The band began as a ska group but quickly transcended the genre, mixing punk, reggae, rock, swing and jazz influences. They sing in both French and English, sometimes mixing the two in songs. Their third album, Dances of Resistance, was recorded in 2003 and largely has an anti-war theme. In 2009 they launched their latest album La Belle Étoile. Since then they are still on tour all over the world, from their own country France to other countries in Europe, but also to foreign places like Abu Dhabi and New Zealand.
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Mister Conqueror
Babylon Circus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What have you done to cfrica?
Hey Mr. Conqueror, tell me now
What have you done to cfrica
Dem were powerful kingdoms
Dem were organised nations
Dem were civilisations
With their own believes and traditions
Then di conquerors came down
With their chains and their guns
Educating the people
To keep them under their control
To keep them under their control
What would be cfrica today,
Me say me say, what would be cfrica today?
What would be cfrica today,
If Babylon had let dem make it their way
Would there be so much pain, every day
Would there be so many people running away?
Every day
People running away
What would be cfrica today, me say me say...
Competition, oh what a silly game
cfrican children don't do the same
Don't keep your mind on prosperity
Positive development is not what they say
Prosperity
Is not what they say
What would be cfrica today, me say me say...
What? What? What?
The lyrics of Babylon Circus' song "Mister Conqueror" address the impact of European colonization on Africa. The song begins by directly addressing the conqueror, calling them out and questioning what they have done to Africa. It goes on to highlight the powerful kingdoms, organized nations, and rich civilizations that existed in Africa before the arrival of the conquerors. These nations had their own beliefs and traditions, which were disrupted and suppressed by the conquerors.
The lyrics emphasize the brutal methods employed by the conquerors, mentioning chains and guns that were used to subjugate the African people. The conquerors sought to educate the people in a way that would keep them under their control, effectively eroding their own cultural identities. This notion is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "to keep them under their control."
The song then poses a thought-provoking question: what would Africa be today if the conquerors had allowed it to develop naturally, undisturbed by outside interference? The lyrics suggest that there would be less pain and fewer people driven to flee their homelands. The reality, however, is that the colonization of Africa has brought immense suffering and created a climate that lead to mass emigration.
The final part of the song criticizes the idea of competition and economic prosperity in Africa. It points out that the Western notion of development and prosperity does not necessarily align with the needs and values of the African people. The lyrics caution African children against adopting this mindset and instead advocate for a focus on positive development that is in line with their own culture and values.
Overall, "Mister Conqueror" serves as a powerful critique of colonialism and its lasting impact on Africa. It raises important questions about what could have been and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the continent. The song encourages listeners to reflect on the historical and contemporary issues faced by Africa and calls for a reevaluation of the dominant narratives surrounding its development.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Mr. Conqueror, would you tell me
Addressing the conqueror, asking for an explanation
What have you done to cfrica?
Questioning the actions of the conqueror in relation to Africa
Dem were powerful kingdoms
Referring to the historical African kingdoms that held significant power
Dem were organised nations
Highlighting the structured and well-organized nature of these nations
Dem were civilisations
Acknowledging the advanced civilizations that existed in Africa
With their own believes and traditions
Emphasizing the distinct beliefs and customs of these African civilizations
Then di conquerors came down
Describing the arrival of the conquerors
With their chains and their guns
Illustrating the oppressive tools and weapons brought by the conquerors
Educating the people
Referring to the manipulation and indoctrination of the African people
To keep them under their control
Explaining the purpose of the conquerors' education was to maintain dominance over the Africans
What would be cfrica today
Contemplating the current state of Africa
Me say me say, what would be cfrica today?
Reiterating the question about the potential development of Africa
If Babylon had let dem make it their way
Considering a different outcome if the conquerors had not imposed their will
Would there be so much pain, every day
Reflecting on the ongoing suffering and hardships in Africa
Would there be so many people running away?
Questioning the large number of individuals fleeing Africa
Every day, people running away
Highlighting the constant flow of people leaving Africa
Competition, oh what a silly game
Expressing a critical view of competition
cfrican children don't do the same
Contrasting the African children's approach to competition
Don't keep your mind on prosperity
Advising against solely focusing on material wealth
Positive development is not what they say
Challenging the notion that positive progress is being promoted
Prosperity is not what they say
Asserting that the conquerors' definition of prosperity is misleading
What would be cfrica today, me say me say...
Reiterating the question about the potential state and development of Africa
What? What? What?
Expressing confusion or disbelief
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Manuel Nectoux
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MusicCoca
what a great song!
Boban Nikolov
respect from Macedonia,god bless you brothers.
rafal .romanek
spread d revolution! bless!
r0drig0mbia
cool... thx for the lyrics XD