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Jimmy Cliff — Sitting In Limbo
Album: The Harder They Come
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2548









Released: 1972
Length: 4:50
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Sitting here in limbo
But I know it won't be long
Sitting here in limbo
Like a bird without a song
Well, they're putting up a resistance
But I know that my faith will lead me on

Sitting here in limbo
Waiting for the dice to roll
Yeah, now, sitting here in limbo
Got some time to search my soul
Well, they're putting up a resistance
But I know that my faith will lead me on

I don't know where life will leave me
But I know where I have been
I can't say what life will show me
But I know what I have seen
Tried my hand at love and friendship
But all that is past and gone
This little boy is movin' on

Sitting here in limbo
Waiting for the tide to flow
Sitting here in limbo
Knowing that I have to go
Well, they're putting up a resistance
But I know that my faith will lead me on

I don't know where life will take me
But I know where I have been
I don't know what life will show me
But I know what I have seen
Tried my hand at love and friendship
That is past and gone
And now it's time to move along

Gonna lead me on now
Meanwhile, they're putting up resistance
But I know that my faith will lead me on
Sitting in limbo, limbo, limbo
Sitting in limbo, limbo, limbo
Sitting in limbo, limbo, limbo
Meanwhile, they're putting up a resistance
But I know that my faith will lead me on
Comments (157)add comment
 Madness1954 wrote:

The whole 'The Harder They Come' soundtrack album is worth checking out.



& also the movie it's self
Posted 3 months ago by dischuckin    [ Reply ]
Pretty much any tune on this landmark album is pushin' 10 for me!
Posted 7 months ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
Setting context:I iam now nearly five months into a so called "career break".In short my overdue response to a "universe ,hey Stop" message. But ...more often than I would like ,I get frightening visions of myself sleeping on cardboard box ,a "purple tin" of cider for comfort....Then this song weaves it's magic and reminds me there is always time to heal.Thanx Jimmy...
Posted 1 year ago by pete_shakey    [ Reply ]
Boy, did I need to hear this- perfectly timed, as always, RP. 
Posted 1 year ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
 Waaiers wrote:
Extremely boring, zZzzzzZ



To the unworthy.
Posted 2 years ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
Always crank this one up. Reminds me of my brother. RIP bro
Posted 2 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
Just noticed the '70 Mercury Cougar stretch limo in the Peter Max-esque cover illustration!
Posted 2 years ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Extremely boring, zZzzzzZ
Posted 3 years ago by Waaiers    [ Reply ]
 JustJanis wrote:

It's my theme song........still sitting.....still in limbo



I'm sorry to hear that. At least it's nice waiting music. 
Posted 3 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
 MilSF1 wrote:

Just watched the "Muscle Shoals" documentary. Hadn't realized that the "Swampers" of The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio were the backing band for this track.


Growing up in Montgomery, it was often spelled 'Mussel Shoals' - for the mussels natives used to collect from the river.
c.

Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 MilSF1 wrote:

Just watched the "Muscle Shoals" documentary. Hadn't realized that the "Swampers" of The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio were the backing band for this track.



Highly recommend taking the tour if you're ever in the area.  A hidden gem that was more 'instrumental' (pun intended) than most realize.  We were just there last month and it was amazing.
Posted 3 years ago by smommits    [ Reply ]
Just watched the "Muscle Shoals" documentary. Hadn't realized that the "Swampers" of The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio were the backing band for this track.
Posted 3 years ago by MilSF1    [ Reply ]
The perfect pandemic song
Posted 3 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
The whole 'The Harder They Come' soundtrack album is worth checking out.
Posted 3 years ago by Madness1954    [ Reply ]
a must have album for lovers of contemporary music. Came across this in 80 or so and still spin the record and smile. 
I've seen Jimmy a few times since and think he is a real class act . 
Posted 3 years ago by ratbbb2    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
 
 2021



This song has been relevant and remains relevant to whenever you hear it.
Posted 3 years ago by DrMacDaddy    [ Reply ]
I had the good fortune to have shared a smile with Jimmy Cliff at City Gardens in Trenton, NJ. He had a big fat spliff in his hand but I think Jimmy smiles naturally. I smile every time I see or hear him.
Posted 3 years ago by DrMacDaddy    [ Reply ]
Great tune! Classic. Love the Willy version too.
Posted 3 years ago by hagz21    [ Reply ]
pandemic prescient.
Posted 3 years ago by ednazarko    [ Reply ]
Hey man,

It's February. It's the Midwest. It's snowing again. Its freakin freezing outside. 

