Many Rivers to Cross

song by Cliff

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

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"Many Rivers to Cross" is a song by Jamaican singer-songwriter Jimmy Cliff. It is one of his most famous songs and was featured in the landmark 1972 film The Harder They Come, which Cliff also starred in. The film and its soundtrack were instrumental in introducing reggae music to a global audience. Cliff's performance in the film and his contributions to its soundtrack, including "Many Rivers to Cross," solidified his status as reggae's biggest star at the time. The song itself is known for its powerful lyrics and emotional delivery, reflecting themes of struggle and perseverance.

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Jimmy Cliff
Move to London, The Harder They Come, and reggae stardom
…its soundtrack the classics “Many Rivers to Cross,” “Sitting in Limbo,” and the title song—Cliff became reggae’s biggest star.
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…its soundtrack the classics “Many Rivers to Cross,” “Sitting in Limbo,” and the title song—Cliff became reggae’s biggest star.
Read More