See http://www.cumbancha.com/chiwoniso for more information on Chiwoniso.
With a sound that recalls the fire of Angelique Kidjo, the inspiration of Oliver Mtukudzi, the rebellion of Thomas Mapfumo and the soul of India.Aire, Chiwoniso is one of the most exciting talents in African music today.
Chiwoniso Maraire is a Zimbabwean musician who while pursuing her solo career has also recorded with Andy Brown and The Storm, Women's Voice, and The Collaboration.
While traditional Zimbabwean music provides a foundation for her music, she incorporates many influences.
Look to the Spirit
Chiwoniso Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah
Ahhh ahhh
Yeah
Look to the Spirit
When things are hard and you can′t go on
Oh, look to the Lord
Look to the people
When it seems that you're the only one
Yeah, look to the Lord
When your life falls apart
Some search the cosmic waves for eternal life in
And others, others look to the stars
Seeking the path out of suicidal human strife
The green pasture lies afar
So you filll your head with different kinds of poison smoke
And you kill your body with liquid fire
And you bury the dead in this poison earth to choke
Wohhh, the living body begins to tire
You′ve gotta look to the Spirit
When things are hard and you can't go on
Yeah, look to the Lord
When confusing fills your heart
You've got to look to the people
When things are hard and you can′t go on
Ohhh, look to the Lord
When your life falls apart
Ahhh
Yeahh
Ahhhh
Yeahhh
How many times have you been told before my child
Ohh, that you′re a waste upon this earth
How many times did the pain unfold inside
Hey as you cried over your birth
Those voices disturb your mind in a steady flow
Nightmares invade your dreams
Sanity flees and your blood is in the go
And you run from visions only you have seen
And you run from visions only you have seen
And you run from visions only you have seen
You've gotta look to the Spirit
When things are hard and you can′t go on
Oh, look to the Lord
When confusing fills your heart
You've gotta look to the people
When it seems that you′re the only one
Yeah, look to the Lord
When your life falls apart
You've gotta look to the Spirit
When things are hard and you can′t go on
Hey look to the Lord
When confusing fills your heart
You've gotta look to the people
When it seems that you're the only one
Hey you′ve gotta look to the Lord
When your life falls apart
The song Look to the Spirit is a message of hope and encouragement to keep persevering in the midst of life's challenges. Through the lyrics, Chiwoniso urges listeners to seek spiritual guidance to overcome life's obstacles. She advises that when times get hard and one feels like giving up, they should turn to the Lord or the people around them for support. The song talks about the different things people turn to when they are looking for hope, such as seeking answers from the cosmic waves, stars or earthly pleasures like drugs and alcohol. Despite all these avenues, Chiwoniso emphasizes that only spiritual guidance can lead to true recovery.
Furthermore, the song also touches on the pain of feeling like one is a burden on this earth or the struggles of dealing with mental health. The voices in one's head and nightmares that haunt their dreams are challenges that the artist acknowledges. However, she pushes for a message of hope, urging people to run towards their visions rather than away from them. The song's message of hope encourages listeners to keep reaching out for support and leaning on spiritual guidance to overcome their struggles.
Overall, Look to the Spirit is a beautiful composition that emphasizes the need to keep fighting even in the darkest of times. It emphasizes the value of relying on both spiritual guidance and the community's support in overcoming difficult periods in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Look to the Spirit
Rely on your inner spirit for guidance
When things are hard and you can't go on
During difficult times when you feel like giving up
Oh, look to the Lord
Turn to a higher power for support and guidance
When confusing fills your heart
When you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure
Look to the people
Find strength and support from others around you
When it seems that you're the only one
During times when you feel alone or isolated
When your life falls apart
During times of crisis or major life changes
Some search the cosmic waves for eternal life in
Some people seek meaning and purpose beyond Earth
And others, others look to the stars
Others seek guidance from the celestial bodies above
Seeking the path out of suicidal human strife
Trying to find a way out of despair and hopelessness
The green pasture lies afar
The solution or relief seems out of reach
So you fill your head with different kinds of poison smoke
Some turn to harmful behaviors to cope
And you kill your body with liquid fire
Some turn to substance abuse as a form of escape
And you bury the dead in this poison earth to choke
Some contribute to a destructive environment
Wohhh, the living body begins to tire
These destructive behaviors take a toll on the body and mind
How many times have you been told before my child
How often have you been criticized or put down
Ohh, that you're a waste upon this earth
Made to feel worthless or not belonging
How many times did the pain unfold inside
How many times have you felt intense emotional pain
Hey as you cried over your birth
Reflecting on the challenges and hardships of life
Those voices disturb your mind in a steady flow
Negative thoughts can constantly plague one's mind
Nightmares invade your dreams
Even in sleep, one can't escape from difficult thoughts
Sanity flees and your blood is in the go
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious
And you run from visions only you have seen
Trying to escape from personal struggles or demons
You've gotta look to the Spirit
Trusting your inner self for guidance and strength
Hey look to the Lord
Turning to a higher power for support
Writer(s): Maraire Chiwoniso Chaapocho Maxine
Contributed by Audrey C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@donaldbelile4281
Most beautiful I've ever heard! This song saved my life literally....
@codersplayground4391
I had a bad day and I just came to listen to this angelic voice. Thank you for putting this here. It's helping
@daniellapawl6508
Such an important song.
@donaldbelile4281
Thank you
@princedube6060
Nice voice rest in peace sister
@Princess_Casey_
One of favourites by her . Legends never die . ❤️🌹
@tyhillbeats
its so soothing
@tafadzwamavhudzi7454
Surely it was the best, an encouraging song. It always encourages me when I am down. MHDSRP
@wendydube8675
My God this song😍😍😍.still here in 2019
@tonde2301
❤️