Many Rivers to Cross
Jimmy Criff Lyrics


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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 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'll be times I find myself thinking
Of committing some dreadful crime.

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
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.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Many Rivers to Cross" by Jimmy Cliff talks about the struggles one faces in life and their determination to overcome these challenges. The metaphor of "many rivers to cross" represents the trials and tribulations that one must face in order to achieve their goals. However, the singer feels lost and unable to navigate through life's hardships; he's been wandering on a path that's led him to the white cliffs of Dover without any sense of direction or purpose.


Despite the obstacles, the singer is determined to keep going. He relies solely on his willpower to keep himself alive, even though he has been defeated and washed up for years. His pride is what keeps him going, and it's clear that he won't give up even though he's faced with many challenges. However, his loneliness haunts him; it's depressing to be alone and he'll do anything to break free from it. The memory of his ex-lover leaving without any explanation haunts him and he's left wandering alone with no sense of direction or support.


In summary, the song "Many Rivers to Cross" by Jimmy Cliff is about perseverance and determination despite the obstacles. The singer's journey is a metaphor for the struggles of life, and even though he's facing many challenges, he won't give up. His pride keeps him alive, but he still feels the pain of loneliness and the memory of a lost love.


Line by Line Meaning

Many rivers to cross
The singer has many obstacles to overcome


But I can't seem to find my way over
The singer feels lost and helpless


Wandering I am lost as I travel along
The singer is aimless and without direction


The white cliffs of Dover
The artist is in an unfamiliar place


Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
The artist's determination is keeping them going


That keeps me alive
The singer's willpower is what is keeping them from giving up


I've been licked, washed up for years and
The singer has been defeated and beaten down for a long time


I merely survive because of my pride.
The artist's sense of self-respect is what is keeping them going


And this loneliness won't leave me alone
The artist is feeling isolated and disconnected


It's such a drag to be on your own
Being alone is difficult and burdensome


My woman left and she didn't say why
The singer's romantic partner left them without explanation


Well I guess I have to try.
The artist acknowledges that they need to move on and keep trying


Many rivers to cross but just where to begin
The singer is uncertain about how to start overcoming their obstacles


I'm playing for time
The singer is biding their time until they figure things out


There'll be times I find myself thinking
The singer imagines that they will have moments of doubt and despair


Of committing some dreadful crime.
The artist fantasizes about escaping their problems through drastic means


I've got many rivers to cross
The artist knows that they have a long journey ahead


But I can't seem to find my way over
The singer is still struggling to make progress


Wandering I am lost as I travel along
The singer continues to feel aimless and disoriented


The white cliffs of Dover
The artist is still in an unfamiliar and hostile environment


Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
The artist's perseverance is still what is pushing them forward


That keeps me alive
The artist's inner strength is still what is keeping them from giving up


I've been licked, washed up for years and,
The singer has been tested and defeated many times


I merely survive because of my pride.
The artist's sense of dignity is still what is keeping them going




Contributed by Wyatt V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@bethbartlett5692

jamz0007

There are artists that have a genre that is popular, a hit that evokes a following, and remain a strong concert audience draw, and the audience genuinely love the song/music , most of these fans are not musically trained, don't understand the talent ranges of vocal artists - they simply recognize the music resonates a pleasing sound to their ear - and they are correct,
HOWEVER, occasionally the artist is beyond a mention on a top 10, they are genius level gifted, they can sing in superior quality, range, multiple genres -
They are true Stars.

This man is one of those exceptional vocal artists - and although he may have not reached the level of international name recognition outside his Genesee of music like a Michael Jackson, Elvis, or Sinatra - he is most definitely that level of talent -
It's a fact that the true talents of Star Quality often don't reach the recognition level they deserve, and many have no desire to for the obvious trade-offs it requires -

I guarantee 8f Sinatra were listening to this man today or 20 years ago, he would be the first to acknowledge his vast credibility and talent.

I have a bit of amazement each time I listen to his work - he is most definitely a Star's Star.



All comments from YouTube:

@sylviewalker7560

Who is loving this in 2024?

@utitofonekpo2892

I'm here, loving it in 2024😊

@desire-mohinderbhinder4983

👋🏼

@anniem5513

Always ❤

@blacksand3100

Hands up from 🇮🇩

@benjyokwokwo7781

Meeee 😊

2 More Replies...

@yualandadavis9116

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

@Rihannamarin

This song has carried me through 32 years of paralysis. 😢. Struggling Man.

@Simon-br8zp

Are you ok?

@hayleyrabin4533

hey u ok u know im always here if u need a chat

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