People Get Ready
The Impression 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 Impressions’ song, β€œPeople Get Ready” is a gospel-inspired song that has been interpreted as having several meanings. The most clear interpretation is that the song is about the Second Coming of Christ and His promise to take believers to Heaven. The first verse of the song is a call to anyone who wants to go to Heaven to get ready by having faith, living right, and avoiding sin. The β€˜train’ in this case is representative of the journey to eternal life or Heaven, and each person must get on board to get to their destination. The mention of the train to Jordan is a reference to the River Jordan, which is central to many Christian beliefs as representing a symbolic crossing into spiritual purity, which emphasizes the point of leaving behind sinful ways and walking in righteousness.


The second verse of β€œPeople Get Ready” talks about those who are unrepentant or hopeless sinners. It highlights the fact that there is no place for those who choose to continue in sin and follow worldly ways. The importance of sailing to purer waters means leaving behind selfishness and doing something for the common good.


The song is an anthemic call to come to the Lord, make things right, and prepare for the journey to eternal life. The song’s message also reminds us that we all need to be vigilant in avoiding sin and making our best effort to live according to high moral standards.


Line by Line Meaning

People get ready, there's a train a comin'
Prepare yourself for what's coming, change is on the way


You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
You don't need to carry anything with you to make this journey, just show up


All you need is faith, to hear the diesels hummin'
Believe in yourself and in the journey, and you'll be able to hear the excitement building


Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord
There's no need to pay for this journey, just show gratitude for the opportunity


So people get ready, for the train to Jordan
Get ready for a spiritual journey, towards a better place


Picking up passengers coast to coast
This journey is open to anyone, from anywhere


Faith is the key, open the doors and board 'em
Believing in yourself and the journey will allow you to welcome new experiences and opportunities


There's hope for all, among those loved the most
Everyone has a chance to succeed and be happy, even those who are already loved and cherished


There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Those who refuse to change their ways and hurt others for their own benefit will not be welcome on this journey


Whom would hurt all mankind, just to save his own, believe me now
Those who only care about themselves and cause harm to others will not be forgiven or tolerated


Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
Feel empathy for those who are struggling and may not have as many opportunities as others


For there is no hiding place, against the kingdom's throne
There's nowhere to hide from your actions and consequences in the end




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@oops44

People Get Ready

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'
You don't need no ticket
You just thank the Lord

So people get ready
There'a a train to Jordan
Picking up passengers
Coast to coast
Faith is the key
Open the doors and board them
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
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



All comments from YouTube:

@victorboone2053

I played that song for my dad a few days before he died in the hospital. His eyes were closed as he sang to it with a little soul. Priceless moment...

@JeffreyBaranJr.

My dad passed and started listening to his music and haven't stopped since. Suddenly I love what he loved.

@layneannen

I'm sure your father's are in heaven, this song will bring anyone to their knees.

@rodneyhendricks2412

β€πŸ™πŸΏ

@dslcp72

My dear late wife heard this song playing on PBS 106.7 FM in Melbourne Australia, while she was in bed fighting cancer.
I scoured the PBS playlist till I found this song - β€œyes! This is the one!” she exclaimed.
I played it regularly for her as she slowly slipped from this world and sadly now she’s gone.
Needless to say, whenever I hear this song now - my heart stops and the tears flow.
Listening to this song I think she must have been preparing for her final journey ... I just wish I knew where she is now.
The kids and I miss you.

@danielmcdermott3911

I too have terminal cancer. The Doctors thought I might last about three months. That was more than four months ago. Now my faith is in the Lord not in Doctors. This song has pushed me further in the right direction to have faith in the Lord. Curtis told me to get ready. With both feet firmly on the ground, eyes streight ahead watching the tracks, and no baggage, I'm ready. Thanks for this posting, and I'm sure all of us who have a keen understanding of Mr. Mayfield's intent thank you as well.

@kwameaboagye7959

Dan, am so sorry to hear that. Don't give up the fight.

@mrs.t3822

Amen, Only Believe! All things are possible. God Bless you Daniel.πŸ™πŸ½

@Framer_Mike

How goes the Good fight? Hope u are still with us.

@e.m.p.3394

Guys. I'm not sure he is still with us. It's been 6 years. I pray that he is. Or at least in heaven.

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