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.
When You're Young
Jimmy Cliff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you're young
Well, someone told me, not long ago now
You're only young but for once
It's the one time in a lifetime
There is no second chance, second chance
Hold your head high and hold on to your dreams
There's a world waiting out there
Not always what it seems
Be wise, be free when you're young
When you're young
It's said, you got your freedom to make your own rules
Be nobody's footstool
And you may try now to change the world too
But don't let it change you, it can't change you
So when you're young
Hold your head high and hold on to your dreams
There's a world waiting out there
Not always what it seems
When you're young
When you're young
You see that many a people in my time of mend
Telling tales of regret
Step aside Grandma, step aside Grandpa
There are somethings I must get, I must get
When you're young
Hold your head high and hold on to your dreams
There's a world waiting out there
Not always what it seems
When you're young
When you're young
You know it's the right time
You know it's the right time
Said, I know
(When you're young)
Said, I know
(When you're young)
When you're young
When you're young
Jimmy Cliff's song When You're Young is an ode to the notion of youth and the freedom that comes with it. The lyrics encourage young people to be wise and free, to be confident in their dreams and to hold on to them tight. The song recognizes that youth is a fleeting period of life, and that seizing opportunities is of the utmost importance.
The song begins with a warning that young people should be wise with their freedom, for there is no second chance. It is important that young people are mindful of the world around them and recognize that not everything is as it seems. The lyrics then discuss the importance of being true to oneself and not allowing the world to change who you are. The message seems to be that while young people should take advantage of the freedom of youth and the opportunity to change the world, they should also be mindful of their own identity and stay true to themselves.
Later in the song, the lyrics speak of the regrets of older generations and the importance of seizing opportunities while still young. Young people should hold their heads high and pursue their dreams with vigor, for it is the right time to do so.
Overall, the lyrics of Jimmy Cliff's When You're Young are an empowering message to the youth of the world. The song advocates for seizing opportunities while still young and to stay true to oneself in the process.
Line by Line Meaning
Be wise, be free when you're young
It's important to make smart choices and enjoy your freedom while you're still young.
When you're young
This phrase is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the importance of this time in one's life.
Well, someone told me, not long ago now
The singer is relaying advice he recently received from someone.
You're only young but for once
You'll never be able to experience the joys and freedom of youth again.
It's the one time in a lifetime
The singer stresses that this period in one's life is unique and irreplaceable.
There is no second chance, second chance
Once youth is gone, you can never get it back.
So when you're young
The singer is offering advice on how to navigate this important time in one's life.
Hold your head high and hold on to your dreams
Stay confident and keep working towards your goals.
There's a world waiting out there
There are many opportunities and experiences to have.
Not always what it seems
Things won't always be as they appear, so stay alert.
It's said, you got your freedom to make your own rules
During youth, you have the ability to make your own decisions and shape your own life.
Be nobody's footstool
Don't let others take advantage of you or walk all over you.
And you may try now to change the world too
It's possible to make a difference in the world even when you're young.
But don't let it change you, it can't change you
Stay true to yourself and your values despite any success or challenges you may face.
You see that many a people in my time of mend
The singer has observed many people later in life expressing regret.
Telling tales of regret
These people are recounting their past mistakes and missed opportunities.
Step aside Grandma, step aside Grandpa
The singer is addressing older generations who may try to hold young people back.
There are somethings I must get, I must get
The singer has a strong desire to pursue certain goals and experiences.
You know it's the right time
The singer is reiterating that youth is the ideal time to chase after dreams.
Said, I know
The singer is emphasizing his conviction that what he's saying is true.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kevin54469
Be wise, be free when you're young
When you're young
Well, someone told me, not long ago now
You're only young but for once
It's the one time in a lifetime
There is no second chance, second chance
So when you're young
Hold your head high and hold on to your dreams
There's a world waiting out there
Not always what it seems
Be wise, be free when you're young
When you're young
It's said, you got your freedom to make your own rules
Be nobody's footstool
And you may try now to change the world too
But don't let it change you, it can't change you
So when you're young
Hold your head high and hold on to your dreams
There's a world waiting out there
Not always what it seems
When you're young
When you're young
You see that many a people in my time of mend
Telling tales of regret
Step aside Grandma, step aside Grandpa
There are somethings I must get, I must get
When you're young
Hold your head high and hold on to your dreams
There's a world waiting out there
Not always what it seems
When you're young
When you're young
You know it's the right time
You know it's the right time
Said, I know
(When you're young)
Said, I know
(When you're young)
When you're young
When you're young
Paul Ruwona
I used to dance to this with my late dad. It took such a long time to understand. I play it for my daughter now lol
Danielcastro Castro
Muito show o cara é de mais
Michael Francis
"when you're young,there's a world waiting out there, not always what it seems" Rings true!
Abraham Palmer
very epic song
Mark Thomas
You are right big level this.
Napo Exocet
❤