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Monday, November 24, 2025

Jimmy Cliff, the singer and actor whose mellifluous voice helped to turn reggae into a global phenomenon, has died aged 81.

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Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae singer, actor and cultural icon, dies aged 81

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-- The Guardian (@theguardian.com) Nov 24, 2025 at 6:48 AM

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Jimmy Cliff - I Can See Clearly Now

www.youtube.com

RIP

#1 | Posted by Corky at 2025-11-24 10:47 AM | Reply

"The Harder They Come," a song for the ages.

www.youtube.com

RIP

#2 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2025-11-24 11:04 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

What a voice.
RIP

#3 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-11-25 01:49 PM | Reply

RIP, mon

#4 | Posted by AMERICANUNITY at 2025-11-25 08:30 PM | Reply

Just in case anyone is unfamiliar:

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, what's mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Ooh, the harder they come
The harder they 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, what's mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Ooh, the harder they come
Harder they fall, one and all

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, what's mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Ooh, the harder they come
Harder they fall, one and all
Hey, the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Hey, the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Hey, the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all

#5 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2025-11-25 09:34 PM | Reply

I readily admit, I am not a reggae fan. I dabble in listening to some reggae tunes from time to time, but it is not the main music genre I listen to.

But this song from Mr Cliff stands out for me.

I still remember it quite distinctly from back in the day...

Jimmy Cliff - Wonderful World, Beautiful People (1969)
www.youtube.com

en.wikipedia.org

... "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" is a single by Jimmy Cliff. Released in October 1969, it became a top-ten hit in the UK. It was a hit in other countries as well.
Background

"Wonderful World, Beautiful People" was released by Trojan Records on October 24, 1969.[1]

The song was composed by Jimmy Cliff and produced by Leslie Kong. The song is about what the world could be. Politicians Harold Wilson and Richard Nixon are mentioned in the song.[2] It was a first hit for the Trojan label ...


Lyrics excerpt ...

genius.com

...
[Verse 1]
Take a look at the world
And the state that it's in today
I am sure you'll agree
We all could make it a better way
With our love, put together
Everybody learn to love each other
Instead of fussing and fighting
Cheating, backbiting
Scandalizing and hating
Baby, we could have a

[Chorus]
Wonderful world, beautiful people
You and your girl, things could be pretty
But underneath this there is a secret
That nobody can reveal

[Verse 2]
Man and woman, girl and boy
Let us try to give a helping hand
This I know and I'm sure
That with love we all could understand
This is our world, can't you see?
Everybody wants to live and be free

[Pre-Chorus]
Instead of fussing and fighting
Cheating, backbiting
Scandalizing and hating
We could have a

[Chorus]
Wonderful world, beautiful people
You and your girl, things could be pretty
But underneath this there is a secret
That nobody can reveal

[Outro]
Talking about the
Wonderful world, beautiful people
You and your girl, talking about you
Things could be pretty, talking about me
Wonderful world, talking about Nixon
Beautiful people, Harold Wilson
Wonderful world, power too
Beautiful people, and the Seagate
...


Yeah, that song made an impression upon this teen back in the day.

R.I.P. James Chambers, and thank-you for the inspiration.


#6 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-11-25 10:13 PM | Reply

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