William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is a Brit… Read Full Bio ↴William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is a British singer, songwriter, musician and actor. He also holds United States citizenship. He first achieved fame in the 1970s emerging from the London punk rock scene as the lead singer of the group Generation X. Subsequently, he embarked on a solo career which led to international recognition and made Idol a lead artist during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in the US. The name "Billy Idol" was inspired by a schoolteacher's description of him as "idle".

Idol began his music career in late 1976 as a guitarist in the punk rock band Chelsea. However, he soon left the group. With his former bandmate Tony James, Idol formed Generation X. With Idol as lead singer, the band achieved success in the United Kingdom and released three studio albums on Chrysalis Records, then disbanded. In 1981, Idol moved to New York City to pursue his solo career in collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens. His debut studio album, Billy Idol (1982), was a commercial success. With music videos for singles "Dancing with Myself" and "White Wedding" Idol soon became a staple of then newly-established MTV.

Idol's second studio album, Rebel Yell (1983), was a major commercial success, featuring hit singles "Rebel Yell" and "Eyes Without a Face". The album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipment of two million copies in the US. In 1986, he released Whiplash Smile. Having accumulated three UK top 10 singles ("Rebel Yell", "White Wedding" and "Mony Mony"), Idol released a 1988 greatest hits album titled Idol Songs: 11 of the Best; the album went platinum in the United Kingdom. Idol then released Charmed Life (1990) and the concept album Cyberpunk (1993).

Idol spent the second half of the 1990s focusing on his personal life out of the public eye. He made a musical comeback with the release of Devil's Playground (2005) and again with Kings & Queens of the Underground (2014).

Congo Man
Billy Idol Lyrics

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Billy Idol
Miscellaneous
Congo Man
Now, ma ma-e, ma ma-e
Ma ma-e, ma ma-e...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Billy Idol's song "Congo Man" may seem enigmatic at first glance, but upon closer inspection, they reveal a strong connection to African tribal music and rhythms. The repeated phrase "ma ma-e" is reminiscent of the chant-style vocals commonly found in African tribal music and adds a layer of authenticity to the song's message. The repetition of this phrase also represents the idea of a rhythmic cycle, mirroring the cyclical nature of life in African cultures.

Furthermore, the song's driving percussion and guitar riffs evoke the energy and vitality of African tribal dances, creating a sense of movement and urgency throughout the track. The lyrics also speak to the complex relationship between colonialism and African tradition, referencing the "black man's land" and the "white man's home." This suggests a struggle for power and cultural dominance that is still relevant today. Overall, Billy Idol's "Congo Man" represents a powerful and dynamic tribute to African music and culture.

Line by Line Meaning

Now, ma ma-e, ma ma-e
Right now, oh my goodness, oh my goodness,

Ma ma-e, ma ma-e
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness,

Writer(s): KEITH FORSEY, BILLY IDOL

Contributed by Nicholas A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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