Curtis Mayfield - People Get Ready - #8

[Argyle575]

@nippermh no. a lot of people have done their own renditions of this song, but Curtis was the original as far as i know.

[nippermh]

John Mayer has a song that sounds a lot like this

is he a rip off artist or something?

[hencephillips]

There are only so many chord patterns in Pop music. The one on the verse to this song - I , VI, IV, I - is not very uncommon. Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if J. Mayer hear this song before he wrote his. Hope that helps.

[Ragz25T]

@nippermh No way...John is one of the best musicians around.He gives credit to Curtis for that song.

[paulc515]

This brings a tear to my eye.

[lafaith111]

Feel good to hear some Old School Soul Music

[mirush65]

MONTREAL LOVES ALL...MERCi CURTiS!!!

[fanufanufan]

wonder, wonder, wonderful!!!! The Great Curtis Mayfield

[thair731991]

This is definitely where John Mayer gets the chord progression for "Waiting on the World to Change." Great song for sure.

[EMERPUSHALLA]

“We shall remember Qaddafi our whole lives as a great fighter, a revolutionary and a martyr,”

[robbiedaug]

I love this song but i also like the guitar riff Jeff Beck adds to the song in his version.

[kohisiyo]

Amazing Amazing Amazing ♪

Miracle Voice ❤

[hdtwoodsman]

I cant believe the place wasn't jammed. The brilliance was discovered too late.

[wisesatyr72]

great Man

[BitOveRate]

dedpends oulooks

[jackisio]

Awesome song!

[jackisio]

Awesome song!

[MISSINGROGERHOWARTH]

3 people have no class, this is just awesome. Curtis can blow. How can you not completely love this?

[freefadayzs1]

You don;t need no ticket,you just thank the lord.AMEN RIP

[SuperTruthful]

So beautiful, makes me wanna cry. RIP Curtis

[anniemihn]

Just incredible. 

[jaddison1112]

Just like waiting on the sweet chariots to take us home .... amen.

[married1959]

this also went with the civil rights movement.

[rjplamf61]

His voice was so smooth. God Bless him.

[quiverbacca]

3 people have always missed their train. Love this song and also love that you don't have to be religious to love it.

[MrNathan791]

what a classic. this man wrote so many great songs and he owned all of his music. he was a sharp business man also. what freedom he must have had to be able to create and enjoy the benefits. praise the Lord.

[afternoon411]

Curtis was the musical Martin Luther King

[JelaniWAZO]

epic



[danimalfurry]

You don't even have to be religious to love this song. But being religious helps.

[rogerrrubin]

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

[adri2156]

superb song by an underated talent. Check out his song 'soul music' if you can.

[adri2156]

superb song by an underated talent. Check out his song 'soul music' if you can.

[whisky2roxy]

Makes me sad to think what a corporate-driven shithole America has become since this song, which brought so much hope, was written

[Carex09]

Yep. I saw that train that had all the people in it commandeered by the Lord. It scared me to death. Nice song, apparently in stark contrast to reality. Very soothing, melodic and full of hope.

God though is the world's original terrorist. People you'd better be ready for something...trains only go one way...

[BruceLevitan]

A simple, profound song by one of our greatest singer/songwriters. Thank you Curtis! (and thanks for posting)

[LADYHW]

For the 3 people who lack good musical taste too bad. Curtis Mayfield was a musical genius and it doesn't make any difference what color he is or his band. Good people like good music come together and will not let ignorance divide us.

[aprilglaspieable]

Waiting on the world to change? Seriously. Even if that's meant entirely sarcastically, it's just lame as can be.

[JustinCottrell1988]

This song is so great it influenced Bob Marley to write the best song of all time: One Love!

[911fever]

genius

[OLskolRandB1]

For those who do not know Curtis wrote this song and hundreds more. He was a

performer who carried himself in a dignified manner, always the consummate performer.

[nashtndawg]

@MaximusHendrix They weren't ready...  :)

[elwoodhagerman]

religion is free, the lords love is free, you dont need a ticket

the love you receive is free, the love you give is free,

love is unconditional.

[hwaynelee]

the 3 folks who dislike should not be in grown folks business anyway get off this site!!! go get with them kiddie bands yall love so much and leave the real music to the real people!!! enough said!!!

