Founded in Canton, Mississippi in 1943, the original Canton Spirituals were Eddie Jackson, Theo Thompson, Roscoe Lucious and founder Harvey Watkins, Sr. (December 5, 1929-November 16, 1994). Today, the group is fronted by Watkins' son, Harvey, Jr., and consists of Billy Voss, David Curry, Merlin Lucious, Alton Hollis and Maurice Morgan.
Clean Up
The Canton Spirituals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm starting my life over again
I've gotta clean up what I messed up
I'm starting my life over again
I made up my mind I ain't lying no more
'Cause a liar and a cheater can't make it through the door
I gotta clean up what I messed up
I gotta clean up what I messed up
I'm starting my life over again
I made up my mind I ain't runnin' no more
I'm goin back to church I'm gonna walk right through this door
I gotta clean up what I messed up
I'm starting my life over again
I gotta clean up what I messed up
I'm starting my life over again
I made up my mind I ain't cheatin no more
Because a cheater can't make it through the door
I gotta clean up what I messed up
I'm starting my life over again
I gotta clean up what I messed up
I'm starting my life over again
Those of you that feel like I do lets do better
Those of you that feel like I do lets do better
I gotta clean up what I messed up
I'm starting my life over again
I gotta clean up what I messed up
I'm starting my life over again
The Canton Spirituals' song "Clean Up" is about one's decision to turn their life around and change their ways. The lyrics convey a deep sense of regret and a desire to make things right. The repeated phrase "I gotta clean up what I messed up" emphasizes the need for personal responsibility and accountability. The lyrics suggest that the singer has made some poor choices in the past, perhaps lying, cheating or running away from problems, and that they have seen the error of their ways. The decision to go back to church and "walk right through this door" symbolizes the singer's desire to seek redemption and live a more honest and fulfilling life.
The song is open to interpretation and can be applied to various situations. It can be seen as a call to action for anyone who feels that they have made mistakes and want to start over. The song also speaks to the power of faith and church in helping one make positive changes in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
I've gotta clean up what I messed up
I need to take responsibility for my mistakes and fix them.
I'm starting my life over again
I am making a fresh start and leaving my old ways behind.
I made up my mind I ain't lying no more
I have decided to be truthful and honest from now on.
'Cause a liar and a cheater can't make it through the door
Being dishonest will only lead to failure and won't get me anywhere in life.
I'm goin back to church I'm gonna walk right through this door
I am returning to my faith and will embrace it to help me stay on the right path.
I made up my mind I ain't runnin' no more
I am committed to facing my problems head on and not running away from them anymore.
I ain't cheatin' no more
I am done with being unfaithful and will be loyal in all aspects of my life.
Those of you that feel like I do let's do better
I am encouraging others who can relate to my struggles to join me in making positive changes.
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: HARVEY LEE JR. WATKINS, WALLACE STRICKLAND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ramon Golston
on Don't Worry About Me
Lord bless this song I have many gospel song any I love but this one takes the place of them all I love this song haven’t stop playing yet and I don’t think I will I wake up to this song what way to start the day Hallelujah!!! And to the young lady who mom was listening to this song before she’s in a better place I lost my mother to cancer I know she’s in a better place now no pain no worry our father looks over them now. So I send my prayers out to you and everybody else may god bless u so all.
Dylan Henry
on When He Comes
When He Comes - The Canton Spirituals
Lead:
I'm going to fly, away with Jesus when He comes
I'm going to fly, away with Jesus when He comes
Come on and help me. I'm going to...
Background:
Fly, (yeah) away with Jesus when He comes
(one of these old days, I'm going to...)
Fly, away with Jesus when He comes
VERSE 1
As I travel along, from day to day
Sometimes it's hard to find my way
My troubles and trials sometimes get me down
But I gotta keep working to get my starry crown
See, this world is not my home, I'm just passing through
I know I'm going to heaven, and I hope to see you too, when I....
Background:
Fly, (yeah) away with Jesus when He comes
(one of these old days, I'm going to fly...)
Fly, away with Jesus when He comes
(Ooohhhhh)
VERSE 2
The bible tells us how to follow God's plan
That's the only way to get to the promised land
No one knows the day nor the hour He shall appear
But just look at the signs, can't you see the end is near
Jesus is comin, in the twinkling of an eye
And all the saints of God will live with Him on high, when we flyyyy
Background:
Fly, away with Jesus when He comes
(One of these old days, I don't know about you but I'm gonna fly)
Fly, away with Jesus when He comes
Lead ADLIB:
I don't know about you, but I'm gonna, I'm gonna...
Background:
Fly away, (Yeah) when He comes (yes I am)
Fly away
Lead ADLIB:
One of these, my troubles'll be over
Background:
Fly away, (that's what I'm gonna do) when He comes
Fly away
Lead ADLIB:
I'm gonna fly away, when Jesus comes
Background:
Fly away, (no more heartaches) when He comes (no more pain)
Fly away (no more liars, scandalizing my name)
Background:
Fly away, (no more rise) when He comes (no more fall)
Fly away (yeah, when my Jesus comes)
Background:
Fly away, (I don't know about you) when He comes (I don't know about you)
Fly away (One of these old days, my troubles'll be all over)
Background:
****ENDING*****
Fly away, (yeeeaaahhh) when He comes (ooooohhhhh)
Fly away (I'm gonna fly when my Jesus comes, yeeeeaaaahhhh)