You can’t go wrong with Curtis Mayfield. A beautiful song with a gospel slant. The song was released in 1965 and peaked at #14 on the Billboard 100 and #3 on the Billboard R&B Charts.
The song was written by Curtis Mayfield and continues to be covered to this day. Here is a quote by Curtis.
“While I had written a few Gospel songs, what would be looked upon as Gospel, I called them more inspirational, such things as ‘People Get Ready,’” he said. “This is a perfect example of what I believe has laid in my subconscious as to the preaching of my grandmother, and most ministers when they reflect from the Bible.”
From Songfacts
This song resonated with African Americans during the civil rights struggles of the ’60s. The song speaks for the downtrodden, and Mayfield made it clear that transcended race. “It doesn’t matter what color or faith you have,” he told Goldmine in 1997. “I’m pleased the lyrics can be of value to anybody.”
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’
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
My wife and I will be listening to a random song and wonder aloud, “Is that riff not from ‘People Get Ready?'” A classic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is…It has been covered by so many people. Curtis was great. I think Rod Stewart has covered every song written he did a great version of this song.
LikeLiked by 1 person
i knew it from Rod’s cover, which was good, but knew it was someone’s original, not his. This is a solid version too of course, glad you shared it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rod Stewart’s version featured Jef Beck on guitar.
LikeLiked by 1 person