[lcolby11]

RIP CURTIS,,SUCH A GREAT PERFORMER,,SO SAD

[MaximusHendrix]

3 peeps missd tha train...

[awesomejohnnet]

recently this song was "lets say used" by John Mayer to complete his hit slow dancing in a burning room. same chorsd different words.. :)

[JimiRayVanPage]

@awesomejohnnet actually, he borrowed the chords for this song for waiting on the world to change. slow dancing in a burning room is completely different.

[dithurbide1]

CURTIS MAYLFIELD a radicalement fait changer la MUSIC Black ça soul avait 100ans d'avance .tous ces LPs sont des bijoux qu'il faut faire decouvrir a la jeunesse afin que jamais on ne puisse l'oublier .ce n'est pas une chanson de bonne c'est toute sa discographie qui l'est .CURTIS MAYFIELD etait un compositeur de génie,guidé par l'AMOUR des autres.

il doit continuer son oeuvre au paradis ,d'ou il compose pour DIEU

[chan4ch]

@dithurbide1 WE GOING TO PRAY FOR YOU THATS WHATS WRONG WITH THE WORLD TODAY COLOR BLIND!STOP!WE MIGHT HAVE TO SAVE YOU ONE DAY!LOVE YOU.

[Iepsjuh]

btw love the guy on 1:18 too hahaha

[Iepsjuh]

love this song!

[2009Denisem]

Such an uplifting song. Curtis Mayfield always put all of his Heart, Passion & Soul in all of his music... BRILLIANT, PURE GENIUS! ..

Keep the love flowing people!

Peace N Love

Thank you @mokacode for sharing the love

Thank you @Geerpereet for posting this GEM!

[mokacode]

@2009Denisem You're very welcome!

[ashtear016]

This is such beautiful song, simple and brilliant. It sounds good no matter who sings it.

[JahWorks420]

ahh this is how the song is to be done imo don't need wailing guitar solos or a bunch of back up singers.. this shit is so powerful!!!

[MrCouldbeakiller]

3 people pressed the wrong button

[cassrhaps]

this is the riff that inspired John Mayer "Waiting for the world to change"

[jasonwheel]

there should be no room for hate or racism on strings like this one. music is art and art is a higher concept. Curtis Mayfield was a gentle man who was loved by all.

[clamdraggin]

Its time to put away the hate people and bring out the love. 

[pyschedelicpatti]

This song is about going to Heaven so get ready he sings.....

[jlplace]

A real gospel song, not all I, I, Me, Me, just a plain simple message.

[natedaug1]

This is a great song. I also love how Mayfield is African American but much of his band is white. This song is about bringing people together.

[Geepereet]

@natedaug1 Very recent heard phrase of Gherswin if I'm right who stated music is an international language which brings unity and peace among people. I experience it likewise, certainly by the communication made possible by YouTube.

[natedaug1]

@Geepereet Yes, sometimes Youtube can be a place of hate, where people just rip on each other, and make racist, homophobic, and sexist comments all the time. It is good that there is some nice music here, with positive comments.

[Loxas2012]

@natedaug1 ..... The best part is that the AUDIENCE is white... :)

[voiceaddict]

@natedaug1 Certainly one of the greatest songs written, however, this song is about spiritual growth and development in this life so you are prepared to transition to the next world. Now that i think of it, Mayfield also sang, "If there's a hell below, we're all going to go" so maybe you're right LOL. For a Christian Music Minister, this guy certainly got through many, many doors and this song remains one of my all time favs.

[chazzymurphy]

@natedaug1 Such a dumb comment....You like him more because his band is predominately white? Search deeper than that my friend. He has so much to say.....BTW I am white.......which does not matter but you need to know.

[natedaug1]

@chazzymurphy My comment was intended to praise Mayfield, I did not say anything about liking him more or less because his band is white, that is your own assumption about me. Here is a philosophical question for you, why are people such assholes on youtube? Why tell me I have a dumb comment when it was intended to be supportive of him? Is it because your anonymous, and there is no consequences for your behavior? I had a person two days ago on youtube call, me, the n-word repeatedly (cont)

[natedaug1]

@chazzymurphy because he thought I was black and was racist. So please do me a favor and don't assume you know anything about me. Also please do me a favor and don't respond me, because I would rather not converse with you, but something tells me you, like most youtube users, are going to respond, because your ego is massive, you will respond in a rude fashion from the precedent your already set, and have to get the last word to prove you are right and I am wrong.

