Mayfield's Messages

If you are ever feeling down, go and listen to Curtis Mayfield.

When I heard Move On Up for the first time, I thought that I was dreaming.

There’s no way that this random guy named Curtis is telling me to stop feeling sad about being left out by people who I thought were my friends time and time again, I thought.

But really, why in the world did this man just give me the exact optimistic and hopeful advice that I needed to hear right then and there?

It’s because he sung to “educate as well as entertain.”

“Painless preaching is as good a term as any for what we do. If you're going to come away from a party singing the lyrics of a song, it is better that you sing of self-pride like 'We're a Winner' instead of 'Do the Boo-ga-loo!"

- Curtis Mayfield

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Curtis Mayfield was committed to producing songs that spread messages of hope and encouragement throughout his career, which begun during the Civil Rights Movement. Some of his earlier songs with The Impressions such as “People Get Ready”, “We’re a Winner”, and “Keep on Pushing” were produced during that time.

After the Civil Rights Movement ended in 1968, Mayfield kept on releasing songs with similar messages:

Power to the People (Demo Version), released in 1969:

We as the young wish to say in this song
God bless great America
We give thanks to the old for acheiving their goal
It is now up to us and we know we must build up a trust

And we want the power for the people
That's all we ask in our country dear
The sick and the hungry are unable
Protect them and those who may live in fear

Power for the people

Move On Up, released in 1969:

Just move on up
For peace you will find
Into the steeple of beautiful people
Where there's only one kind

So hush now, child
And don't you cry
Your folks might understand you
By and by
Move on up
And keep on wishin'
Remember your dream is your only scheme
So keep on pushin'

Keep On Keeping On, released in 1971:

We who are young, should now take a stand
Don't run from the burdens of women and men
Continue to give, continue to live
For what you know is right

Most of your life can be out of sight
Withdraw from the darkness and look to the light
Where everyone's free
At least that's the way it's supposed to be

We just keep on keeping on
We just keep on keeping on

Many think that we have blown it
But they too will soon admit
That there's still a lot of love among us

And there's still a lot of faith and warmth and trust
When we keep on keeping on

We Got to Have Peace, released in 1971:

And the people in our neighborhood
They would if they only could
Meet and shake the other's hand
Work together for the good of the land

Give us all an equal chance
It could be such a sweet romance
And the soldiers who are dead and gone
If only we could bring back one

He'd say, "We got to have peace
To keep the world alive
And war to cease

We got to have joy
True in our hearts
With strength we can't destroy

Love to the People, released in 1974:

In the morning - it's alright
I'm not givin' up - this little pride
I got a lifetime - to keep livin' mine
The way you do it - is to get right to it

Sometimes I think before our life is gone
We'll see the kingdom come

Well, well, love to the people
Little bit of warning to the cold
Little but of brotherhood
Guarantee it can be good for the soul
Love to the people

Something to Believe In, released in 1979:

People must prove to the people
A better day is coming for you and for me
With just a little bit more education
And love for our nation, would make a better society

People Never Give Up, released 1979:

People never give up
You just never give up
People never give up
You just never give up

New World Order (NOT THE CONSPIRACY THEORY), released 1997

There's no need to worry, the times dictate a plan
Mother Earth's given birth to a brand new man
Sister I know you're misunderstood
But hold on to your man 'cause the future looks good
It's a new day

A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race
A new world order, a brand new day
A change of mind for the human race

Beware of the lies and false prophecies
We are many with eyes but don't all really see
You must be merciful my friend to obtain the same
So if you break the chain don't pass the blame

We should say unto all and I'll say it again
It's not just to win, shake a hand, make a friend
We who are pure at heart somehow might see
There's still light in the world, come rejoice with me
It's a new day

Back to Living Again, released 1997:

Now it's always the right time
With somethin' positive in your mind
There's always someone to pull you down
You just get that work and hold your ground

If there's ever somethin' bad you don't wanna see
Just keep on walkin' and let it be

New World Order and Back to Living Again were recorded with Mayfield lying flat on his back. He was paralyzed in 1990 after a lightning rig fell on him at a concert.

Yet he still kept singing.

- Zach