Zimbabwe's Chiwoniso performs entrancing and uplifting songs with ancient s… Read Full Bio ↴Zimbabwe's Chiwoniso performs entrancing and uplifting songs with ancient soul and modern spirit. Backed by the mesmerizing interlocking melodies of the mbira and the deep grooves of an all-star lineup featuring some of Zimbabwe and South Africa's top musicians, Chiwoniso's voice resounds with defiant strength and profound tenderness.

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.

The Way of Life
Chiwoniso Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If I had all the money on this earth happiness is what I'd find
If I knew all the pleasures beneath the sky joy would be mine
Material things can soothe the heart of a lonely man
But only for so long
Soon your soul will be crying out
'Something's wrong'

It's just the way of life, it's just the way of life

Who cares about yesterday
It's just the way of life
Fight for peace of mind my friend
It's just the way of life
It's just the way of life

So she's left you and you're alone again
Was it something you said?
You run around town looking for a good time
You gotta clear your head
He's been away from home, three nights again
Was it something you said?
The children wonder where their daddy's gone
You gotta clear your head
Material things can soothe the heart of a lonely man
But only for so long
Soon his soul will be crying out 'Something's wrong'

It's just the way of life, Yeah it's just the way of life
Yeah, it's just the way of life
Who cares, who cares about yesterday
It's just the way, it's just the way
Fight for peace of mind my friend
Who cares, who cares about yesterday
It's just the way, it's just the way, it's just the way
It's just the way ohhh who cares, who cares
Fight for peace of mind my friend
Fight for peace of mind my friend
Fight for peace of mind my friend
Who cares, who cares about yesterday
It's just the way, it's just the way, it's just the way

But no one cares about yesterday
Don't despair, don't despair, don't despair

Overall Meaning

In Chiwoniso's song "The Way of Life," the artist highlights the fleeting nature of materialism and the importance of pursuing personal happiness and peace of mind. The lyrics suggest that even if someone has all the money and pleasures in the world, it does not guarantee happiness. Such possessions may provide temporary comfort, but eventually, the dissatisfaction in one's soul will surface, reminding them that something is wrong. The lyrics encourage the listener to focus on the present rather than past events, as past events cannot be changed. The song advises, "Fight for peace of mind, my friend" and to not despair.

Chiwoniso also addresses the issue of relationship breakdowns, depicting how people often try to escape their problems by indulging in self-destructive behavior. The lyrics acknowledge the temporary numbness such behaviors bring but calls for people to clear their heads and find their way back to a peaceful state. The song's message about fighting for peace of mind seems to indicate it is up to individuals to take control of their lives and create a positive future for themselves.

Line by Line Meaning

If I had all the money on this earth happiness is what I'd find
Money can buy comfort, but not true happiness

If I knew all the pleasures beneath the sky joy would be mine
Experiencing every pleasure will not lead to lasting joy

Material things can soothe the heart of a lonely man
Possessions can temporarily ease loneliness

But only for so long
However, it won't last forever

Soon your soul will be crying out 'Something's wrong'
Eventually, something deeper will be missing

It's just the way of life, it's just the way of life
This is simply an undeniable reality of life

Who cares about yesterday
What's in the past cannot be changed or controlled

Fight for peace of mind my friend
Strive for inner peace and contentment

So she's left you and you're alone again, Was it something you said?
Questioning if the artist's actions caused people to leave

The children wonder where their daddy's gone
Children are negatively impacted by the absence of their father

You run around town looking for a good time
Trying to find temporary relief from problems