BONJAH have followed their acoustic roots and share a deep genuine love for playing music. Having already gathered a legion of fans in Melbourne and around Australia by playing and touring relentlessly, their reputation as an amazing live act is fast continuing to grow. There is a serious word of mouth buzz surrounding the band.
BONJAH have completed two well-received national tours on the East Coast and an extensive tour of the West Coast. Their experience at playing together is apparent -- their shows are natural and unscripted and combine soulful roots and funk/reggae grooves so well. The band are proud to say that they live off of their music -- from CD sales and shows -- since arriving from New Zealand. The critically acclaimed 9 track EP, ’Lemon Tree Bay’, named after the town that inspired the songs recently sold out of it’s third pressing. BONJAH recorded a show at The Evelyn to a packed house in late 2007, the CD called ’Looking for Life’ has 5 live tracks and 3 studio tracks, it is due to be released on Itunes on April 25th. It is available at shows. This is the beautiful organic sound of BONJAH.
Brother
Bonjah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wishing that time would wait but it won't wait for me.
My sister, how did you get back on your feet?
Telling me, stepping these streets will set my soul free.
But I sold mine... for a song on the sea
Just another, body, naked and cold.
Like a mirror on the wall they cover what she knows
Caught by the light, she's got nothing to hide
And she knows it...
Brother of a mind these vandals are taking my time
Will I learn? It's not easy
And nor does, a lover, sent to here
It's like a dessert in the mist and the mist won't clear
Oh sister, how did you get back on your feet?
Telling me stepping these streets will set my soul free
But I sold mine...
Brother of a mind these vandals are, taking my time
Will I learn? Will I burn? it's not easy
Sister of mine, the devil is awake and up in my mind
Will I learn? Will I burn? it's not easy
Holding on too long, when I know everything is just a lure
Brother of a mind these vandals are, taking my time
Will I learn? Will I burn? it's not easy
Sister of mine, the devil is awake and up in my mind
Willl I learn? Will I burn? It's not easy
Oh brother, help me get back on my feet.
The song "Brother" by Bonjah is a complex and emotionally charged piece that explores themes of struggle, pain, and redemption. The opening lines, "Oh brother, how did you get down to your knees? Wishing that time would wait but it won't wait for me", set the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is looking to their brother for help, feeling lost and unable to keep up with the fast-paced world they find themselves in. They reference a sister, who was able to find her way and "get back on her feet" by "stepping these streets" and finding a sense of freedom. However, the singer feels they sold their own soul "for a song on the sea", suggesting that they made a deal with the devil for something they couldn't quite grasp or hold onto.
The second verse introduces a new character, a woman who is described as "naked and cold". She sees herself as a reflection in a mirror, hiding her knowledge from the world. The singer seems to empathize with her, recognizing that the "resolution drains from her eyes" and acknowledging that she is caught in the light, with nothing to hide. As the song progresses, the chorus returns with a sense of urgency, calling out to the brother and sister for help in overcoming the various obstacles they face. The vandals stealing their time, the devil in their minds, and the lure of the unknown are all powerful forces that the singer struggles to contend with.
Overall, "Brother" is a powerful exploration of human relationships and the ways in which we rely on each other to get through tough times. The song's haunting melody and evocative lyrics make it a memorable addition to the Bonjah discography.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh brother, how did you get down to your knees?
Asking how his brother ended up in such a low position
Wishing that time would wait but it won't wait for me.
Expressing frustration that time continues to move forward despite his wishes
My sister, how did you get back on your feet?
Questioning how his sister managed to recover from a difficult situation
Telling me, stepping these streets will set my soul free.
Encouraging him to take on a challenge that will offer emotional liberation
But I sold mine... for a song on the sea
Admitting that he squandered his own chance at finding inner peace
Just another, body, naked and cold.
Describing a lifeless form with no value or identity
Like a mirror on the wall they cover what she knows
Commenting on how societal norms pressure individuals to conceal their personal truths
Resolution drains from her eyes
Observing despair in someone's glance
Caught by the light, she's got nothing to hide
Acknowledging that truth will eventually expose itself
And she knows it...
Implying that the person facing the light is aware of the forthcoming truth
Brother of a mind these vandals are taking my time
Alluding to negative external forces wasting his time and disrupting his thoughts
Will I learn? It's not easy
Questioning his ability to make the most of his experiences and overcome adversity
And nor does, a lover, sent to here
Suggesting that even the people he loves cannot solve his problems for him
It's like a dessert in the mist and the mist won't clear
Comparing his situation to trying to navigate a confusing and never-ending environment
Oh sister, how did you get back on your feet?
Asking again how his sister managed to recover from a difficult situation
Telling me stepping these streets will set my soul free
Reiterating the idea that overcoming challenges will lead to personal liberation
But I sold mine...
Again admitting that he has squandered his own chance at finding inner peace
Sister of mine, the devil is awake and up in my mind
Using personification to describe inner demons and struggles
Holding on too long, when I know everything is just a lure
Realizing that his attachment to certain things is preventing him from achieving true fulfillment
Oh brother, help me get back on my feet.
Asking his brother for support and guidance
Contributed by Dominic K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.