People Get Ready

The Impressions

About People Get Ready

"People Get Ready" is a 1965 single by the Impressions, and the title track from the People Get Ready album. The single is the group's best-known hit, reaching number-three on the Billboard R&B Chart and number 14 on the Billboard Pop Chart. The gospel-influenced track was a Curtis Mayfield composition that displayed the growing sense of social and political awareness in his writing. Rolling Stone magazine named "People Get Ready" the 24th greatest song of all time and also placed it at number 20 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. The song was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. "People Get Ready" was named as one of the Top 10 Best Songs Of All Time by Mojo music magazine, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2016, the song was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry due to its "cultural, historic, or artistic significance." Martin Luther King Jr. named "People Get Ready" the unofficial anthem of the Civil Rights Movement and often used the song to get people marching or to calm and comfort them. Various artists have covered the song, including Bob Marley & the Wailers in 1965 and 1977 and Rod Stewart & Jeff Beck in 1985. The Australian group Human Nature had a minor hit in Australia with their version in 1997. 


2:35
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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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Impressions

The Impressions are an American music group from Chicago, originally formed in 1958. Their repertoire includes doo-wop, gospel, soul, and R&B. more »

2 fans

Written by: Curtis Mayfield

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


6 facts about this song

The Impressions" History
The song "People Get Ready" was originally recorded by the American group "The Impressions." - The group was formed in 1958 and was at the forefront of the soul music movement in the 1960s. - "People Get Ready" was released as a single in 1965 and has become one of their most recognized and revered songs.
Song Composition and Message
Another fun fact about the song "People Get Ready" is that it was composed by Curtis Mayfield, who was a member of The Impressions. - The song is famous for its social and spiritual themes. It's widely acknowledged as a civil rights anthem of the time.
Performance by Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck
In 1985, renowned musicians Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck recorded their version of the song "People Get Ready." - The duo's version peaked at number 5 on Billboard's Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, demonstrating its popularity in the mid-'80s.
Human Nature's Version
"Human Nature", a pop vocal group from Australia, also covered "People Get Ready" for their 2006 album "Reach Out: The Motown Record." - Their version combines an authentic Motown style with their unique vocal harmonies.
Recognition and Influence
"People Get Ready" has been covered by many other artists in different genres and languages around the world, demonstrating its universal appeal and influence. - The song was recognized as one of the most important songs in the 20th century as it was ranked #24 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time in 2004.
Impact in Popular Culture
Not only in music, but "People Get Ready" also has a considerable impact in popular culture. It has been referenced in films, television shows, and other elements of media. - For example, it was featured prominently in Spike Lee's film "Malcolm X."

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    People Get Ready

    3.5M
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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1965

    Billboard #14


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