The oppressors cannot keep Jimmy Cliff down as his 1970s hit song “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” becomes certified Silver in the U.K.. This is Cliff’s second career certification in as many months.
Written by Jimmy Cliff himself, “You Can Get It If You Really Want” was released via Island Records as a single, then Desmond Dekker recorded and released a version, within weeks of Cliff’s, that became a massive international hit, climbing to No. 2 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart.
The song is a message of optimism, urging listeners to stay determined and focused on their goals, no matter the obstacles in their path. Its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and infectious rhythm quickly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
In addition to its chart success in the UK, Dekker’s version also made waves in other international markets, reaching No. 4 in Ireland and South Africa, charting in Australia at No. 12, Belgium (35), and No 17 in the Netherlands. It also peaked on US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard) and No. 3
In the UK, the song’s success was part of a wider wave of reggae music’s growing popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was a time when artists like Dekker and Cliff were helping to introduce reggae to a global audience.
The song’s cultural impact was further solidified through its inclusion in various films, TV shows, and compilations. In the 1972 film The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff’s original version of the song was the most popular song from the soundtrack, helping to further cement reggae’s place in the global cultural zeitgeist.
In 2010, Dekker’s version was included in the soundtrack of the British film Made in Dagenham, which chronicled the 1968 Ford sewing machinists strike. Other notable appearances of the song include its use in the 1997 film Speed 2: Cruise Control, the 2005 romantic comedy Hitch starring Will Smith, and the 2012 animated feature The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!
The UK’s Jamaican-origin reggae band The Cimarons released their own version in 1974. Other notable covers include those by Italian pop singer Sabrina, American ska band The Siren Six, and French singer Johnny Hallyday, who recorded a version in French titled T’as le bonjour de l’amour in 1979.
Jimmy Cliff’s original version, along with Dekker’s cover, has been included in numerous compilation albums, including Dekker’s version on the 2012 triple-disc set Now That’s What I Call Reggae.
