Birth of a New Age
Jeangu Macrooy Lyrics
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Your rhythm is rebellion, your rhythm is rebellion (oh-oh)
Deep currents running in the rivers of your eyes
Your rhythm is rebellion, your rhythm is rebellion (oh-oh)
They spat on your crown and they poisoned your ground
Your rhythm is rebellion, your rhythm is rebellion (oh-oh)
They burned your heroes at the stake
But your voice will echo all their names
This ain't the end, no
It's the birth of a new age
Yu no man broko mi
Yu no man broko mi
Yu no man broko, broko mi
Yu no man broko mi
Yu no man broko mi
Yu no man broko, broko mi (oh-oh)
Soul blazin' like a hurricane
Your rhythm is rebellion (mmm-mhm), your rhythm is rebellion (oh-oh)
Spirit roaring wild like untamed flames
Your rhythm is rebellion (oh yeah), your rhythm is rebellion (oh-oh)
They buried your gods, they imprisoned your thoughts
Your rhythm is rebellion, your rhythm is rebellion (oh-oh)
They tried to drain you of your faith
But you are the rage that melts the chains
This ain't the end, no
It's the birth of a new age
We are the fruit, adorning the legacy
Of every forgotten revolutionary
Born in resilience, proud like a lion
We are the birth of a new age
Yu no man broko mi (yeah)
Yu no man broko mi (mm-hmm)
Yu no man broko, broko mi (mi na afu sensi)
Yu no man broko mi (yu no man)
Yu no man broko mi (yu no man)
Yu no man broko, broko mi (mi na afu sensi)
Yu no man broko mi
Yu no man broko mi
Yu no man broko, broko mi (mi na afu sensi)
Yu no man broko mi
Yu no man broko mi
Yu no man broko, broko mi (mi na afu sensi)
Jeangu Macrooy's song "Birth of a New Age" is a powerful anthem that celebrates resistance and resilience in the face of colonial oppression. The lyrics are a testament to the strength of spirit that allows individuals and communities to withstand centuries of abuse, exploitation, and marginalization.
The opening lines, "Skin as rich as the starlit night / Your rhythm is rebellion," establish a connection between the beauty of Blackness and the power of resistance. The image of the night sky is a metaphor for the vastness and complexity of African culture, which has been systematically eroded and suppressed by colonial powers. Yet, the "rhythm" of this culture, its music, dance, and oral traditions, continues to inspire and motivate resistance movements across the continent and the diaspora.
The second verse, "Soul blazin' like a hurricane / Your rhythm is rebellion," draws a parallel between the power of nature and the power of resistance. The hurricane is an emblem of destruction and chaos, but also of renewal and regeneration. In the same way, the spirit of resistance can be a disruptive force, challenging the status quo and dismantling structures of oppression, but it can also be a catalyst for change and progress.
In the chorus, "Yu no man broko mi" ("You can't break me"), Jeangu Macrooy asserts his own resilience and that of his people. He refers to "every forgotten revolutionary," those who have fought and died for a better future, and reminds us that their legacy lives on in the continued struggle for justice and liberation.
Overall, "Birth of a New Age" is a celebration of cultural heritage, political resistance, and human dignity. It is a call to action, an anthem for those who refuse to be broken by colonial violence and who continue to fight for a brighter tomorrow.
Line by Line Meaning
(Oh-oh) Skin as rich as the starlit night
Your skin, like the night sky, shines with diversity and beauty.
Your rhythm is rebellion, your rhythm is rebellion (oh-oh)
Your unique style and attitude defy societal norms and expectations.
Deep currents running in the rivers of your eyes
Your eyes hold a depth of emotion and experience that is evident to all who look.
They spat on your crown and they poisoned your ground
Those in power have oppressed and harmed you and your community.
They burned your heroes at the stake
The advocates and leaders that came before you have been unjustly punished for their activism.
But your voice will echo all their names
You will continue to honor and remember those who fought for change before you.
This ain't the end, no
Despite the challenges faced, your spirit and cause will persist.
It's the birth of a new age
A new era is upon us, where diverse voices and experiences are celebrated and change is possible.
Yu no man broko mi
You cannot break me down or defeat me.
Soul blazin' like a hurricane
Your passion is bold and unstoppable, like the force of a powerful storm.
Spirit roaring wild like untamed flames
Your determination and drive cannot be contained or controlled, like the intensity of flames without a source.
They buried your gods, they imprisoned your thoughts
Those in power have attempted to control your beliefs and restrict your freedom of expression.
They tried to drain you of your faith
Those in power have attempted to undermine your confidence and hope in the face of adversity.
But you are the rage that melts the chains
Your powerful spirit will overcome any obstacles or oppression and break free from the constraints that hold you back.
We are the fruit, adorning the legacy
Your generation is a continuation of the work and activism of those who came before you.
Of every forgotten revolutionary
Honoring those who fought for change and justice but have been neglected or overlooked in history.
Born in resilience, proud like a lion
Your resilience and strength are inherent qualities, and you are unashamed and confident in who you are and what you stand for.
mi na afu sensi
This phrase is in Surinamese and translates to 'I am of the opinion that'. It is a declaration of personal belief or perspective.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jeangu Macrooy, Pieter Perquin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@EurovisionSongContest
Add or download the song to your playlist: https://Eurovision.lnk.to/ESC2021ID
Read more about Jeangu Macrooy: https://eurovision.tv/participant/jeangu-macrooy-2021
You can also find the lyrics in the YouTube description.
@UK12Points
12 points from a broccoli lover because this host entry is an ode to Lion King.
@meowpoosaymeow
Nah I am bored but good luck 🥰💫
@henkmaat8410
@@meowpoosaymeow @nerd01!,same here awful Bad Song i’m Dutch but i don’t like this Song at al!!
@UK12Points
🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦
@allstars4712
Truly awesome & brilliantly stunning...!!! The Netherlands did it again...!!!
@lenoxify
Unpopular opinion: Europe wasn’t ready to be confronted with the truth of this masterpiece.
@edvardskalva
this is my favorite so far
@lachlanferguson5550
This is just too good for Eurovision. Stunning song. It cuts right to the heart. I love the poetry of the lyrics and the deep velvet vocals.
@Soosieq23
I totally agree...this song is soo good. I m Surinamese myself.
They were not ready for this.
This song didn t get the recognition it should have