johannesburg
Anti-Nowhere League Lyrics

The victims of oppression
Referring to the oppressed individuals of South Africa, who have been subjected to various forms of discrimination and injustice.

I had a vision of a new world
Imagining a hopeful and optimistic future of South Africa, free from oppression and turmoil.

Another hidden in the southern plain
A new world that is yet to be discovered, far away from the conflicts and wars in the west.

Far away from the western wars
Escaping from the wars and conflicts of the western regions.

And in this land we shall start again
Starting anew in South Africa, building a society free from oppression and injustice.

But in his anger...is a nation broken in two
Despite the hope and vision of a new world, South Africa is deeply divided, with anger and resentment simmering beneath the surface.

And the doors of ? shall be open for the chosen few
Unclear. The missing word makes this line impossible to interpret.

And we call this land South Africa
Referring to South Africa, the land where the oppressed and the hopeful come together to build a better future.

The Cape of hope to a northern star
South Africa represents a beacon of hope and promise, guiding the way towards a better tomorrow.

But that hope and peace will never be far
Despite the challenges and obstacles, there is always hope for peace and harmony in South Africa.

Johannesburg
Repeating the name of the city as a symbol of the aspirations and struggles of South Africa.

And we raise our children
Referring to the next generation of South Africans, who will shape the future of the nation.

By the blade and bullet they learn
Children are forced to learn the harsh realities of violence and conflict, as they grow up in a society plagued with turmoil and unrest.

But unrest in the homeland
Referencing the political, social, and economic instability that have plagued South Africa for decades.

Crowds gather, the township burns
Illustrating the violent clashes and protests that have erupted in South Africa's impoverished townships, fueled by anger and frustration.

We stand divided
The people of South Africa are deeply divided, with different groups of people fighting for their own interests and agendas.

But together we will show them all
Despite the divisions and conflicts, the people of South Africa can come together to achieve great things and overcome their challenges.

We can stand for so long
South Africans have shown incredible resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, enduring hardship and struggle for years.

We break away for the good of us all
Ultimately, South Africans must unite and work together to break free from the cycle of violence, conflict, and oppression.

Here's to the future
Looking forward to the future, with hope and optimism for a better tomorrow.

To a future we may never see
Acknowledging that the future of South Africa is uncertain and unpredictable, and the people may never see the fruits of their labor.

Here's to the brave new world
Celebrating the courage and strength of South Africans, who remain hopeful and determined to build a better world.

May we live in harmony
Expressing the desire for peace, unity, and prosperity for all the people of South Africa.

...
The ellipsis signifies a continuation of the song, or an open-ended resolution that leaves the future of South Africa up to the listener's interpretation.