[98mmvisions]

@natedaug1 My drum teaher played for the Impressions and he's white

[72OllinBear]

@natedaug1 This song is about people who accepted jesus as their savior going to heaven...

[amagedon58]

@natedaug1 musicians do not pay any attention to color of skin, foolish you

[ocwelch]

just thank the lord for curtis. people get ready .

[RecordStr8]

John Mayer's 'Waiting On The World To Change' is clear derivative of Soul music great Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready" Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions did this song long before John Mayer was even born. 'Waiting on the World to Change' is a good song though, but the music is from Curtis Mayfield. I'm sure Mayer or his label went through the 'Harry Fox Agency' and pay the standard royalties to the original copyright holder of the SR form. That's what most stand up professionals do.

[fall12527]

I love his music. I'm Japanese but I can understand what he meant. He is the greatest negro musician as same as Miles Davis,Muddy Waters and Marvin Gaye.

[amysinai]

LOVE you brother!!! PEOPLE GET READY......''ALL ABOARD''! Just bring you LOVE....BLESSING'S, PEACE, LOVE LIGHT! :)

[superspence7]

the bass player at 2:02 is classic!!! haha

[tnthnic]

Who's the asshole u speaking of Mayer or mayfield ? Curtis wrote his song first so I hope u speaking of Mayer.

[MrReverendgreen]

@tnthnic uhhhh

[hoganesque]

Shmoooov!!!!

[MrReverendgreen]

does anyone notice this song sounds a lot like john mayers waiting on the world to change...i think that asshole has some explaining to do

[kwd007]

@MrReverendgreen Lol...He borrowed a lil bit,but still a good song

[kapannier]

@MrReverendgreen you know I was just thinking about this yesterday!

[dnteatylwsno]

@MrReverendgreen Spot On Rev!

[Kaknelson]

curtis LIVE it gets NO better

[lalaa9000]

You can tell Curtis Mayfields soul by the words of his songs!

[morebeauty]

"no place to run, no place to hide, from the Kingdoms Throne."

LONG LIVE THE KING

[2302Josine]

snif snif wat mooi

[dontbuythiscrap]

GOD BLESS CURTIS MAYFIELD!!!!

[genemz5]

@dontbuythiscrap GOD BLESS CURTIS MAYFIELD!!!!

That was God blessing Curtis Mayfield.  Rightly placed music is a gift from God.

[AkWiZ105]

BANG ALONG

[mrhankeyfan]

A completely beautiful, positive, uplifting human being.

After what he went through, being paralyzed, he had every right to just mail it in. Nobody would have blamed him at all.

Instead, he took his own advice to "Keep on Pushin'" and do all he could to make his community better.

[MrWestside1966]

One of the most underrated musicians ever. From the Wild Westside of Chi. Peace and God bless Curtis.

[SaypheZonE]

One of the greatest songs that stand the test of time.....amazing

[momsteroni]

This song this man this voice this guitar this band that second verse especially brings me to my knees. Pray for our leaders our country our world our neighbors.

What a real scriptual spiritual song. ! Love you Curtis Mayfield. So glad you wrote this song.

[sandiswarmer]

So beautiful and so true.

[dgreen626]

Curtis Mayfield was one of the greatest ever,

Was glad to see that female do this on Idol.

[casualobserver51]

Curtis Mayfield's performance CANNOTbe topped...Ever - But I will bet he would approve of Crystal's Idol performance of this song. Mayer almost ruined its good karma - she restored it.

[ddsharper]

@casualobserver51 I was around and it pains me to see other people do songs that represent the pain and hope, the struggle and victories of black people. This is a civil rights song and when other people do it, it loses its real history. Brotha couldn't even go through the front door in many establishments.

[casualobserver51]

@ddsharper I was around, too. Of course you are right, but to legions of young folks that opening guitar riff represents John Mayer's Waiting on the World. It's a shame. Because of the Idol performance my son listened to Mayfield--The kids don't remember those days--So if a cover version opens up a dialog better than a history book, Mayfield's music becomes a teachable moment.

[ddsharper]

@casualobserver51 Wisdom from my generation. Thanks. I get so angry that every generation is left empty and dumbed down so your explanation quelled my anger and your empathy my frustration. Rare on line, especially youtube so, thank you. Great points.

