リターン・トゥ・アフリカ
ゴダイゴ Lyrics


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Don't turn your back on me
Or try to run away from me
The truth is plain to see
Of what you've done to me

We once were simple and true
Strong but gentle, too
You wanted to be on top
You began but wouldn't stop
You cut me down and hurt me
You tried to conquer me

You ravaged me, sure and slow
I was left only a shadow
You lost yourself somewhere
'Cause you started not to care

Return, return, return, return to Africa
Regain, regain, regain, regain your heart again
Take the long road home
There's nothing you can own
Here in Africa
I'm waiting here for you
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa

We once were simple and true
Strong but gentle, too

Blood is on your hands
It's soaked into the land
You've started wondering
Is this what you were wanting

I hold the secret key
To what you really need
The key to rediscovery of the soul in you and me

Return, return, return, return to Africa
Regain, regain, regain, regain your heart again
Take the long road home
There's nothing you can own
Here in Africa
I'm waiting here for you
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa

Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa




Return, return, return, return to Africa
Return, return, return, return to Africa

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of ゴダイゴ's song リターン・トゥ・アフリカ ("Return to Africa") tell a story of betrayal and longing for a return to one's roots. The singer pleads with someone not to turn their back or run away, highlighting the truth of the pain inflicted upon them. The first verse paints a picture of a once simple and true relationship, where strength and gentleness coexisted. However, things changed when the person desired power and began a relentless pursuit. They cut the singer down, causing harm and trying to conquer them. As a result, the singer feels ravaged and reduced to a shadow, while the other person loses their own sense of self and care.


The chorus emphasizes the yearning for a return to Africa, not only as a physical destination but also as a metaphorical journey back to one's core and authenticity. The singer suggests that by returning to Africa, one can regain their heart and rediscover what truly matters. The idea of taking the long road home implies that this process will not be easy or quick, and material possessions hold no value in comparison to finding oneself. The singer awaits this return, holding the "secret key" to what the person truly needs - a rediscovery of their soul.


Overall, リターン・トゥ・アフリカ expresses a desire to escape the pain of betrayal and find solace, healing, and self-rediscovery in Africa.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't turn your back on me
Do not ignore or abandon me


Or try to run away from me
Do not attempt to escape or avoid me


The truth is plain to see
The reality of the situation is clear and evident


Of what you've done to me
Of the actions and consequences caused by you


We once were simple and true
We used to be straightforward and sincere


Strong but gentle, too
Empowered yet kind-hearted


You wanted to be on top
You desired to be in control or dominant


You began but wouldn't stop
You initiated something but refused to cease


You cut me down and hurt me
You belittled and harmed me


You tried to conquer me
You attempted to overpower or subdue me


You ravaged me, sure and slow
You gradually and confidently devastated me


I was left only a shadow
I was reduced to a mere semblance of my former self


You lost yourself somewhere
You became disconnected from your true essence


'Cause you started not to care
Because you began to lack concern or interest


Return, return, return, return to Africa
Come back, come back, come back, come back to Africa


Regain, regain, regain, regain your heart again
Reclaim, recover, retrieve, regain your emotional essence once more


Take the long road home
Embark on a lengthy journey towards finding your true self


There's nothing you can own
There is nothing material that truly belongs to you


Here in Africa
In this land of Africa


I'm waiting here for you
I am patiently anticipating your return


Blood is on your hands
You bear the guilt and responsibility for causing harm or suffering


It's soaked into the land
It has permeated and affected the very soil


You've started wondering
You have begun to question or reflect


Is this what you were wanting
Is this the outcome you desired or intended


I hold the secret key
I possess the hidden solution or answer


To what you really need
To fulfill your true necessities


The key to rediscovery of the soul in you and me
The essential means to reawaken the spirit within both of us




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michio Yamagami, Yoko Narahashi, Yukihide Takekawa

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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