Rankin's best-known composition, "Peaceful," was a major hit for Helen Reddy in 1973. He had a major fan in Johnny Carson, who had Rankin appear on "The Tonight Show" more than two dozen times. Carson wrote the liner notes for Rankin's 1967 debut album, "Mind Dusters."
Rankin died June 7, 2009, in Los Angeles. According to his management company, he was diagnosed with lung cancer three weeks earlier.
People Get Ready
Kenny Rankin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't Need No Baggage
You Just Get On Board
All You Need Is Faith
You'll Hear The Deisel Comin'
Don't Need No Ticket
You Just Thank The Lord
Pickin' Up Passengers
From Coast To Coast
Pick Up The Keys
Open The Doors And Board 'Em
There's Room For All
Among Those Loved The Most
Ain't No Room For The Hopeless Sinner
Who'd Hurt All Mankind
Just To Save His Own
(Save His Own, Save His Own)
Have Pity On Those
Who's Chances Grow Thinner
No Hiding Place
Against The Kingdom's Throne
People Get Ready For The Train To Jordan
Pickin' Up Passengers
From Coast To Coast
Pick Up The Keys
Open The Doors And Board 'Em
There's Room For All
Among Those Loved The Most
People Get Ready There's A Train A Comin'
You Don't Need No Baggage
You Get On Board
Get On Board
Get On Board
Don't Need No Ticket
You Just Thank The Lord
People Get Ready
Kenny Rankin's song "People Get Ready" is a call to action. The inspiration for the song came from a scripture in the Bible, which speaks of a train departing for the promised land. The lyrics suggest that this train is a metaphor for the journey to heaven, and that those who want to make the journey need only have faith. The "baggage" referred to in the first verse is the emotional baggage that we all carry with us, but which we need to leave behind in order to make progress.
In the second verse, Rankin speaks of the train picking up passengers from all over the country, and being open to all, regardless of who they are or where they come from. The mention of "keys" and "doors" suggests that the journey to heaven is open to all who want to take it. The final verse deals with those who might be left behind, such as "hopeless sinners" who have hurt others in order to save themselves. The song suggests that there is still hope for these people, but that they need to act quickly in order to catch the train to heaven.
Overall, "People Get Ready" is a powerful call to action, and a reminder that we all need to be ready to leave our baggage behind and take the journey to heaven. It suggests that the journey is open to all who want to take it, and that we all need to be ready to board the train when it arrives.
Line by Line Meaning
People Get Ready There's A Train A Comin'
The call to be prepared for an impending journey towards redemption.
Don't Need No Baggage
No material possessions or worldly burdens are required for this journey.
You Just Get On Board
All individuals are welcome and urged to join regardless of their background or social status.
All You Need Is Faith
Belief in the higher power and salvation is indispensable to succeed in this journey.
You'll Hear The Deisel Comin'
The warning signals of change are visible, and it's time to take action.
Don't Need No Ticket
The journey to redemption is freely available to all without any economic or societal barriers.
You Just Thank The Lord
The gratitude towards the higher power makes individuals worthy of the journey.
People Get Ready For The Train To Jordan
The reference to Jordan symbolizes the promised land, and people must prepare for the journey towards it.
Pickin' Up Passengers From Coast To Coast
A call to gather individuals from all regions and ethnicities to embark on the journey together.
Pick Up The Keys Open The Doors And Board 'Em
Preparing individuals and opening doors to welcome them to join the journey towards salvation.
There's Room For All Among Those Loved The Most
Reassurance of inclusion and love for all on this journey towards redemption.
Ain't No Room For The Hopeless Sinner Who'd Hurt All Mankind Just To Save His Own
A warning that those who harm others for their benefit have no place on this journey.
(Save His Own, Save His Own)
Repetition emphasizes the importance of this warning.
Have Pity On Those Who's Chances Grow Thinner No Hiding Place Against The Kingdom's Throne
A reminder to be empathetic towards those facing challenging times as there is no escape from the judgment of the higher power.
Get On Board Get On Board Get On Board
Repetition of the call to action towards salvation.
Don't Need No Ticket You Just Thank The Lord
Reassurance that there are no prerequisites for the journey, and gratitude is the only requirement.
People Get Ready
A plea to prepare for the journey towards salvation.
Writer(s): Curtis Mayfield
Contributed by Bailey F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@randysmith4614
This song reminds me of a vision I had of Jesus. He had a crown of thorns and his head was lowered. I will never forget the look of love and sadness.
@erickborling1302
Some things are best kept private.
@jameschase4114
Kenny does this better than anyone else
@gingerbeer914
I agree. What a sweet lovely voice he had! R.I.P. Kenny
@michaelplotino7046
As a singer, Kenny was my vocal hero and mentor. I still can't believe he's gone. We will always love you Kenny. ♡
@Frapzoid
I like Kenny but Curtis Mayfield did the best version. He wrote the song. If you understand what the song is about, the Mayfield version is more relevant.
@adammarkowitz7944
Love you Kenny, RIP