Open & Close
Fela Kuti Lyrics
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Called open and close
We're going to sing and tell you
About open and close
I want to tell you a story
No be story o
I beg
I want to tell you a story
No be story o
I want to tell you a story
E no be story?
At all, very very at all
Very very at all
Dey say e no be story o
The tin wey e be
Dem go tell us now
I want to tell you a story
No be story o
I want to tell you a story
Wetin he be o o,
ah
E be dance
Wetin e be o o, ah
Tell me wetin dem dey call am
Open and close
Tell me wetin dem dey call am
Open and close
Put your leg and arm together
Open and close
Put your leg and arm together
Open and close
Throw your leg and arm away
Open and close
Throw your leg and arm away
Open and close
Bend your yansh like black man
Open and close
Bend your yansh like black man
Open and close
Open and close o
Open and close
Ah, ah, ah
Open and close
Ah, ah, ah
Open and close
Oooo, ah
I want to show you
How to do open and close
All you have to do
Is just open your arms and legs at the same time
And close your legs and arms at the same time
To the beat
Like this
Open, close
Open, close
Open, close
Open, close
Open and close
Open and close
Open and close
Open
I want to tell you a story
No be story o
I want to tell you a story
Wetin he be o o, ah
E be dance
Wetin he be o o, ah
E be dance
Tell me wetin dem dey call am
Open and close
Tell me wetin dem dey call am
Open and close
Put your leg and arm together
Open and close
Throw your leg and arm away
Open and close
Bend your yansh like black man
Open and close
Ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah
Eh, open and close
Open and close
Open and close o
Open and close
Ah, ah, ah
Eh!
The lyrics to Fela Kuti's "Open and Close" describe a new dance that has emerged, also called the "Open and Close." Fela and his band sing and tell a story about the dance and encourage the audience to join in. The dance involves opening and closing your arms and legs to the beat of the music, throwing your arms and legs away, and bending your "yansh" like a black man. The song lyrics emphasize the importance of participation and dancing, as well as celebrating Black culture and pride.
The song "Open and Close" is known for its upbeat, catchy rhythm and danceable beat. The lyrics center around Fela's love for dance and the West African tradition of using music and dance as a way to express joy and celebrate community. The use of West African slang and dialect adds to the authenticity and cultural significance of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
This is a new dance
Introducing a new dance style
Called open and close
The name of the new dance is 'open and close'
We're going to sing and tell you
The singer wants to educate about the dance
About open and close
The subject of the song is the dance 'open and close'
I want to tell you a story
The singer wants to narrate a tale
No be story o
It's not a 'story' but a true account
I beg
The singer asks the listener to pay attention
E no be story?
Is it not a true account?
At all, very very at all
Not in the least
Dey say e no be story o
They confirm that it's not a 'story'
The tin wey e be
What it is
Dem go tell us now
It will soon be revealed
Wetin he be o o, ah
What is it?
E be dance
It's a dance
Tell me wetin dem dey call am
What is its name?
Put your leg and arm together
Bring your limbs in contact
Throw your leg and arm away
Extend your limbs
Bend your yansh like black man
Move your buttocks like an African
Open and close o
Perform 'open and close'
I want to show you
The singer wants to demonstrate
How to do open and close
The singer wants to teach the dance steps
All you have to do
The dance is easy
Is just open your arms and legs at the same time
Extend both limbs simultaneously
And close your legs and arms at the same time
Bring both limbs in contact at the same time
To the beat
In rhythm
Like this
As demonstrated
Open, close
Perform the dance steps
Eh, open and close
Perform the dance steps
Contributed by Gabriel R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ph1i1
I had this playing on my speaker while I was in my local Sainsbury's a few days ago. The African security guy walked past and asked are you listening to Fela Kuti? The following conversation went on for about 30minutes. The conversation was concluded about forgiveness. I've gone through hell in the last few weeks and this security guard told me that you have to forgive people, even if they have harmed you and you did nothing to deserve it. Thanks Fela Kuti and to the security guard
@TheRed966
Beautiful story, friend. I hope 2021 brings your forgiveness and healing ✌🏼
@jethrojangles9541
"I know you aint stealing that babyfood and tylenol so you can re-sell it, but I can't let you endanger my job. Sorry" - the forgiveness man
@danielaalfonso5006
Did you even ask his name? To the security guard? :v
@RussRockwell
@jethrojangles "Even though I just read a great story about human kindness and empathy the Negativity Bias within me still makes me piss on your parade, sorry" - The shit sandwich man
@extanegautham8950
God bless him. Efharisto poli. Its so nice when you meet total strangers that help you on deep emotional levels...meta meditation has helped me with forgiveness....
@akinwaleakinrolabu792
Fela kuti was ahead of his time. My father introduced me to his music. I’m currently blasting this to my 3 month old son as we speak.
@LayeDiaw
Stupid commercials
@micshaz
good choice :)
@GomezganiSaka
Fela is Forever!!!