The phrase “sitting in limbo” perfectly encapsulates a feeling of suspension, of being in an in-between state, waiting for resolution or direction. It’s a feeling that resonates across generations and circumstances. Interestingly, a song titled “Sitting In Limbo,” originally released in the early 1970s, captures this sentiment with remarkable grace and enduring appeal. This reggae tune, penned by Jimmy Cliff, has not only become a classic in its own right but has also been reinterpreted by a diverse range of artists, each bringing their unique flavor to its timeless message.
This exploration delves into the heart of “Sitting In Limbo,” starting with Jimmy Cliff’s foundational reggae version. We will then journey through captivating cover versions by the Jerry Garcia Band and The Neville Brothers, showcasing the song’s versatility and the different musical landscapes it can inhabit.
Jimmy Cliff and the Original “Sitting In Limbo”
Jimmy Cliff stands as a towering figure in reggae music, alongside Bob Marley and Toots Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals. These three Jamaican artists were instrumental in propelling reggae from its local roots onto the global stage. Cliff, a singer-songwriter and actor born in Jamaica in 1948, displayed prodigious songwriting talent from a young age. By 14, he had begun a fruitful collaboration with producer Leslie Kong, leading to a contract with Island Records, a major Jamaican label.
Image of a young Jimmy Cliff performing, circa 1970. Alt text: Jimmy Cliff performing live in the early 1970s, a pioneer of reggae music.
While Cliff achieved some initial success, his career truly ascended in 1972 with his starring role in “The Harder They Come,” a groundbreaking film that brought reggae music to a wider international audience. This movie is considered a landmark in reggae cinema, introducing the genre’s vibrant sounds and culture to the world.
“Sitting In Limbo” first appeared on Cliff’s 1971 album, “Another Cycle.” Co-written with Guilly Bright and recorded at the renowned Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, this track, despite not being released as a single, became a notable song in his repertoire. The lyrics poignantly depict a state of waiting and anticipation, a theme that resonates universally.
The lyrics themselves are simple yet profound:
Sitting here in limbo
But I know it won’t be long
Sitting here in limbo
Like a bird without a song
[CHORUS]
Well, they’re putting up resistance
But I know that my faith
Will lead me on
Sitting here in limbo
Waiting for the dice to roll
Sitting here in limbo
Got some time to search my soul
[CHORUS]
I don’t know where life will lead me
But I know where I’ve been
I can’t say what life will show me
But I know what I’ve seen
Cliff’s tenor voice imbues the song with a gentle sweetness, creating an atmosphere of hopeful patience within the “limbo.” While not as widely recognized as some of his other hits, “Sitting In Limbo” has garnered attention over the years, notably through its inclusion in the soundtrack of the 2013 movie “Warm Bodies,” a zombie romantic comedy.
Movie poster for “Warm Bodies” (2013), featuring “Sitting In Limbo” on its soundtrack. Alt text: “Warm Bodies” movie poster, a zombie love story that featured Jimmy Cliff’s “Sitting In Limbo” adding thematic depth.
In “Warm Bodies,” the song takes on an additional layer of meaning, reflecting the zombie characters’ existence in a state of undeath, suspended between their former lives and potential transformation.
Jimmy Cliff’s enduring career is a testament to his talent and impact on music. Beyond his musical achievements, he is the only living Jamaican musician to receive the Order of Merit from his government, a high honor. His journey has included a period of Rastafarianism, a conversion to Islam, and a current leaning towards scientific rationalism, showcasing a constantly evolving intellectual and spiritual path. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 further solidifies his legendary status.
Jerry Garcia Band’s Jam-Infused Rendition of “Sitting In Limbo”
Jerry Garcia, a pivotal figure in 20th-century rock music, is best known as the lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead. Born in San Francisco in 1942, Garcia’s musical journey began with bluegrass and folk banjo before he co-founded the Grateful Dead in 1965. His guitar playing was famously eclectic, drawing from folk, jazz, blues, country, and rock and roll, characterized by extensive improvisation. No two Garcia guitar solos were ever quite the same.