[wolton1]

I prefer Curtis much more than Crystal, Rod, Phil, Alicia and the rest of them. At least they are keeping this song awesome song alive.

[Redcar43]

Just love this song

[amycurtis67]

God rest his soul...what a loving spirit...a spirit that shined and inspired so many. Thank you for sharing. God bless you and your family. :)

[MsDlocke]

Come on you guys. Curtis Mayfield would not be about putting John Mayer or Neil Young down.

[tolstoy1]

One love,...testify!

[estlgrl]

i dedicate this song to a very special man thats gone on his name is donald rodgers

he caugh his train an gone on to heaven

rip my stepfather a very goood man rip

this song is so true we dont know when we going how we gonna leave her but out day is coming im ready to meet my heavenly father

[BobDiccicco]

So sweet...so very very sweet..Thank you Curtis

[nusdorfer]

please no comments on Mayer. No one can compare him to Mayfield.

Mayfield songs touch ppl's souls. Mayer, hmmm, read the lyrics...

This song I sing everyday for the past 2 years...

[death2ipod]

favoriteeeeee <3 his voice is so beautiful and smooth and the song is so peaceful and relaxing. such an outstanding message with simple phrasing. brilliance...

[mokeymunoveni]

I rip the music from these clips to mp3 easy and free - lookup mp4ify on any search engine

[jazzydeck]

GlenKirkhamMusic... if you think John Mayer copied this for waiting for the world to change, check out Mayfield's "We're a Winner." There's no doubt about it. and why waste space in these comments on neil young? come on now this is mayfield!

[IrvHyatt]

@tommyno24

@whoosiebob

ALL music is about personal taste

And why would you except someone with depth to emulate Elvis?

Young always has a message, something real, something relative to life.

He's one cool dude.

You are obviously a lot younger than me so I wouldn't expect you to 'understand' Neil Young.

Quite simply, he's a genius

You can recognize the gifted without caring for their product.

You're just looking to argue.

[whoosiebob]

You are correct, music is about personal taste and Neil Young's music left a sour aftertaste for me. As for being young....I'm retired

Never assume....it makes.....

[nialldcrowley]

@whoosiebob

Yes it's certainly not about age. I've spent a lifetime trying to avoid Neil Young.

And if it is about 'personal taste', then I firmly believe people who rate NY so highly haven't really got any.

[KevoBlues88]

@nialldcrowley Then all you've heard are the hits. NY has some great shit. I'm not comparing musicians tho.

[GlenKirkhamMusic]

Is it a known fact that John Mayer's waiting on the world to change is pretty much exactly the same as this chord wise ???

[dtappel]

C'est une vraie déclaration. Seulement, Mayer n'a pas été poursuivi en justice comme George Harrison.

[jdu6]

Curtis was in my book one of the all time coolest dudes ever to grace us with his presance,,, the pusher man....

[gunnarzpoptart]

This song is such a treasure--Curtis Mayfield is with his Lord now, and undoubtedly he was ready when the time came. My Christmas season is incomplete without hearing this song--thank you, Curtis Mayfield, for your soul, and for using your God-given talent to praise God. Amen.

[diyash29]

Curtis Mayfield is my uncle and his dead now but he was the soul and funk king

much love to the Mayfield family Kirk, Blaze Labrian, Lena, Timfany, Shay, and Althea Mayfield Much love..

[jbdmed]

@diyash29 God Bless and Merry Christmas , Curtis has blessed us all

[forloxsake]

@diyash29 OMG,,im so honoured,,im shaking like a leaf,,ur Uncle means SOOOOO very much to me,,he is my all time fave,MOVE ON UP is my life anthem,he has helped me get thru some hard times,im from Australia,he is sadly virtually unkown here,ppl only have to hear him once tho& they r hooked,im crying now,MUCH LOVE TO UR FAMILY,GOD BLESS U,XOXOXOXOX

[forloxsake]

@diyash29 me again,,sorry,i feel like a groupie stalking u,but i had to tell u,i was on facebook just b4 i came here and its music matters week, u post a pic of a musician who has inspired u as ur profile pic,,well no prizes for guessing who was my inspiration,,once i done that i came to youtube to post some special songs,AND I SAW UR POST,,im like a kid on xmas,,this has MADE my day,, XOXOXOXOXOXOXOOOXOXOXOOXOXOXOO­XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXXO

[TheJuliusJT]

@diyash29 was he your uncle?