Sitting in Limbo? 

I ain't dancing at the cantina.
Posted 3 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 NeuroJoe wrote:


Fast forward to 2020.....
 2021

Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 JustJanis wrote:
It's my theme song........still sitting.....still in limbo
 

Fast forward to 2020.....
Posted 3 years ago by NeuroJoe    [ Reply ]
You're kilin' it today, Bill. Thank you!
Posted 4 years ago by clads98    [ Reply ]
Such a great song for right now! Last day of my 2 week isolation alone.. Waiting for results of my final covid test and tomorrow I can go visit my sister who is 9months pregnant and due any day! So excited.. in the meantime.. sitting in limbo....
Posted 4 years ago by taniabird    [ Reply ]
The Jerry Garcia Band version is also amazing!  Love this song.
Posted 4 years ago by SurfDoc    [ Reply ]
I always thought this was more Curious George than bad&$s.  Classic tune, though, and I love the lyrics.  Easy 8 from me.
Posted 5 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Beautiful reggae vibes We love you
Posted 5 years ago by stephen.king12101    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
The letters B, L, A and H come to mind upon hearing this mediocre tune. Pleasant but not too memorable.
 
Beautiful, Lovely, Amazing, and Heavenly

Posted 5 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Average rating 7?? Sacrilege.
Posted 6 years ago by Greenman    [ Reply ]
Long Live                                                                                                                         Radio Paradise
                                                                                                                                          8 - Most  Excellent     
Posted 6 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
This song brings back memories.  Time to do a bit of time travel and watch the movie again. So much good music on the sound track. Irye!
Posted 6 years ago by Eric_Denison    [ Reply ]
Ok, 9 -> 10
just love this song, the vibe, lyrics, rhythm all of it just flows so well together, truly a piece of art 
Posted 8 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
 Sitting In Limbo is as it happens. so something happens.
Posted 8 years ago by twoplain2sea    [ Reply ]
I think this is the first time I've heard the original for some reason.  Don't know how I've missed it for so long.

John Sebastian does a really nice cover of this on his Tarzana Kid album. 
Posted 8 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
 funkyalfonso wrote:

Great song but do you really want to go out....in limbo? How about Groucho Marx singing ' I must be going.' Perfect.

 
maybe someone could play a cover, "sitting in bardo"
Posted 9 years ago by RabbitEars    [ Reply ]
 daveinnj wrote:
Oy, this song hits me in the gut every time I hear it. 
While I hopes it's a long ways away; this is the song I want played at my funeral.
 

 
Great song but do you really want to go out....in limbo? How about Groucho Marx singing ' I must be going.' Perfect.
Posted 9 years ago by funkyalfonso    [ Reply ]
Oy, this song hits me in the gut every time I hear it. 
While I hopes it's a long ways away; this is the song I want played at my funeral.
 
Posted 9 years ago by daveinnj    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

It later occurred to me that OST probably means "Original Soundtrack".  Whatever...

 
Yeah Proclivities, that does make more sense, huh. Thanks for the update.
Posted 9 years ago by JIan    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:

Thanks scrubbrush! I appreciate this tune. I also appreciate the way you explain your contrary thought. You are kind and articulate. Thank you for that. Far too many here take affront to averse thought and take things far too seriously. Some even sling mud and name call. So thanks for being who you are!

 
I know, far too many real insults.  A lot of the time it is just funny back-and-forth harmless trash talking, but we really do have some arrogant drips, our resident thought police.  Just keep posting ziakut, I really enjoy reading your comments.
Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
If you are a *real* Jimmy Cliff fan, then you've seen this:

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070155/

10 extra points if you don't need the subtitles.
Posted 10 years ago by Hasan    [ Reply ]
Love this song so much. Thx Bill.
Posted 10 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:


This song has been covered, quoted, and popular for over 40 years. Apparently it's memorable to others. love it myself.