While the Grateful Dead operated as a collective, Garcia was often perceived as its central figure. Despite the band’s rigorous touring schedule, Garcia engaged in numerous side projects, most notably the Jerry Garcia Band. This band, with its fluctuating lineup but consistent presence of bassist John Kahn, explored a wide range of musical styles.
The Jerry Garcia Band in concert, circa 1983. Alt text: Jerry Garcia Band performing live in 1983, known for their improvisational and genre-blending music.
The Jerry Garcia Band embraced R&B, reggae, gospel, and American folk music. Their repertoire included reggae covers from Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff. Their live performance of “Sitting In Limbo” exemplifies Garcia’s improvisational genius.
In their rendition, captured in a March 1980 concert, the Jerry Garcia Band uses “Sitting In Limbo” as a springboard for extended musical exploration. Garcia’s six-minute guitar solo meanders through various musical landscapes, and keyboardist Ozzie Albers follows suit with a similarly adventurous solo. This version transforms Cliff’s gentle tune into a sprawling jam, highlighting the band’s improvisational prowess and Garcia’s unique guitar style.
The Grateful Dead’s counter-culture ethos and their devoted fanbase, the “Deadheads,” are legendary. Their concerts were known for unique setlists, fostering a culture of comparing performances and collecting recordings. Despite their relaxed approach to fan recordings, the band built a successful brand, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Garcia’s health suffered due to years of touring and substance abuse. He faced diabetes and other health issues, culminating in his tragic death in 1995 at the age of 53. Despite his struggles, Jerry Garcia’s musical legacy remains immense. He is considered the most recorded guitarist in history, with thousands of Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band concert recordings. Even after his passing, his music lives on through “Dead & Co,” a band featuring former Grateful Dead members and guitarist John Mayer, keeping the spirit of the Dead alive.
The Neville Brothers’ Soulful Take on “Sitting In Limbo”
The Neville Brothers, hailing from New Orleans, were a unique musical force. Comprising brothers Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril, their music was a rich blend of Native American, Caucasian, and African-American influences, deeply rooted in the New Orleans musical tradition.
They officially formed in 1976, initially to participate in a recording project with their uncle’s group, the Wild Tchoupitoulas. Their music soon garnered recognition, and in 1988, their instrumental “Healing Chant” won a Grammy Award. The Neville Brothers became synonymous with the New Orleans music scene, regularly headlining the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival for many years.
The Neville Brothers lineup (from left to right): Charles, Aaron, Art, and Cyril. Alt text: The Neville Brothers, iconic New Orleans musical family, known for blending funk, R&B, and soul.
While performing together, each brother also pursued individual projects. Art Neville co-founded the funk band The Meters, and Aaron Neville achieved significant solo success, particularly in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like “Tell It Like It Is” and collaborations with Linda Ronstadt, even earning a country Grammy Award.
The Neville Brothers’ live performance of “Sitting In Limbo,” recorded in 1991 at the New Orleans Municipal Auditorium, showcases their soulful R&B interpretation of the reggae tune. With Art Neville on keyboards and lead vocals, they transform the song into a deeply soulful and rhythmically rich experience.
This rendition highlights their tight ensemble playing and their ability to infuse any song with their distinctive New Orleans sound. This performance also serves as a tribute to Art and Charles Neville, who have since passed away, leaving behind a legacy as key figures in American music. The Neville Brothers’ versatility spanned funk, R&B, soul, and beyond, making them true ambassadors of New Orleans musical heritage.
The Enduring Resonance of “Sitting In Limbo”
“Sitting In Limbo,” in its various iterations, speaks to a universal human experience. Whether in Jimmy Cliff’s gentle reggae original, the Jerry Garcia Band’s improvisational jam, or the Neville Brothers’ soulful R&B rendition, the song’s core message of waiting, hope, and inner reflection remains potent. It’s a song that finds new relevance in different contexts, offering solace and a sense of shared experience in times of uncertainty. As we navigate our own periods of “limbo,” the song’s reassuring mantra, “Well, they’re putting up resistance, but I know that my faith will lead me on,” provides a timeless message of resilience and hope.
Source Material:
Wikipedia, Another Cycle
Wikipedia, Jimmy Cliff
Wikipedia, Jerry Garcia Band
Wikipedia, Jerry Garcia
Wikipedia, The Neville Brothers
