Murphy's 1969 collaboration with folk/blues legend "Spider" John Koerner, "Running, Jumping, Standing Still," is still acclaimed as an all-time folk/blues classic. Throughout the 70’s and into the 80’s, Willie and the Bees defined live R&B/soul music. The band was famous for their unique blending of blues, R&B, jazz, funk, reggae and rock into an electric and eclectic sound that still defies categorization to this day.
Throughout the 90’s and into the new millennium Murphy continued to bring his unique brand of soul music to audiences across the globe. In 1990, Murphy was named as one of the three charter members of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame along with Bob Dylan and Prince. With a new band, the Angel Headed Hipsters, he continued to sell out performances throughout the United States as well as headlining major festivals in France, Italy and the Netherlands.
People Get Ready
Willie Murphy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 diesel comin'
Don't need no ticket you just thank the Lord
People get ready
Picking up passengers from coast to coast
Faith is key
Open the doors and board them
There's hope for all among the love the most
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own soul
Have pity on those whose choices grow thinner
There ain't no hiding place from the Kingdom's throne
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 diesel comin'
Don't need no ticket you just thank the Lord
There's a train there's a train there's a train comin' people
There's a train there's a train there's a train comin' people
There's a train there's a train there's a train comin' people
Just get on board
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own soul
Have pity on those whose choices grow thinner
There ain't no hiding place from the Kingdom's throne
Willie Murphy's song People Get Ready is a gospel-inflected track that calls on people to prepare for the coming of a train, with the train serving as a metaphor for an impending divine judgment. The track begins by urging people to prepare themselves as if they were waiting for a train, with the only requirement being faith. This faith will enable them to hear the train's diesel engine and board the train without needing any baggage or tickets. The train's journey is moving toward Jordan, picking up passengers from all over and carrying them to a place of hope where love reigns supreme.
The lyrics then take a turn as they declare that there is no room for a hopeless sinner who would hurt others just to save their own soul. Those who have fewer choices and options must be shown compassion and mercy, but there is no hiding place from "the Kingdom's throne." In this sense, the train serves as a source of salvation for those who believe, while also representing an impending judgment.
Overall, People Get Ready speaks to the power and importance of faith in a troubled world. The idea of the train symbolizes that there is hope for everyone, regardless of social class, race or religion. It reminds people that love and compassion are essential virtues that must be cultivated to make the world a better place.
Line by Line Meaning
People get ready
Prepare, be ready.
There's a train a comin'
Opportunity is coming or approaching.
You don't need no baggage you just get on board
Leave all your burdens behind and take advantage of the opportunity.
All you need is faith
Belief and trust in oneself and a higher power is essential to succeed.
To hear the diesel comin'
Use your intuition and listen to the signs indicating the opportunity.
Don't need no ticket you just thank the Lord
No cost to take advantage of the opportunity. Gratefulness and appreciation are important.
Train to Jordan
Metaphor for life's journey or spiritual pilgrimage.
Picking up passengers from coast to coast
Inviting all people from various backgrounds to join in the journey.
Faith is key
Believing in oneself and a higher power is essential to success.
Open the doors and board them
Welcoming all people to participate in the journey.
There's hope for all among the love the most
Love is the most important resource and offers hope for all people regardless of differences.
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner
People who cause harm and destruction are not welcome on the journey.
Who would hurt all mankind just to save his own soul
People who harm others to benefit themselves are not welcome on the journey.
Have pity on those whose choices grow thinner
Have compassion for people who struggle to make good choices.
There ain't no hiding place from the Kingdom's throne
No one can hide from the consequences of their actions.
There's a train there's a train there's a train comin' people
Reinforcing the idea that the opportunity is approaching.
Just get on board
Take advantage of the opportunity available.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS MAYFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind