People Get Ready, There's a Train A-Coming
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: $12.98 (as of 12/26/2009)
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.
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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.
Who Performed Your Favorite Cover?
Which Version of People Get Ready Is the Best?
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Reply
- nahor nahor Sep 8, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
- 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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Reply
- marlene3 marlene3 Jul 5, 2009 @ 1:42 pm
- Wonderful lens, Excellent information.
Great job. 5 stars/ lensroll/ favorites
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Reply
- sittonbull sittonbull Jan 21, 2009 @ 11:45 pm
- 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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