People Get Ready: A Gospel-Inspired Standard
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People Get Ready, There's a Train A-Coming
Curtis Mayfield wrote People Get Ready for The Impressions, who had their biggest hit with the song in 1965. The song has been credited with changing the face of popular music, and dozens of singers and bands have recorded cover versions ever since. You'll find the song on The Rolling Stone's list of the Top 500 Rock Songs of All Time.
It's no wonder, then, that people have been moved to record their own versions of People Get Ready. From Bob Marley's famed reggae take to The Housemartins' New Wave interpretation to Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck amping up the guitar, artists have been recording their take on a beautiful song. Aretha Franklin did a soulful version, U2 played the song in their own inimitable style in the 1980s and performed People Get Ready with Bruce Springsteen, as well.
It's no wonder, then, that people have been moved to record their own versions of People Get Ready. From Bob Marley's famed reggae take to The Housemartins' New Wave interpretation to Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck amping up the guitar, artists have been recording their take on a beautiful song. Aretha Franklin did a soulful version, U2 played the song in their own inimitable style in the 1980s and performed People Get Ready with Bruce Springsteen, as well.
The Original Version from The Impressions
How they first told people, "Get ready!"
People Get Ready: 21 Greatest Hits
Amazon Price: $6.60 (as of 06/03/2012)
Between the inspiring lyrics and the vocal strength of Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions, this song made quite an impression on people. The original song moved millions and fit beautifully with the rising social consciousness of the 1960s.
The Lyrics and Chords for People Get Ready
National Public Radio has a fascinating exploration of Curtis Mayfield's inspiration for People Get Ready, if you'd like more information about the meaning of the song. The lyrics are:People get ready, there's a train 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.
People get ready, there's 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
For there is no hiding place against the Kingdom's throne.
People get ready, there's a train comin'.
You don't need no baggage, just get on board.
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'.
You don't need no ticket, just thank the Lord.
I was going to include guitar tabs for the song, but there are only three chords to the whole thing, so I'm just going to point those out, instead of fiddling with the layout. You use the guitar chords C, A minor, and F, then C again. If you're feeling daring, you can play E minor and D minor for the first half of the last line in each verse.
Preview Different Cover Versions of People Get Ready
Famous Bands and Gospel Singers, Alike.
Sample covers of People Get Ready from Ziggy Marley, Vanilla Fudge, Aretha Franklin, Jeff Beck, Bob Marley, and more covers from across the decades (and from different genres) including Curtis Mayfield, John Denver, and The Mooney Suzuki.
Music Videos for People Get Ready
From Curtis Mayfield to Jeff Beck and Everyone Between
Don't miss U2 with Bruce Springsteen performing People Get Ready live and Seal's beautiful cover as well. You can listen to Dusty Springfield and Alicia Keys after that, and the Crystal Bowersox American Idol performance, just to prove that ladies can pack as much soul into this song as the men.
curated content from YouTube
Who Performed Your Favorite Cover?
Which Version of People Get Ready Is the Best?
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david hamm
Feb 27, 2011 @ 8:11 pm | delete
- ed raetzloff is where i 1st became aware of the song....
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TheCureForYouthMinistry Feb 14, 2011 @ 5:27 pm | delete
- I bout' lost my mind with Al Green's version. He was feelin' it and having a good time singing it. I like it old school. Great lens, I'm going to lens roll it to my Blues lens.
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KarenStewart
Nov 21, 2010 @ 10:23 am | delete
- Great lens. Bob Marley's version is a favorite.
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MELODIE MILLER
Apr 22, 2010 @ 10:17 am | delete
- OF COARSE CRYSTAL COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT IF CURTIS MAYFIELD DIDNT WRITE IT AND THE IMPRESSIONS DIDNT RECORD IT. I HAVE HEARD SO MANY GOOD VERSIONS OF IT,BUT NONE MOVED ME LIKE CRYSTAL BOWERSOX, THAT GIRL CAN SANG. WHEW
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nahor
Sep 8, 2009 @ 4:47 pm | delete
- This fantastic. You I did not know that it was curtis mayfield who wrote the People Get Ready. I really do like Bob's reggae take. Thanks for the info.
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marlene3
Jul 5, 2009 @ 1:42 pm | delete
- Wonderful lens, Excellent information.
Great job. 5 stars/ lensroll/ favorites
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sittonbull Jan 21, 2009 @ 11:45 pm | delete
- I love everything by The Impressions so they have to be my pick. I love music and think your lensography is great! 5* and faved
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