Shine A Light
Clegg Johnny Lyrics
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Oh you've got to careful in this world a little sister said to me
Beware of the silver tongue which hides a gun and a tyranny
It will speak in words of water
It will drown you in its lies
You must be like the fish in the river
Ad learn to swim against the tide
CHORUS:
Some of de man give light in de darkness
Some of de man he give a cry
Some of de man he gonna live through the season
Some of de man he gonna die
Yo yo mam ye!
The wheel turn around
Give me no rest
She want to hear me cry
In the darkness
- Shine a light!
I drop to the ground
And hope for the best
I'm going through the eye
Of the hurricane
- Shine a light!
Oh it's such a sad feeling to see the swallows in the sky
It's like you leaving me behind without saying goodbye
I've got to be like a bird in winter
I've got to learn how to fly
And if you ever leave
I'll also take to the sky
CHORUS
Speak to me slow slow
What's going on
I don't know
Someone's on the run
Speak to me slow slow
Has it all begun
I don't know
If he'll make this one
Speak to me slow slow
What's the time
Idon't know
Can I save this life of mine
CHORUS
The song “Shine A Light” by Johnny Clegg is a powerful message about the importance of caution and resilience in a world full of danger and deceit. The lyrics are narrated from the perspective of a little sister who warns the singer about the treacherous nature of the world, where people's words can deceive us and hide their true intentions. The metaphorical reference to a silver tongue that hides a gun and tyranny is particularly striking, highlighting the manipulative power of language to exploit people's trust and emotions.
The song urges listeners to be like a fish in the river that learns to swim against the tide, meaning that they must resist the current of influence and follow their own path. Moreover, the song makes a distinction between people who give light in the darkness, cry for help, live through the season, or die. This differentiation is a reflection of the human condition, where people's fate is determined by the choices they make, the risks they take, and the struggles they endure.
Throughout the song, there's a sense of urgency and desperation as the singer pleads for a ray of hope to shine on him in the darkness. The repeated chorus line of “Shine a light” is a plea for guidance and protection, a call for transcendence and faith amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life.
Overall, “Shine A Light” is a deeply reflective, poetic, and thought-provoking song that emphasizes the virtues of courage, wisdom, and perseverance in confronting the challenges of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Shine a light, shine a light
We need to bring light to the darkness and illuminate the truth.
Oh you've got to careful in this world a little sister said to me
A warning to be vigilant in this world.
Beware of the silver tongue which hides a gun and a tyranny
Be wary of those who speak sweetly but have sinister intentions.
It will speak in words of water
It will deceive with the appearance of purity.
It will drown you in its lies
It will overwhelm and engulf you with falsehoods.
You must be like the fish in the river
We must adapt and learn to navigate our environment.
And learn to swim against the tide
We must be willing to go against the crowd to stand up for what is right.
Some of de man give light in de darkness
Some individuals provide guidance and hope during difficult times.
Some of de man he give a cry
Some individuals express their emotions and vulnerability.
Some of de man he gonna live through the season
Some individuals will endure and survive through trying times.
Some of de man he gonna die
Some individuals will perish.
The wheel turn around
Life is cyclical and unpredictable.
Give me no rest
Life is relentless and unyielding.
She want to hear me cry
Life can be cruel and unforgiving.
In the darkness - Shine a light!
We need to find hope even in the darkest moments.
I drop to the ground
We may feel defeated and overwhelmed.
And hope for the best
We must remain optimistic even in difficult times.
I'm going through the eye
We may be going through the most challenging part of a situation.
Of the hurricane - Shine a light!
We must seek out the light to guide us through the storm.
Oh it's such a sad feeling to see the swallows in the sky
It can be heartbreaking to see what once brought joy now leaving or disappearing.
It's like you leaving me behind without saying goodbye
The pain of abandonment and feeling left behind by someone we care about.
I've got to be like a bird in winter
We must find ways to survive and thrive in the harshest of circumstances.
I've got to learn how to fly
We must learn to take on new challenges and transcend our limitations.
And if you ever leave
If someone we care about leaves us.
I'll also take to the sky
We must find ways to move on and transcend our emotions.
Speak to me slow slow
A plea for understanding and patience.
What's going on
A question about what is happening or transpiring.
I don't know
An admission of ignorance or uncertainty.
Someone's on the run
Someone is trying to escape or evade capture.
Has it all begun
A question about whether something significant has just started or is about to happen.
If he'll make this one
Uncertainty about someone's ability to survive or succeed.
What's the time
A question about the current time.
Can I save this life of mine
A plea for help and hope in a dire situation.
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL CLEGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kurt Gerard
This was the B-side of "I call your name". I remember thinking. Let´s have a listen. I had the misconception that all B-sides were mediocre stuff. I loved it from the first listen