
Aye-ya-ya-yeh (aye-ya-ya-yeh)
Aye-ya-ya-yoo (aye-ya-ya-yoo)
Aye-ya-ya-yeh (aye-ya-ya-yeh)
Aye-ya-ya-yoo (aye-ya-ya-yoo..)
Right To Life
We ain't got no cold ambition
We are not a politician
We ain't got no nuclear weapon
Just the soul and power in the song
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
There is light in every month of May (We got sunshine)
We got sunshine in the music (We got sunshine)
Music keeps me full of love
So rock on, huh
And jam on, huh
We're rockin', huh
We're jammin', huh
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Aiaiai, heyey (Aiaiai, heyey)
Aiaiai, oho (Aiaiai, oho)
Bruno Bastos
“A vida é como a música. Deve ser composta de ouvido, com sensibilidade e intuição, nunca por normas rígidas.”🍷🗿
Josh Pryor
Growing up with the Power and the Glory album, it felt like every song on the Album was a hit song. What a legendary artist Jimmy Cliff really is.
Larry Jr Mckenzie
This is beautiful .. My mom used to play all the time when i was a kid im 23 now and she played this today and we were both singin along ❤
Luanne Patrick
This was our sing along song too...as well as his other songs
Joakim Kamere
I had a chance to attend Jimmy Cliff performance at Reggae Rotterdam festival ...pure talent
Marion
Luister er nu naar 🥰 Mis dit soort muziek anno 2021.
j giraud
Years ago I had the honour to see the great Jimmy Cliff perform on a reggae festival I attended. Still going strong, vibrant and full of positive energy. He and other great musicians of his generation like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, Burning Spear and many, many other great artists of that era are of a rare and dying breed. He doesn''t lie when he sings "we got sunshine in the music". It's a thing I miss in today's music: a message, comfort and positivity. God bless Jimmy Cliff.
Ameru Samuel jeremy
I fondly remember my late brother who introduced me to this soft rocking beat in1985 before he went away forever
srtb3931
This song takes me back to such a great time in my youth!!!
lupe hill
Mine too!❤️❤️❤️😊👍