People Get Ready ...

The Chambers Brothers - People Get Ready (1965)

Curtis Mayfield wrote this tune in 1964 for the Impressions.  It has since been covered by Bob Dylan, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, The Chambers Brothers, and too many others to name.  Its a gospel song with some of the most moving lyrics I've ever heard.

Mayfield wrote the tune a year after the civil rights March on Washington and JFK's assassination.  It was clearly a song that reflected the turmoil and upheaval of these times.  The song reaches across racial and religious lines to offer a message of redemption and forgiveness.  Mayfield's poignant lyrics demand faith - faith in one's self, in spite of the hardships and struggles.  The train in the song is a chance at redemption - a chance to rise above racism and the hopelessness of despair - ending this cycle of pain.

I get chills when I hear this song.  My favorite version was recorded by the interracial soul group The Chambers Brothers.  The version features a chilling vocal performance that delivers Mayfield's message with such impact.  Rolling Stone magazine named "People Get Ready" the 24th greatest song of all time ... it should be in the top ten.  Enjoy the clip and buy the record.  Respect.