Àfrica
Carmen Serra Lyrics

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Figlia della terra
culla dell’umanità
orfana di guerra
vedova di libertà
occhi magri
han visto fin troppi massacri

madre che ha paura

anche mentre danza
nella sua natura
la speranza
un albero cerca umidità
c’è solo una lacrima d’africa

Africa, Africa
anime colpevoli di essere nate più a sud

Africa, Africa
vittime facili di chi vuole sempre di più

e stanno in prima linea gli ultimi
milioni di bambini
un solo dottore
strada ha una grande missione
salvare il grande equatore

Africa, Africa
anime colpevoli di essere nate più a sud

Africa, Africa
vittime facili di chi vuole sempre di più

navigare via dai deserti
per naufragare su orti
schiene forti ma il sole le spezza
la sola salvezza è un miraggio difficile

Africa, Africa
anime colpevoli di essere nate più a sud

Africa, Africa
vittime facili di chi vuole sempre di più

Overall Meaning

The song "Africa" by Carmen Serra is a heartfelt tribute to the continent and its people. The lyrics depict the struggles and hardships faced by Africa, a land that is the cradle of humanity and yet is often afflicted by war, poverty, and oppression. The song also highlights the resilience and hope of the African people, who despite their many challenges continue to dance amidst their fears and seek a better future for themselves and their children.

The first stanza of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The singer refers to Africa as the daughter of the earth and the cradle of humanity, yet it is an orphan of war and a widow of freedom. The line "eyes too thin have witnessed far too many massacres" speak to the profound scars of conflict and violence that are still prevalent in many parts of the continent. The line "a mother who is afraid even as she dances" is a poignant way of depicting the contradictory nature of life in Africa: one that is full of joy and celebration, but also weighed down by the constant presence of danger and uncertainty.

In the chorus, the singer addresses the "culpable souls born farther south" and "easy victims of those who always want more". The former refers to the idea that Africans are somehow to blame for the struggles they face, while the latter refers to the ongoing exploitation and manipulation of African resources and people by powerful and greedy elites. The second verse speaks to the millions of children in Africa who are often the most vulnerable and neglected members of society, but also the ones who have the greatest potential to bring about change. The final stanza is a call to action for those who are willing to embark on the difficult journey of helping Africa and its people, through medical missions or other forms of aid.

Overall, "Africa" is a passionate and compassionate ode to a continent that is too often overlooked and misunderstood by the rest of the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Figlia della terra
Africa is like a daughter of mother earth.

culla dell’umanità
As the birthplace of humankind, Africa cradles the history of all peoples.

orfana di guerra
Africa is left without parents who can protect it, because of war and violence.

vedova di libertà
Africa is like a widow who has lost her freedom and dignity.

occhi magri
The thin, sad eyes of Africa have seen far too many atrocities and massacres.

han visto fin troppi massacri
The eyes of Africa have seen too many killings and violent acts.

madre che ha paura
Africa is like a mother who is afraid for her children's safety and future.

anche mentre danza
Even while she dances to forget her problems, Africa is still anxious.

nella sua natura
Despite her struggles, Africa still holds onto hope and resilience, as it is part of her nature.

la speranza
Hope is what keeps Africa going, even in the darkest of times.

un albero cerca umidità
A tree seeks water, just as Africa seeks sustenance and nourishment.

c’è solo una lacrima d’africa
Africa is often reduced to just one tear, one sad image, in the minds of many people.

anime colpevoli di essere nate più a sud
The people of Africa are often blamed for their own poverty and struggles due to being born on a 'less fortunate' continent.

vittime facili di chi vuole sempre di più
Africa is an easy target for those who want more than what they have, at the expense of others.

e stanno in prima linea gli ultimi
The most vulnerable, poorest people are the ones who get hit the hardest by Africa's struggles.

milioni di bambini
Millions of children are affected by Africa's poverty and violence.

un solo dottore
In many parts of Africa, there is only one doctor for entire communities.

strada ha una grande missione
That doctor and others who work to help Africa have a great responsibility and mission.

salvare il grande equatore
Their mission is to save and protect the rich biodiversity and ecosystems of the African continent.

navigare via dai deserti
People in Africa often risk their lives to escape the harsh conditions of the desert and find a better life.

per naufragare su orti
But sometimes, their attempt to escape leads them to other dangers and struggles, like trying to farm land that may not be fertile enough.

schiene forti ma il sole le spezza
People in Africa are strong and resilient, but the scorching sun takes a toll on their bodies and health.

la sola salvezza è un miraggio difficile
For many in Africa, the only hope for better lives and futures seem like distant, illusory dreams.

Contributed by Maria D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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