People Get Ready
Roy Davis Jr. (Curtis Mayfield) Lyrics

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People get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

So people get ready, for the train to Jordan
Picking up passengers coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em

There's hope for all, among those loved the most

There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Whom would hurt all mankind, just to save his own, believe me now
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there is no hiding place, against the kingdom's throne

So people get ready there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board

All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "People Get Ready" by Roy Davis Jr. (Curtis Mayfield) call for all people to be prepared for a train, which symbolizes the coming of spiritual salvation. The song emphasizes the importance of faith as a key that will open the doors to salvation. The "train to Jordan" is "picking up passengers coast to coast" to create a sense of inclusiveness and emphasizes that there is hope for everyone, regardless of their background or struggles. The message of the song states that those who cause harm to others in pursuit of their own benefit will not find a seat on this train. Therefore, this song is a metaphor for the approaching day of judgment, when humanity is called to account for its actions, and the walls of exclusivity that divide humanity will be torn down.

Moreover, the song is a celebration of the Civil Rights movement and is considered one of the greatest protest anthems of all time. The song was written and composed by Curtis Mayfield after seeing the struggle of African Americans for their rights. Mayfield intended the song as a message of hope and encouragement for Black people in America during the Civil Rights era. The song became an anthem for the movement, and it is the message of the Civil Rights movement that deeply resonates in the lyrics- "there's no room for the hopeless sinner who would hurt all mankind to save his own." These lyrics amplify the message of unity that the Civil Rights movement symbolizes.

Overall, "People Get Ready" is a compelling song that provides a message of hope, inclusion, and faith. The song had significant social and historical significance and was a crucial landmark in the Civil Rights movement. The song continues to uplift and inspire people even today, a testament to its timeless power.

Line by Line Meaning

People get ready, there's a train a comin'
Be prepared for change, the opportunity is on its way

You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
Let go of the unnecessary burden, seize the chance and make it yours

All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Trust yourself and your abilities, hear your own strength and power

Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
Gratitude is the best attitude, feel blessed and appreciate the moment

So people get ready, for the train to Jordan
Be ready for a new journey, full of hope and promise

Picking up passengers coast to coast
Collecting people from all over, leaving no one behind

Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em
Belief and confidence will unlock the doors to success, grab the chance and don't look back

There's hope for all, among those loved the most
No one is left behind, everyone is important and valued

There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Negative attitude and self-centeredness won't take us anywhere

Whom would hurt all mankind, just to save his own, believe me now
A selfish and harmful behavior won't bring us any good, it will only create more harm

Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
We should be compassionate towards those who are struggling and need help

For there is no hiding place, against the kingdom's throne
There is no escape from the consequences of our actions, we are accountable for what we do

So people get ready there's a train a comin'
Be prepared for the opportunities that lie ahead, they are on their way

You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
Leave behind what's holding you back and embrace the chance to move forward

All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Believe in yourself and your own power, the strength is within you

Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
Be thankful for what you have and let gratitude guide you on your journey

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis Mayfield

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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