You can get it if you really want

“‘Cause as sure as the sun will shine

I’m gonna get my share now, what’s mine”

I AM going to get my share of the truth, of respect, of human rights!!

“But I’d rather be a free man in my grave

Than living as a puppet or a slave”

Fitting epitaph for anyone   (above from “The Harder They Come” )

Rivers of Babylon
© Marion Pennell

If I ever need to “get into the mood” to paint, I play the soundtrack to “The Harder They Come” by Jimmy Cliff et al.  Before I knew Bob Marley – (still an influence – I have a friend who saw him at a Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica (maybe his last?) so am I two degrees from Bob Marley?) – before Bob, was Jimmy Cliff and this album that was so influential to me.

It opens with this song – I’m only going to copy the lyrics, please try to get a chance to listen – that infectious reggae beat and those horns – it can make you believe you can do anything. For me, anyhow.  When you are LISTENING to music, you can’t concentrate on the other bad shit in your head. It’s true.  Find the soundtrack you need when you are creating…

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you’ll succeed at last

Persecution you must bear
Win or lose you’ve got to get your share
Got your mind set on a dream
You can get it, though harder they seem now

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you’ll succeed at last
I know it, listen

Rome was not built in a day
Opposition will come your way
But the hotter the battle you see
It’s the sweeter the victory, now

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you’ll succeed at last

You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
You can get it if you really want
But you must try, try and try
Try and try, you’ll succeed at last

You can get it if you really want
(I know it)
You can get it if you really want
(Don’t I show it?)
You can get it if you really want
(So don’t give up now)
You can get it if you really want
(Keep on trying)

Songwriters
CLIFF, JIMMY

Published by
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Many Rivers To Cross
© Marion Pennell