Christine Anu is an Australian pop singer/songwriter/actress of Torres Stra… Read Full Bio ↴Christine Anu is an Australian pop singer/songwriter/actress of Torres Strait Islander descent. She is an Australian icon, and her cover of “My Island Home” is the song that she is most known for. She studied dancing at school, thinking that it would lead her into a singing career.

She has also worked as a cultural ambassador for Torres Strait Islanders, and she is associated with the "Deadlys" - the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, sport, entertainment and community awards.

No Woman No Cry
Christine Anu Lyrics

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No Woman, No Cry
No Woman, No Cry
Said said... said I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
Ober - observing the hypocrites
I said would mingle with the good people we meet
Good friends we have or good friends we've lost
Along the way

In this great future, you can't forget your past
So dry your tears I say
No Woman, No Cry
No Woman, No Cry
Here little darling don't shed your tears
No Woman, No Cry
Said said... said I remember when we used to sit
In the government yard in Trenchtown
And then Georgie make the fire light
As it was like a wood burning through the night
Then we would cook cornmeal porridge
Of which I'll Share with you
My feet is my only carriage
So i've got to push through, but while i'am gone
No Woman, No Cry
No Woman, No Cry
Woman little sister don't shed no tears
No Woman, No Cry
No Woman, No Cry
No Woman, No Cry
Woman little darling don't shed no tears

No Woman, No Cry
Everything's gonna be alright

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Christine Anu's rendition of Bob Marley's famous song "No Woman, No Cry" speak of memories and relationships, the struggle to get through life and the need to stay strong despite difficulties. The song begins with the singer reminiscing about the past when they used to sit in the government yard in Trenchtown, observing the hypocrites. The singer notes that they preferred to mingle with the good people they met - people who were true to themselves and did not pretend to be something they were not.

The singer acknowledges that good friends have been lost along the way, but advises that in the face of the future, it is important not to forget the past. The singer consoles someone who seems to be upset or crying, telling them "no woman, no cry" - that everything will be okay, and that they should not shed any tears. The song then goes on to describe the act of cooking cornmeal porridge, a simple dish that reflects the hardships of life that must be overcome.

The singer acknowledges that they must continue on their journey, and though their feet may be their only carriage, they will keep pushing through. The song ends with the repeated chorus - "no woman, no cry" - reinforcing the message that everything will be alright.

Line by Line Meaning

No Woman, No Cry
The absence of women and their tears will relieve life's struggles

Said said... said I remember when we used to sit In the government yard in Trenchtown Ober - observing the hypocrites
Recalls a time when the singer used to sit in the government yard, observing the hypocritical behavior of others

I said would mingle with the good people we meet Good friends we have or good friends we've lost Along the way In this great future, you can't forget your past So dry your tears I say
The singer wants to be surrounded by good people, and acknowledges the importance of the past in shaping one's future. They encourage others not to cry and instead hold onto memories of happier times

Here little darling don't shed your tears No Woman, No Cry
Assures a loved one that they don't need to cry

And then Georgie make the fire light As it was like a wood burning through the night Then we would cook cornmeal porridge Of which I'll Share with you My feet is my only carriage So i've got to push through, but while i'am gone No Woman, No Cry
Describes a memory of sitting by a fire with a friend and sharing a meal, as the artist acknowledges that they must continue to strive towards their goals even if they must leave others behind

Woman little sister don't shed no tears
Assures a female sibling that she doesn't need to cry

No Woman, No Cry
The absence of women and their tears will relieve life's struggles

Woman little darling don't shed no tears
Assures a loved one that they don't need to cry

Everything's gonna be alright
Concludes the song with a message of hope and optimism for the future

Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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