Thread: Jimmy Cliff Many Rivers to Cross 1969 and 2008 ish

Hello All,

This is one of those times where you need to look at the description of the General Chat section before comments are posted about the possibility of AULRO being its place of release... "Anything goes... "

Yep, here is some of my wellbeing stuff.. No ... look away now ... Oh my God touchy - feely stuff ahead - warning .... warning Will Robertson...

Kind regards
Lionel



There are times when we either need to chill out or to find some source of encouragement for when things look a bit bleak. During these times we might feel a bit short when we attempt to gather our energy so that we can seek to keep on persevering. Over time I have developed a song list to match different moods. The list is also used when I am attempting to re-calibrate from a mood that I wish to change out of and to begin experiencing a more desirable mood. One of the songs on my 'Chill' or 'Optimism' playlist is a song by Jamaican born Jimmy Cliff. There is a story behind this version of the song that I will provide a hyperlink to access. This version represents changes in life and subsequent changes in one's perspectives. Back in 1969 when Jimmy Cliff was 21 years old, he wrote the song "Many Rivers to cross". Some years later, approximately in 2008, Jimmy updated the lyrics of the song to note changes in perspective that he had experienced over his life. The 1969 version represents a young person's quest to find a way across 'the many rivers', or barriers that life can sometimes get thrown up at us. The song represents a statement or a snapshot of the time.

A second version of the song performed in 2008 is written from the perspective of a more mature individual who can note that while it was difficult to keep going was 'my will? and a 'because of my pride' allowed obstacles to be successfully overcome. Especially when one's will and pride is the only things left in the arsenal. As years progressed periods of reflection revealed other things that got Jimmy across the multiple 'rivers' were how "love is my foundation; wisdom is my capital; truth is my redeemer. Perhaps these are sources that we can draw upon too while we seek out some energy to keep ourselves going when things start to look bleak. This song was recorded in Jools Holland's show "Later" when Jimmy was 60 years old! The best version of the song can be found by clicking on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBzXtc8CrrM. The strength of Jimmy's voice at 60 years of age is testament to the power of true enduring talent and artistry.

Out of interest - Just before the end of the song appearing on the wings of the stage, is Paul Weller - the main force behind the UK band the Style Council, Now, here is a surprise! Some of the Style Council's songs feature on some of my lists too. However, that is a story for a different time.

Copyright July 2025 Dr. Lionel G. Evans