[ddsharper]

@diyash29 What an uncle to have. He was a real soulful brotha who changed a lot of lives with his music. You know, THIS is black history, This is what inspired the world to change. What a pioneer. Are you doing music too? You have the genes.

[Vabrat1969]

@ddsharper  leave the race card at home buddy. Who cares who first sung it and if he was black or white. Crystal blew him outta the water singing this song and OMG shes WHITE!

[ddsharper]

@Vabrat1969 This is black history, BUDDY. I care and many black people care who first sung this song. THIS is black history, black american history. WE care. We have a history and body of work that is uniquely black american. Crystal didn't come close because it's not her song you dolt. But the judgement of a stupid white boy or girl is irrelevant to reality of black american treasure. You can imitate but NEVER replicate, BUDDY.

[ddsharper]

@Vabrat1969 First, let us consider the history of this notion: namely, that the "race card" is something people of color play so as to distract the rest of us, or to gain sympathy. For most Americans, the phrase "playing the race card" entered the national lexicon during the O.J. Simpson trial. Tim Wise. what kind of card is race?

[jkadvices]

your lucky to have an uncle whos a musician

[TheWillymelvin]

the best that ever did it. God Bless Curtis Mayfield and for what he brought to us all. May he rest in peace along with my love one who passed away this time last year.

[maqm197]

@diyash29.... I heard he was an extended cousin on my father's side. Do you know if his father or mother migrated from North Carolina during the 30's or 40's? I would love to research this.

[blinko656]

@diyash29 He was one of the greatest, not only a great singer but a musician too.

Four Tops. Temps, Curtis, Dells, Smokey the list goes on. People get ready the farina is coming, which means the Lord is about to return, make sure you know him.

[whoosiebob]

Neil Young?

Never cared for his voice or style

[tommyno24]

To be honest with you I never care for neil Young voice

[IrvHyatt]

@tommyno24

Not about the voice, it's about the gut and style

[tommyno24]

Irvhyatt, That your opinion, Ok I never care for his style either, He is no Elvis Presley, But I do like Curtis Mayfield Voice and Style.. Thanks you Curtis for the good music.

[Peterh588]

Curtis was the greatest, both as a musician and as a person. He puts the soul in soul. The piano player is good - he reminds me of Springsteen's Roy Bittan a little.

[yamasonic26]

It is a very beautiful song !

Lee Goodness his play is also good.!!

[misslilbitt]

This is and always be a beautiful song

[PhilGeissler]

Faith is the key - amen! Awesome!

[romancelanicen]

Curtis Mayfield and his wife Althea were very good friends to my mother. Curtis RIP and may your legacy live forever !

[vizeck]

Man this is so amazing... does this man ever make a bad song?

theres no such talk when you mention curtis... hes as good as it gets when it comes to soul and song writing...

[ManDuppy]

Mayfield/Marley/Wonder/Dylan/L­ennon-McCartney-Harrison (yes i inclued George) are the songwriting greats.

[dusroots]

I love your list, but how can u forget Smokey Robinson?

[Inspector711]

They all take a back seat to Neil Young

[rocomo0001]

I was introduced to this song by the Vanilla Fudge.

I loved their version but everyone is bringing the same message. Get On Board

[momsteroni]

One of the sweetest Voices I have ever heard. I'll never get tired of listening him.

[freestyleandsmile]

Beautiful...just beautiful

[kingbmore73]

Beautiful & Powerful Message In This Song Thank You Curtis Mayfield & May The Good Lord Bless Your Soul.

[Maranata73]

Curtis was the best. He left us all of his great and timeless songs. I for one am so grateful. May God bless his soul.

[HowHooWatt08]

WOW! AMazing song and very talented man. I am singing this tomorrow

[1of10justmen]

there aint no room for the hopeless sinners

who would hurt all mankind just to save his own

believe it now have pity on those whose chances grow thinner, for there is no hiding place against......

[nor888vast695]

God bless us all; bless us everyone. God bless Curtis Mayfield.

[radix9523]

Amazing

[ourhappyfamily4]

Good song... God bless all.

[928Queenfresh]

My Baby (dean) loves this song. Hello Cherice n Audrey. You are both gonna miss ur Father. Thank your Mother!

[jc6578]

Brilliant song...