Keep on Pushing

The Impressions

About Keep on Pushing

"Keep On Pushing" is a 1964 single by The Impressions. The single became the group's sixth Top 40 single, and a Top 10 Pop smash, peaking at number ten. It went to number one for two weeks on the Cash Box R&B chart. It was one of the songs sung in the Civil Rights Movement in America during the turbulent 1960s and was the title song of The Impressions' Top 10 hit album, Keep On Pushing. The title was mentioned in-between the lyrics, by Curtis Mayfield in the Impressions rendition of the Negro Spiritual "Amen". (1964). The album (cover) is one of several featured on the Front Cover of the Bob Dylan's 1965 album Bringing it all back home, praise enough. Decades later, the song was used as the theme to the 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote address by then-Illinois State Senator Barack Obama, who endorsed U. S. Senator John Kerry for President. It was even featured in the 1995 film Dead Presidents. 


Year:
2000
2:37
25 

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Keep on pushing
Keep on pushing

I've got to keep on pushing (mmm-hmm)
I can't stop now
Move up a little higher
Some way, somehow

'Cause I've got my strength
And it don't make sense
Not to keep on pushing

Hallelujah, hallelujah
Keep on pushing

Now maybe some day (mmm-hmm)
I'll reach that higher goal
I know I can make it
With just a little bit of soul
'Cause I've got my strength
And it don't make sense
Not to keep on pushing

Now look-a look (look-a look)
A-look-a yonder
What's that I see
A great big stone wall
Stands there ahead of me
But I've got my pride
And I'll move on aside
And keep on pushing

Hallelujah,  hallelujah
Keep on pushing

Keep on pushing, what'd I say
Keep on pushing, well it's all right
Keep on pushing

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The Impressions

The Impressions are an American music group from Chicago, originally formed in 1958. Their repertoire includes doo-wop, gospel, soul, and R&B. more »

2 fans

Written by: CURTIS L MAYFIELD

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Context
"Keep On Pushing" was written and recorded by the iconic American music group, The Impressions, at a time when the civil rights movement was at its peak in the United States. The song served as an anthem of hope and encouraged African Americans to keep fighting for their rights.
Song Function
The song transcended its entertainment purpose to occupy a crucial role in society and history: as an instrument of positive reinforcement for the African-American community during the struggle for civil rights.
Song Release
"Keep On Pushing" was released as a single track approximately in 1964 under the ABC-Paramount record label, and consequently as part of the eponymous album.
Chart Performance
The song enjoyed substantial success. It reached the number 10 spot in the Billboard Hot 100 chart and held the number 1 position on the Billboard R&B chart.
Songwriter
Curtis Mayfield, a leading member of The Impressions, is credited with writing "Keep On Pushing". Mayfield is renowned for his socially-conscious and inspirational lyrics.
Movie Soundtrack
Popular movie "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit," used "Keep On Pushing" in its soundtrack, which further increased the song's popularity.
Subsequent Usage
Over the years, "Keep On Pushing" has been used in various political campaigns. Its message of perseverance and hope has resonated with many global civil rights movements, demonstrating the song's timeless appeal.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "Keep On Pushing," including The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, and John Mayer, among others, showing the widespread influence of the song.
Recognition
In 2016, the Library of Congress selected "Keep On Pushing" for preservation in the National Recording Registry because of its "cultural, historical, or artistic significance".
Cultural and Racial Influence
"Keep On Pushing" is commonly recognized as one of the songs that leveraged music as a powerful tool for communicating the struggles and dreams of the black community during the civil rights movement.

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    Keep on Pushing

    23,907
    505     35

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1964

    Billboard #10


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