People Get Ready
Petula Clark · Other Songs - Petula Clark
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
You don't need no ticket you just thank the lord
People get ready, there's a train to Jordan
Picking up passengers coast to coast
Faith is the key, open the doors and board them
There's hope for all among those loved the most
There ain't no room for the hopeless sinner whom would hurt all
mankind
Just to save his own
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
For there is no hiding place against the kingdoms throne
People get ready there's a train comin'
You don't need no baggage, just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
You don't need no ticket, just thank the lord.
People Get Ready - Petula Clark
Petula Clark's 1965 recording of 'People Get Ready' stands as a defining moment in the soul and gospel crossover genre. Originally a spiritual anthem, Clark's arrangement transforms the material into an upbeat, danceable pop track that captures the optimism of the mid-1960s. Her clear, emotive vocal delivery anchors the song, blending the raw energy of gospel choirs with the polished production typical of the era's R&B and pop standards. The track became a massive international hit, reaching number one in the United States and topping charts across Europe, including the United Kingdom. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal message of hope and collective action, making it a staple in gospel and soul repertoires for decades. Clark's version remains one of the most recognizable interpretations of the original composition, cementing her status as a leading figure in British soul music.