“Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff

“Many Rivers to Cross” was released on Cliff’s self-titled album in 1969.
Courtesy: jimmycliff.com

The grandfather of reggae singer Jimmy Cliff wrote “Many Rivers To Cross” at the mere age of 21, and to this day, it is still considered one of the most soulful songs of his decades-long career. The heartbreaking lyrics relay much despair and oppression, ultimately giving rise to hope. It is a fitting melody to soothe the spirit for those grieving a loss.

The song was first released in 1969 on the “Jimmy Cliff” album and then re-released as the soundtrack to the movie, The Harder They Come, in 1972. Although “Many Rivers to Cross” did not fare as well as the movie’s title song, it remains one of his most beloved songs for generations of fans. Since its debut more than 50 years ago, countless world-renowned artists have covered the tune, including Harry Nilsson, The Animals, Cher and UB40.

The first two verses suggest a journey of anguish and pain. And you can feel a sense of desperation through the wails of Cliff’s fervent voice as he sings them.

Many rivers to cross
But I can’t seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost
As I travel along the white cliffs of Dover

Many rivers to cross
And it’s only my will that keeps me alive
I’ve been licked, washed up for years
And I merely survive because of my pride

Courtesy: jimmycliff.com

Although the song evokes intimate emotion for its listeners, the line, “Wandering I am lost, as I travel along the White Cliffs of Dover” had personal meaning for Cliff. In 2012, he told Rolling Stone Magazine, “that came from the number of times I crossed the channel to the continent. Most of the time it was France but sometimes it was Germany. It was a very frustrating time. I came to England with very big hopes, and I saw my hopes fading. And that song came out of that experience.”

The song continues, as does Cliff; enduring obstacles to reach a destination:

And this loneliness won’t leave me alone
It’s such a drag to be on your own
My woman left me and she didn’t say why
Well I guess, I have to try

Many rivers to cross
But just where to begin, I’m playing for time
There are times I find myself
Thinking of committing some dreadful crime

Numerous bloggers and writers have likened the words of the song to “Biblical imagery.” However, Cliff does not subscribe to any one religious belief. His world travels allowed him to the opportunity to study various schools of thought including Christianity, Rastafari, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and even Shaolin kung fu. In a recent interview, Cliff told the Jamaican Star, “I am encouraging everyone, whatever race they belong to, (to do) research. I am pointing the way for them to study to know where they originate from and whatever religion they choose.”

At nearly 80 years old, Jimmy Cliff has spent most of his life crossing many rivers, oceans and continents as an ambassador of reggae music. His career, spanning more than six decades, spurred a love for this unique brand of music all over the world.

In this exceptional live rendition, Cliff croons a last rousing stanza of hope as a testament to his life: “But I think I got it now. Love. Love is my foundation … many rivers I have crossed. It has been so hard to find my way over. Wandering I’ve been lost as I’ve traveled along the White Cliffs of Dover.”