McKee is lauded by many critics and guitarists as the most promising fingerstyle guitarist to arrive on the scene in some time. Born in 1979 in Topeka, Kansas, Andy began playing guitar on his 13th birthday when his father bought him a classical guitar. It was not long after that Andy got his first electric guitar and began emulating some of his favorite music of the time; Metallica, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, and Dream Theater.
Andy's 16th birthday was a pivotal moment in his life. A guitar playing cousin took him to an acoustic workshop by a guitarist named Preston Reed. Shortly after, Andy discovered the music of three other great acoustic guitarists; Michael Hedges, Don Ross, and Billy McLaughlin, all whom he considers as his primary musical influences today.
Composing was something Andy caught on to a little bit later and started writing when he was 20 years old. Andy released his first CD titled "Nocturne" in 2001 and competed in the prestigious National Fingerstyle Guitar Competition in Winfield, Kansas. He placed 3rd, making him the youngest competitor to ever place in the top 3.
In 2003, Andy began playing internationally beginning with a tour in Taiwan with renowned guitarists Jacques Stotzem, Isato Nakagawa, and Masaaki Kishibe. He also placed 1st in the Miscellaneous Acoustic Instrument contest in his home state of Kansas with the harpguitar. In 2004, Andy Released his 2nd CD titled "Dreamcatcher". With the title track, Andy won a competition to have a chance to perform on stage with bassist Michael Manring. Andy also won 1st place in the Kansas Fingerstyle Guitar Competition and 2nd in the Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition.
In the time since, Andy has performed in various parts of the world including Japan, China, Belgium, England, Canada, and will begin performing even more in the States now. In late 2005 Andy joined Candyrat record label alongside one of his biggest inspirations, Don Ross.
From Andy, "Most of all, I hope my music communicates something to the listener. I don't want to just play music with a lot of skill. I hope listening to my music is an emotional experience!"
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Àfrica
Andy McKee Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She's coming in, 12:30 flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say, "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you"
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what's right
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
(I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
(I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
(Ah, gonna take the time)
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
Andy McKee's song "Africa" has gained popularity since its release in 2010. The lyrics tell a story of a man who hears the drums of Africa echoing, while his companion hears only whispers of conversation. The man is on a journey and stops to seek advice from an old man who tells him to hurry because something is waiting for him. The next verse paints a picture of the African Safari with wild dogs crying out in the night as they seek solitary company. The singer of the story seeks to cure what's inside him, fearful of the person he's become. The chorus "I bless the rains down in Africa, gonna take some time to do the things we never had" reveals the desire of the singer to take their time and do the things they had never done before, taking pleasure in the rain and beauty of Africa. The song ends with a plea to hurry, as something is waiting for him.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear the drums echoing tonight
I hear the drums and sounds from my homeland and culture
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
However, my companion hears nothing but faint sounds of people talking
She's coming in, 12:30 flight
My companion arrives at night, by plane, at precisely 12:30
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
The airplane wings shine under the moonlight, reminding me of the stars that have guided me towards safety
I stopped an old man along the way
I stumbled upon an elderly man during my travels
Hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies
In search of lost words or melodies of the past
He turned to me as if to say, "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you"
The old man urged me to hurry, saying that what I was looking for was still out there
It's gonna take a lot to take me away from you
No force in the world can separate me from my loved one
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
Even an army of men could not separate us
I bless the rains down in Africa
I am grateful for the life-giving abundance of rain in my homeland of Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
We plan to enjoy and experience new things together
The wild dogs cry out in the night
As the wild dogs call out into the darkness
As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company
The dogs become uneasy and lonely
I know that I must do what's right
I understand my duty to do what is just and moral
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
Just as Kilimanjaro stands tall above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become
I am on a quest to heal myself and overcome my fears and insecurities
Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you
Once again, the old man urges me to hurry to my destiny and desired love
I bless the rains down in Africa
Again, expressing gratitude for the life-giving rains in Africa
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: David Paich, Jeff Porcaro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jason Reynolds
Went to school with andy at washburn rural 93-96. He was killer back then. He played hendrix at the battle of the bands in 95 and was spot on. Even back then I never saw him without a guitar on his shoulder; no matter the time or place. Cool guy, down to earth, quiet.
Durley 206
Oh
stageprojrc
Jason he inspired me... i went on to tour for years out of Texas and Nashville. Graduated WRHS class of 99’ James Croucher
Ayot Adhiambo
It's taken him quite a long time to perfect his guitar playing skills... Indeed, great things take time...
Sadie Platt
I love him dude. Grew up watching this with my dad
Gerard Da Silva
Who still trippin in 2020?!? This guy is so magic 🙏🏻
Kwang Kangsadan
2023 here : )
Randa El
2022
I II
2022 😊
Othon
2022 still