People Get Ready
The Chamber Brothers Lyrics
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You don't need no baggage you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear diesels a-humming
You don't need no ticket you just thank the Lord
Yeah yeah yeah
People get ready for the train to Jordan
Picking up passengers from coast to coast
There's room for all of the loved and lost
Yeah yeah
Now there ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who's hard on mankind just to save his own
Have pity on those whose chances are thinner
'Cause there's no hiding place from the Kingdom's Throne
Oh 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 diesels a-humming
Don't need no ticket you just thank the Lord
Yeah yeah yeah
I'm getting ready I'm ready
Oh I'm getting ready I'm ready
The Chamber Brothers’ “People Get Ready” is a gospel-tinged hit with powerful, moving lyrics about preparing oneself for redemption. The song is a call to action and a rallying cry for those who seek salvation. The lyrics speak to the idea that faith, rather than material possessions or human action, is the key to redemption. The train that is coming represents the arrival of spiritual salvation, and the reference to the train to Jordan may bring to mind the crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land.
The lyrics also call for those who seek redemption to help others who may be less fortunate. The “loved and lost” represent those who feel like they’ve been left behind in life or who have lost their way spiritually. The song encourages listeners to open their hearts to all, regardless of their station in life, as there is no hiding place from the Kingdom's Throne, and everyone deserves a chance at redemption.
The lyrics also caution against selfishness and the belief that one’s own salvation is more important than the salvation of others. This message is made clear by the line “Now there ain't no room for the hopeless sinner, who's hard on mankind just to save his own.” The song emphasizes that those who are solely focused on their own salvation and have no compassion for others will not be welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Overall, The Chamber Brothers’ “People Get Ready” is a deeply inspiring song with a powerful message about compassion, redemption, and the power of faith.
Line by Line Meaning
People get ready there's a train a-comin'
Be prepared for the arrival of a train
You don't need no baggage you just get on board
Don't carry any burdens, just get on the train
All you need is faith to hear diesels a-humming
Believe and have faith to hear the approaching train
You don't need no ticket you just thank the Lord
No payment needed, just show gratitude to God
People get ready for the train to Jordan
Prepare for the journey to the afterlife
Picking up passengers from coast to coast
Collecting people from all over the world
Faith is the key open the doors and board them
Belief is the key to entry, open the doors and get on the train
There's room for all of the loved and lost
Everyone is welcome, regardless of their past
Now there ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Those without hope or who are unwilling to change won't have a place on the train
Who's hard on mankind just to save his own
Those who mistreat others for personal gain won't be allowed on the train
Have pity on those whose chances are thinner
Be compassionate towards those who have had fewer opportunities
'Cause there's no hiding place from the Kingdom's Throne
Everyone will face judgement, there's nowhere to hide
I'm getting ready I'm ready
I am preparing myself for the journey
Oh I'm getting ready I'm ready
I am eager and ready for the journey
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEVIN BRESLIN, JOBY FOX, BAP KENNEDY, SPADE MC QUADE, DAVID TONER, PAUL TONER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bobby Bob
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
People get ready for the train to Jordan
It's picking up passengers from 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
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there's 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
Leonard Barefoot
I first heard this song 50 years ago while serving in Vietnam in an infantry recon unit near Chu Lai, Vietnam. I was back in the rear area at battalion where there were small barracks and electricity,etc. and a guy, I guess heading home, had a rally nice reel to reel tape deck and was playing this song. It, and my best friend, Ulysses Hassell's favorite song "Only the strong survive" who was killed in action, became my go to songs to remember him and others who died in Vietnam. So whenever I happen to hear either, or take the opportunity to play them I shed a tear and think to myself "what a waste" , this country, this world could do better. Having lost a HS classmate, friends growing up and several while serving together in Vietnam, I know and have come to accept that my loss is no greater than those lost in other wars our country has been engaged in; but it doesn't make it any easier...and it never goes away. Such is the power of a great song and its ability to bring forth reflection. God bless those who make the supreme sacrifice. May they never be forgotten.
Paula Powell
God Bless you, Sir. I was a child of the 60s. My fiance at the time served in Viet Nam as a Medic. I know the memories and the people never leave your mind. Be safe, stay strong. You are a hero in the eyes of a generation.
T.T. Stern
Bless You...Shalom
Richard's Nixon
God bless you
Travelure777
I knew someone who was exposed to Agent Orange. Didn't make it to age 50.
david gregory
I'm a Country music boy from Arkansas, but I duly love Soul Music. Songs like this, which I heard after returning from the 'Nam war, grabbed me by the heart and held on for dear life. Makes me swell up inside to hear this - Chamber Brothers were indeed a force in my life. Thank you, boys...
Jesse Dylan
Thanks for having served. Bless you and yours. Stay safe and well.
jimmy burgoff
I wore this record out when I was a teenager in the early 70's. It's still a wonderful record ................
RicOshayed1
"All gave some -- some gave all." Rest in peace my brave brothers ! There are no bone spurs in the halls of glory.
Kenya Nkhrumah
A Masterpiece. A heartfelt rendition of Curtis Mayfield's Classic.