Beautiful Nubia (given names: Segun Akinlolu) is Nigeria’s foremost contemp… Read Full Bio ↴Beautiful Nubia (given names: Segun Akinlolu) is Nigeria’s foremost contemporary folk and roots musician. The poet, songwriter and bandleader has been described by the Nigerian press as “One of those who have come to redeem the image of traditional African music” (The Vanguard, 2001) and as “Nigeria’s King of Melody” (National Mirror, 2006).

Segun Akinlolu was born in Ibadan, Nigeria in 1968 and started writing poems and songs at an early age. He graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1992 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and worked as a Vet Doctor in Nigeria for about 8 years before becoming a full-time artist. He also has a post-graduate diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. His songs, written in Yoruba and English, are built on rich folkloric traditions and native wisdom but the message is universal in thrust and theme. The music speaks for the voiceless and champions the dream of a balanced society where individuals are truly free. It preaches love and tolerance but also urges people to stand and defend their rights when trampled upon.

Beautiful Nubia has shared his music with audiences across Nigeria, other parts of Africa, Europe and North America. The music has garnered excellent reviews in leading African/world music publications. It has been nominated for music awards and topped international/world charts on community, grassroots and campus radio stations around the world. The 2002 album Jangbalajugbu made him a household name in Nigeria has sold in excess of a million copies.

Discography
Keere (2014); Oriojori-Eternal Spirits (2012); Sun No Dey Sleep (2011); Irinajo (2009); Kilòkilò (2007); Fere (2006); Awilele (2004); Jangbalajugbu (2002); Voice From Heaven (1999); Seven Lifes (1997)

Website: www.beautifulnubia.com

Children of the Sun
Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Some they say we live too fast
The times are too good to last
Some in their foolishness can't see the future
Written in our faces and hearts
We live in pain, we seem insane
We're reaching out for some believers
Could you be the one to wipe away these tears?
We are children of the sun riding to the future,

Children on the run...
Brethren to the stars, sisters to the hills and rivers
Could you be the one to drive away these pains?
Some they pass you by with a smile
Some will treat you with bile
Some in their weariness slouch by like ghosts
Life goes on in a haze
Wicked winters, sapping summers
We wait for the season of hope and joy
Could you be the one to drive away these fears?
We live in the city and countryside

We ride the wind and flow with the breeze
Could you be the one...?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Children of the Sun" by Beautiful Nubia and the Roots Renaissance Band reflect the frustrations, pains, and anxieties prevalent in the contemporary world. While some people believe that life is moving too quickly, others refuse to accept the changes occurring in society. The song writers argue that the future is written in our faces and hearts, and there is a need to find believers who can help wipe away tears, fears, and pains that come with living in a world where life goes on in a haze.

The song describes the struggles of ordinary people in both the city and the countryside, who are living through wicked winters and sapping summers, waiting for seasons of hope and joy. Amid all these struggles, the songwriters remind us that we are all children of the sun, riding to the future, and on the run. We are brothers and sisters to the stars, hills, and rivers, and we need to find someone who can drive away our fears and pains.

Overall, "Children of the Sun" is a call to action, reminding us that we need to reach out to one another and find someone who can help us navigate the challenges of life. We are all in this together, and we can only make it to the future by working together, supporting one another, and believing in a better tomorrow.

Line by Line Meaning

Some they say we live too fast
There are those who criticize our way of life, claiming that we move too quickly.

The times are too good to last
They believe that our prosperity and happiness are fleeting, and will not endure.

Some in their foolishness can't see the future
Some people, due to their own lack of wisdom or understanding, cannot perceive what lies ahead.

Written in our faces and hearts
However, we carry within us the knowledge and intuition of what is to come, which is evident in our expressions and emotions.

We live in pain, we seem insane
Despite this, we are burdened by various forms of suffering and hardship, which can make us appear crazy or overwhelmed.

We're reaching out for some believers
Therefore, we seek out others who share our vision and can offer us comfort and solidarity in our struggles.

Could you be the one to wipe away these tears?
We ask for their help in healing our emotional wounds and alleviating our sadness.

We are children of the sun riding to the future,
As a collective, we are like offspring of the sun (representing a bright and hopeful future), moving forward with optimism and confidence.

Children on the run...
We are constantly moving and adapting, like children at play, eagerly exploring new possibilities.

Brethren to the stars, sisters to the hills and rivers
We feel a strong sense of kinship with the natural world, and view the cosmos as our siblings and the earth as our family.

Could you be the one to drive away these pains?
We ask for their assistance in easing our physical and spiritual anguish.

Some they pass you by with a smile
There are those who may appear friendly and harmless in passing interactions.

Some will treat you with bile
However, there are others who are spiteful and will express their hatred and contempt towards you.

Some in their weariness slouch by like ghosts
There are also those who are drained and apathetic, resembling specters who lack vitality or purpose.

Life goes on in a haze
Despite these different types of people, life carries on in its usual pattern of confusion and uncertainty.

Wicked winters, sapping summers
We experience difficult and draining seasons, both literally and metaphorically.

We wait for the season of hope and joy
Nonetheless, we still hold out hope for a time when we can experience all the promise and happiness that life can offer.

Could you be the one to drive away these fears?
Again, we implore for someone to help us overcome our anxieties and apprehensions.

We live in the city and countryside
Whether we reside in urban or rural areas, we are all part of the same struggle and journey.

We ride the wind and flow with the breeze
We are flexible and adaptable, able to move with the currents of change and unpredictability.

Could you be the one...?
We pose this question once more, desperate for someone to provide guidance and comfort in our uncertain lives.

Contributed by Bella M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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