 
Thanks scrubbrush! I appreciate this tune. I also appreciate the way you explain your contrary thought. You are kind and articulate. Thank you for that. Far too many here take affront to averse thought and take things far too seriously. Some even sling mud and name call. So thanks for being who you are!
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
The letters B, L, A and H come to mind upon hearing this mediocre tune. Pleasant but not too memorable.

 

This song has been covered, quoted, and popular for over 40 years. Apparently it's memorable to others. love it myself.
Posted 11 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
Bill's segues getting ever more sophisticated with this song and its line about 'putting up resistance' following the cut from H Manx's album 'Om Sweet Ohm'. Hmm, gotta be on yer toes these days...
Posted 11 years ago by BrightonGuy    [ Reply ]
The letters B, L, A and H come to mind upon hearing this mediocre tune. Pleasant but not too memorable.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 JIan wrote:

OST = Open Source Track, I assume.  {#Angel}
 
It later occurred to me that OST probably means "Original Soundtrack".  Whatever...
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

OST?  Good tune.
 
OST = Open Source Track, I assume.  {#Angel}
Posted 11 years ago by JIan    [ Reply ]
I like this song, and after that Snow Patrol song, this is like seeing the heavens open.
Like walking out of sweltering stuffy shit house into warm sunshine.


Posted 11 years ago by :+:_DL    [ Reply ]
always...
Posted 11 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 Bobert_ParkCity wrote:
Finally saw Jimmy - he opened for Michael Franti at Deer Valley. So my limbo has ended!
 
So jealous, that must have been a heck of a show!
Posted 11 years ago by sbegf    [ Reply ]
 coding_to_music wrote:
Jimmy's using Sonar to find the Submarine !!!
Sonar Submarine
 

Hmmm. Forward planes mounted to the hull and not the tower, and high up on the hull, characteristic of a Brit design.
Posted 12 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 WanderingPenguin wrote:
This might be the best OST album of all time.
 
OST?  Good tune.
Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 coding_to_music wrote:
Jimmy's using Sonar to find the Submarine !!!
Sonar Submarine
 
Bastard sunk my battleship. 
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Janis! They're playing your song!


Posted 12 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
Finally saw Jimmy - he opened for Michael Franti at Deer Valley. So my limbo has ended!
Posted 12 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
This might be the best OST album of all time.
Posted 12 years ago by WanderingPenguin    [ Reply ]
One of very few perfect albums...
Posted 12 years ago by neuticle    [ Reply ]
Not me, I'm standing in limbo ever since my back went into spasms

Posted 12 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Great song from a great soundtrack.
Posted 12 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP! Mighty sweet... I had the good fortune to find this on vinyl at Goodwill a few years ago for 50 cents. Remember around 1989-90 when you could buy every LP ever made for a dime? Seattle Goodwill filled a whole parking lot with LP's every year. That was one cultural wave I actually caught; so y'all be ready when the last CD is pressed and people dump them by the ton! We'll be clustered around the dusty old CD player, rememberin' the day.

Posted 13 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
 ThePoose wrote:
Some songs work like a charm and can be considered perfect.

This is one of them.
 
Amen brother
Posted 13 years ago by Johnny-smooth    [ Reply ]
Jimmy's using Sonar to find the Submarine !!!
Sonar Submarine
Posted 13 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
yeah they did.  love this original too though.... {#Cowboy}

 moshevelvul wrote:
JGB - always did this song right as well......
 


Posted 13 years ago by wrangler    [ Reply ]
from 8 to 10 !  Timing helps {#Meditate} 

whistling isn't that good, however!

Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
I've either never heard that song, or just never really listened to it.  What a great song.
Posted 13 years ago by danstadler    [ Reply ]
JGB - always did this song right as well......
Posted 13 years ago by moshevelvul    [ Reply ]
Some songs work like a charm and can be considered perfect.

This is one of them.
Posted 13 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 JustJanis wrote:
It's my theme song........still sitting.....still in limbo
 
I think of you every time I hear this.



Posted 13 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
 Mugro wrote:

This song sums up my situation at the moment...


