The Harder They Come
Merl Saunders Lyrics


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Well they tell me of a pie up in the sky
Waiting for me when I die
But between the day you're born and when you die
They never seem to hear even your cry

[Chorus]
So as sure as the sun will shine
I'm gonna get my share now of what's mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they'll fall, one and all
Ooh the harder they come
The harder they'll fall, one and all

Well the oppressors are trying to keep me down
Trying to drive me underground
And they think that they have got the battle won
I say forgive them Lord
They know not what they've done

[Chorus]

Ooh yeah oh yeah woah yeah ooooh

And I keep on fighting for the things I want
Though I know that when you're dead you can't
But I'd rather be a free man in my grave
Than living as a puppet or a slave

[Chorus]





Yeah, the harder they come,
The harder they'll fall one and all

Overall Meaning

In Merl Saunders's song The Harder They Come, the lyrics speak of the struggles of life and fighting against oppression. The opening lines "Well they tell me of a pie up in the sky, waiting for me when I die" refer to the idea of the afterlife and the promise of paradise to those who suffer during their time on earth. However, the following line "But between the day you're born and when you die, they never seem to hear even your cry" suggests that the present is what matters, and people's struggles often go unheard and unnoticed during their lifetimes.


The chorus of the song "So as sure as the sun will shine, I'm gonna get my share now of what's mine, and then the harder they come, the harder they'll fall, one and all, ooh the harder they come, the harder they'll fall, one and all" shows the determination of the singer to get what they deserve and fight against any obstacle in their way. The sentiment is that those who rise to power will eventually fall, and justice will prevail for all.


The second verse "Well the oppressors are trying to keep me down, trying to drive me underground, and they think that they have got the battle won, I say forgive them Lord, they know not what they've done" reflects the theme of resilience and forgiveness in the face of oppression. The singer acknowledges that their oppressors are unaware of the harm they're causing and calls upon a higher power to forgive them for their actions. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the central message of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Well they tell me of a pie up in the sky
People talk about a reward waiting for us after we die


Waiting for me when I die
The reward is waiting for me only after I die


But between the day you're born and when you die
In life, there is no guarantee of rewards


They never seem to hear even your cry
They never seem to care even when you are in distress


So as sure as the sun will shine
I am certain to get my share of what I deserve


I'm gonna get my share now of what's mine
I will claim what rightfully belongs to me


And then the harder they come
The stronger the opposition, the more determined I am


The harder they'll fall, one and all
They will be defeated regardless of their strength


Ooh the harder they come
I embrace the challenge of facing tough opposition


The harder they'll fall, one and all
They will sustain a significant defeat


Well the oppressors are trying to keep me down
The powerful people are trying to suppress me


Trying to drive me underground
They are trying to push me to obscurity


And they think that they have got the battle won
They believe they have already defeated me


I say forgive them Lord
I seek God's mercy for the people suppressing me


They know not what they've done
They don't realize the gravity of their actions


And I keep on fighting for the things I want
I keep striving for my goals and aspirations


Though I know that when you're dead you can't
I know that death ends all struggles and aspirations


But I'd rather be a free man in my grave
I would choose death over being enslaved or oppressed all my life


Than living as a puppet or a slave
I'd rather be dead than live a life where my choices and freedom are restricted


Yeah, the harder they come,
The stronger the opposition, the more resolved I become


The harder they'll fall one and all
I will defeat them all regardless of their strength or position of power




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jimmy Cliff

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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