Jimmy Cliff’s ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ Hits 100 Million Streams On Spotify

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff‘s iconic song You Can Get It If You Really Want has just surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.

This is his second track to reach this milestone on the platform, following I Can See Clearly Now, which currently boasts 184 million streams.

Originally released in July 1970, You Can Get It If You Really Want has proven its enduring appeal over the decades. Interestingly, within weeks of Cliff’s release, fellow Jamaican singer Desmond Dekker recorded his version of the song. Dekker’s rendition became a major hit initially, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. Today, Dekker’s version has garnered over 17 million streams on Spotify.

The song’s popularity soared thanks to the 1972 film The Harder They Come, which featured Cliff in the lead role and four of his compositions, including You Can Get It If You Really Want. This film played a crucial role in introducing Reggae music to a global audience and is considered one of the Caribbean’s greatest cinematic exports.

In an interview with British singer Estelle for Apple Music’s Essentials Radio, Cliff discussed the song’s personal significance. “It’s an inspirational song,” he explained.  

“It came to me at one of the moments in my life when I was motivating myself. Songwriting is like this for me at least. Some songs are autobiographical, in some songs you are describing a situation; that was an autobiographical song that I was inspiring myself.”

The track’s popularity has extended far beyond the 70s, featuring in numerous films and TV shows over the years. It has graced the soundtracks of movies such as Fool’s Gold (2008), Hitch (2005), Something’s Gotta Give (2003), The Match (1999), and Speed 2 (1997), as well as TV series like I Am Groot (2022), Baywatch (1994), and Miami Vice (1986).

As Cliff approaches his 80th birthday on July 30, this streaming milestone adds another accolade to his illustrious career.

The Jamaican artist, born James Chambers, has long been recognized as a pioneer in bringing reggae to international audiences. His contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades, including Jamaica’s Order of Merit and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®, an honor he shares with fellow icon Bob Marley.

His Grammy successes further evidence Cliff’s impact on the music industry. In 1986, he became the first Jamaican solo act to win a Grammy Award for his album Cliff Hanger. The seven-time Grammy nominee secured another win in 2013 for his album Rebirth, both in the Best Reggae Album category.