 

I'm happy to report that I'm in limbo no longer. What a difference a year makes!
Posted 13 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
Passion and pleasure combined in one soulful voice... Jimmy Cliff.
Posted 14 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]

play us some Live Jimmy   {#Cool}
Posted 14 years ago by peacockangel    [ Reply ]
Heard the first lines and immediately remembered that Three Dog Night did this about a million years ago, and I even liked that version. This is ever-so-much better. I just love the song itself.
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
Love it!
Posted 14 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
Jelani wrote:
Wait a minute, as far as I know 250 Testa Rossa's don't have radio's, or tops to go with them.What did you do??!!!!! OMG!
Funny! I'm about to turn a '70 250c into a permanent convertible for beach use, and the local MB enthusiasts are in a lather. None of them wants to buy or restore the rusted 'ol beaut, but they don't want me to have any fun with it either.

This, of course, was probably the TR250 in question


Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


love it...
 
me too, rated it at an 8.  Love Radio Paradise
Posted 14 years ago by pdbowers    [ Reply ]
 TeddiB wrote:
One of my favorite albums. I'm riding in my TR250 with the top down cranking the stereo on the "smoking trail"! The 70's were the greatest! Sex, drugs, rock and roll and no STD's that weren't curable!
 
Wait a minute, as far as I know 250 Testa Rossa's don't have radio's, or tops to go with them.What did you do??!!!!!
OMG! 
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 Mugro wrote:

This song sums up my situation at the moment...

 
Me too. I feel for you.
I"m sitting here hoping as well. 

Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
I always hear "Sitting in a limo".
Posted 14 years ago by sandpebble    [ Reply ]

This song sums up my situation at the moment...


Posted 15 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
 TeddiB wrote:
One of my favorite albums. I'm riding in my TR250 with the top down cranking the stereo on the "smoking trail"! The 70's were the greatest! Sex, drugs, rock and roll and no STD's that weren't curable!
 
Yeah! I like this statement and this tune is simply fantastic.  Great music from a superb artist / performer... 9/10{#Sunny}

Posted 15 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
How appropriately these tunes come on....
Posted 15 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by lattalo    [ Reply ]
Used to have this on vinyl, gotta get it on CD, this is very very good.
Posted 15 years ago by SweTex    [ Reply ]
 crowhog2000 wrote:
{#Sunny}
 
Isn't it?


Posted 15 years ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
 crowhog2000 wrote:
{#Sunny}
 

{#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by pope183    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny}
Posted 15 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
Lovin' this.  Beautiful!
Posted 15 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
Candela wrote:

 

 

 

{#Daisy}



                                                                                                 {#Sunny}

                                                                                                

Posted 15 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]

 

 

 

{#Daisy}


Posted 16 years ago by Candela    [ Reply ]
{#Sunny}

How nice to hear a song you've known for*ever*. Sigh!

Was it really 1972?
Posted 16 years ago by doc_dave    [ Reply ]
 beelzebubba wrote:
Never liked Marley, never liked Peter Tosh, never lilked reggae much at all. But Jimmy Cliff, I like!

Interesting point. I think he adds some soul inflection to the island sound, and that's what I like.


Posted 16 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
musikalia wrote:
I see what you mean- a 1 for "Get back" - block this user until she finished school.
Thank You! I'm sorry but I just have to gang up here, and say I was astounded at the polarized (nearly all 10s and 1s) ratings of dreadpixie. The list of 1s had my jaw on the floor. The comments also made me think that this person is the alter-ego of closedmindedmoron and/or physicsgenius.
Well, every community has it's "interesting" people, hehe.



Posted 16 years ago by mattcol99    [ Reply ]
I thought this was Keb Mo when I first heard it. This guys voice is a bit smoother.
Posted 16 years ago by sfuller    [ Reply ]

I don’t care how many times I hear this song, I still love it!

And, the album is one of my favorites – I want to go into the other room and blast it.



