Asimbonanga
Clegg Johnny Lyrics
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Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Oh the sea is cold and the sky is grey
Look across the Island into the Bay
We are all islands 'til comes the day
We cross the burning water
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
A seagull wings across the sea
Broken silence is what I dream
Who has the words to close the distance
Between you and me
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Steven Biko
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'wafela khona
Victoria Mxenge
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'wafela khona
Neil Aggett
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'wafela khona
Hey wena
Hey wena nawe
Siyofika nini la' siyakhona, la'siyakhona
Hey wena
Hey wena nawe
Siyofika nini la' siyakhona, la'siyakhona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
Asimbonanga
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
Laph'ekhona
Laph'ehleli khona
"Asimbonanga" is a powerful protest song by South African singer-songwriter Johnny Clegg and his band Savuka. The title means "We have not seen him" in isiZulu and refers to Nelson Mandela, who was still in prison at the time the song was written. The lyrics express the pain and frustration of not being able to see Mandela and the other anti-apartheid activists who were jailed and murdered by the government. Clegg also pays tribute to other fallen heroes of the struggle, including Steve Biko, Victoria Mxenge, and Neil Aggett.
The first verse sets the scene with a bleak image of a cold sea and grey sky, and the singer looking across to the island where Mandela and others are imprisoned. The second and third verses show Clegg's longing for connection and understanding, as he wonders who has the words to bridge the distance between people. The fourth and fifth verses name some of the martyrs of the struggle, with the repeated refrain "Asimbonanga" becoming more urgent and emotional. The song ends with a call to action, asking when will we arrive and be present in our struggle.
Overall, "Asimbonanga" is a moving and poignant testament to the courage and sacrifice of South Africa's freedom fighters, and a call to remember their legacy and continue the fight for justice and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
Asimbonanga
We have not seen him
Asimbonang' u Mandela thina
We have not seen Mandela
Laph'ekhona
In the place where he is
Laph'ehleli khona
In the place where he is kept
Oh the sea is cold and the sky is grey
The weather is harsh and unwelcoming
Look across the Island into the Bay
Look towards Robben Island and its bay
We are all islands 'til comes the day
We are isolated until we come together
We cross the burning water
We overcome the obstacles that separate us
A seagull wings across the sea
A bird flies over the ocean
Broken silence is what I dream
I dream of ending the silence and oppression
Who has the words to close the distance
Who can bridge the divide between us
Between you and me
Between us as people
Steven Biko
The name of a South African anti-Apartheid activist
Asimbonang 'umfowethu thina
We have not seen our brother
Laph'wafela khona
Where he died
Victoria Mxenge
The name of a South African anti-Apartheid activist
Neil Aggett
The name of a South African anti-Apartheid activist and doctor
Hey wena
Hey you
Hey wena nawe
Hey you, and you too
Siyofika nini la' siyakhona, la'siyakhona
When will we arrive, we are coming, we are coming
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT (FRANCE), RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jonathan Paul Clegg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@efisioatzeni2993
Mandela io spero che dove si trova ora stia in pace ma purtroppo ciĂČ che abbiamo visto fare sinceramente non non Ă© servito a niente e questo non lo dico io peche non
sono nessuno. Tuttavia si possono vedere come vanno le cose a GioanneSburg Lascia a prendere.
l
plastica ml
r
934 2122
@testlogin9716
Born in the UK...
He was half Jewish
Lived in Zambia
Lived in Zimbabwe
Settled in South Africa
Embraced all that there is about Africa
You Johnny have lived a Life to the fullest..
You will be eternally missed..
"Scartterlings of Africa" defines me entirely...I am exactly that.
Love to you family & friends. â€ïž
@AristideDk
Who's is still listening this song in 2024 like me??? Don't pass without like my comment
@RoseSilvi
I love this song too!!!
@manonwelkenhuzen
Qui est lĂ en 2024 ?
@simonpure109
Am there end of January
@simonpure109
đ
@masfeatboulettefeatgaiafea9423
14Ăšme nuit <3
@manonwelkenhuzen
@@masfeatboulettefeatgaiafea9423 <3 <3 <3
@allibazebazubaze2859
Janvier 25
@sosenfantsdefavorises5448
Quelle Ă©motion đđđ. Qui Ă©coute en 2023đđ RIP Ă ces deux grands hommes đđ
@brunodemadepellorce4535
â€