The Harder They Come

Recorded as a soundtrack to the film originally titled “Hard Road to Travel”, the film titled was ultimately changed after Cliff improvised a line of the film — “the harder they come”.

The director felt that was a stronger titled for the film and asked Cliff to write a theme song to go with it.

Well, they tell me of a pie up in the sky
Waiting for me when I die
But between the day you're born and when you die
They never seem to hear even your cry

So as sure as the sun will shine
I'm gonna get my share now, what's mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Ooh, the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all

Well, the oppressors are trying to keep me down
Trying to drive me underground
And they think that they have got the battle won
I say forgive them Lord, they know not what they've done

'Cause, as sure as the sun will shine
I'm gonna get my share now, what's mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Ooh, the harder they come
Harder they fall, one and all

And I keep on fighting for the things I want
Though I know that when you're dead you can't
But I'd rather be a free man in my grave
Than living as a puppet or a slave

So as sure as the sun will shine
I'm gonna get my share now, what's mine
And then the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Ooh, the harder they come
Harder they fall, one and all

Hey, the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Hey, the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all
Hey, the harder they come
The harder they fall, one and all

Copyright © Island Music Ltd.
Written by: Jimmy Cliff

All lyrics and works displayed are intended for educational purposes only. We want to give credit where credit is due. Please contact us for any corrections.