Posted 16 years ago by rajron    [ Reply ]
Awwww. I love this song!
Posted 16 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
Did Janis Ian cover this too? I keep hearing her voice in the back of my head.
Posted 16 years ago by catsoup    [ Reply ]
Funny, I never knew he wrote this song...it has been done by so many other artist
Posted 16 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
Love every song on this album.
Posted 16 years ago by Krispian    [ Reply ]
Excellent, Feel good tune!
Posted 16 years ago by susanjinx1    [ Reply ]
Great song from a great soundtrack
Posted 16 years ago by o2bnsv    [ Reply ]
Not a bad song on this album. 'Sweet & Dandy', 'Johnny Too Bad', please play more of THTC!
Posted 16 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
This is the essence of Grand Rapids, MI!
Posted 16 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
brilliant!!! I still have this album on vinyl a vastly under rated singer
Posted 16 years ago by MrDill    [ Reply ]
YEAH! This is one of those songs that just forces a smile to appear on my face! Go Jimmy Go!
Posted 16 years ago by Ballzak    [ Reply ]
dreadpixie wrote:
Really now. I'm not this old. pls2play Chemical Brothers or something please.
Dear miss snotty pants, I'm not this old either, but thanks to my mother and her record collection, I learned to appreciate the roots of modern music!
Posted 16 years ago by aeknust    [ Reply ]
The original (this) is the best, IMO. There are some good covers out there (Neville Brothers, for one), as well.
Posted 16 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
According to wikipedia the mandolin player was David Grisman. YA_MAN wrote:
Jerry Garcia did a nice version of this with a mandolin player, I can remenber his name off the top of my head, must be getting old, oh wait I am old, can anyone help with this name please
Posted 16 years ago by talibanismurder    [ Reply ]
YA_MAN wrote:
Jerry Garcia did a nice version of this with a mandolin player, I can remenber his name off the top of my head, must be getting old, oh wait I am old, can anyone help with this name please
Was is David Grisman? I think that's his name...
Posted 16 years ago by accordionista    [ Reply ]
Jerry Garcia did a nice version of this with a mandolin player, I can remenber his name off the top of my head, must be getting old, oh wait I am old, can anyone help with this name please
Posted 17 years ago by YA_MAN    [ Reply ]
dreadpixie wrote:
Really now. I'm not this old. pls2play Chemical Brothers or something please.
teoni wrote:
two words for your ilk: "hey nineteen." ..."she don't remember/ the Queen of Soul..." :: Poor baby--makes your widdle head hurt? aww. bet you say that about anything from the Beatles too, right? Time to get schooled. It's the stuff played from ALL eras and genres that makes this station listenable.
Thank You! I'm sorry but I just have to gang up here, and say I was astounded at the polarized (nearly all 10s and 1s) ratings of dreadpixie. The list of 1s had my jaw on the floor. The comments also made me think that this person is the alter-ego of closedmindedmoron and/or physicsgenius. Well, every community has it's "interesting" people, hehe.
Posted 17 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
dreadpixie wrote:
Really now. I'm not this old. pls2play Chemical Brothers or something please.
two words for your ilk: "hey nineteen." ..."she don't remember/ the Queen of Soul..." :: Poor baby--makes your widdle head hurt? aww. bet you say that about anything from the Beatles too, right? Time to get schooled. It's the stuff played from ALL eras and genres that makes this station listenable.
Posted 17 years ago by teoni    [ Reply ]
Great movie as well...
Posted 17 years ago by eman    [ Reply ]
Lots happening here, all of it nice!
Posted 17 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
We are all in Limbo in our own little way...
Posted 17 years ago by parrothead    [ Reply ]
SittingInLimbo wrote:
It's my theme song........still sitting.....still in limbo
I'm sitting here in limbo right now. This song could be the current theme of my life. Nice to hear it. Limbo can be exciting...what's next!? ...it can also be scary...
Posted 17 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
jah_blessed wrote:
This is going to be followed by Otis Redding... UPDATE: Yep, it was. Both are fine songs of course, but these repeated segues are getting stale.
Bill can't be here in person ALL the time! His set "chunks" are good!
Posted 17 years ago by radiomao    [ Reply ]
dexev wrote:
I'll probably be sent to a special level of he77 for this, but I think I prefer willie's version -- this one's just too sweet-sounding for me.
My favorite one is the Grisman&Garcia version. So I guess I'll be rotting there with you.
Posted 17 years ago by radiomao    [ Reply ]
Love it. 8.
Posted 17 years ago by Waybo    [ Reply ]
I'll probably be sent to a special level of he77 for this, but I think I prefer willie's version -- this one's just too sweet-sounding for me.
Posted 17 years ago by dexev    [ Reply ]