The Harder They Come

Jimmy Cliff

About The Harder They Come

"The Harder They Come" is a reggae song by the Jamaican singer Jimmy Cliff. It was first recorded for the soundtrack of the 1972 movie of the same name, in which it is supposed to have been written by the film's main character, Ivanhoe Martin. "The Harder They Come" has been covered by many artists and was ranked number 350 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".


Year:
1972
3:41
118 
#1

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Oh yeah, oh yeah
Well they tell me of a pie up in the sky 
Waiting for me when I die 
But between the day you're born and when you die 
They never seem to hear even your cry 

So as sure as the sun will shine 
I'm gonna get my share now of what's mine 
And then the harder they come 
The harder they'll fall, one and all 
Ooh the harder they come 
The harder they'll fall, one and all 

Well the oppressors are trying to keep me down 
Trying to drive me underground 
And they think that they have got the battle won 
I say forgive them Lord
They know not what they've done 

'Cause as sure as the sun will shine 
I'm gonna get my share now of what's mine 
And then the harder they come 
The harder they'll fall, one and all 
Ooh the harder they come 
The harder they'll fall, one and all 

Ooh, yeah, oh yeah, woah yeah ooh 

And I keep on fighting for the things I want 
Though I know that when you're dead you can't 
But I'd rather be a free man in my grave 
Than living as a puppet or a slave 

So as sure as the sun will shine 
I'm gonna get my share now of what's mine 
And then the harder they come 
The harder they'll fall, one and all 
Ooh the harder they come 
The harder they'll fall, one and all 

Yeah, the harder they come
The harder they'll fall one and all
What I say now what I say now, ooh
What I say now what I say
One time, the harder they come 
The harder they'll fall
Wanna know
Ooh the harder they come
The harder they'll fall, wanna know

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Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff, OM (born James Chambers on 1 April 1948) is a Jamaican musician, singer and actor. He is the only currently living musician to hold the Order of Merit, the highest honour that can be granted by the Jamaican government for achievement in the arts and sciences. more »

5 fans

Written by: Jimmy Cliff

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Artist
"The Harder They Come" was performed by Jimmy Cliff, a renowned Jamaican singer. He is recognized as one of the most influential reggae musicians in history.
Album/Soundtrack
The song was the title track for the soundtrack album of the 1972 film 'The Harder They Come,' in which Jimmy Cliff also starred as the lead actor. This album is considered to be one of the best reggae albums of all time.
Film Impact
The song is often attributed to bringing the Jamaican music scene and the Rastafari movement to wider global attention. The film was a major breakthrough for reggae in the United States.
Release Date
The song was released in July 1972. Despite its initial release being over 45 years ago, the song remains influential and widely recognized.
Song Themes
The lyrics of "The Harder They Come" express the struggles and resistance of the poor and the marginalized. Cliff's impassioned delivery and the song's catchy, upbeat rhythm make the offering an enduring anthem of resilience.
Chart Success
In the UK, "The Harder They Come" peaked at number 25 in the UK Singles Chart. While it did not chart in the U.S., it continues to be popular on classic rock radio stations.
Awards
In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked the song #350 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Cover Versions
Various artists, including Joe Jackson, Willie Nelson, and Jerry Garcia, have covered "The Harder They Come." The song's enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal and timeless message.
Music Style
The song is characterized by its reggae beat, a genre that was innovative and unfamiliar to many international listeners at the time of the song's release.
Metaphorical Meaning
The phrase "The harder they come, the harder they fall" is a common English idiom meaning that the more powerful or successful someone is, the more dramatic their downfall will be. Cliff applies this phrase metaphorically to express resistance and resilience in the face of adversity.

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