these days
Clegg Johnny Lyrics
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What happened to the diamonds in your eyes,
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
To the empty heart of these days.
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
Yashimbawula!
You were the reason I came here
You will always be the one I am looking for
I can't stand to see the way
These days are pushing you against the wall
Got to get up, got to move out
Face the tide beyond the door
Outside there's a whole world changing
We can't stand here, trapped inside
Let's step out and test the weather
Hang on baby, it's going to ge a rough ride through'
These days, searching for a vision
These days, gun metal blue
These days, changing my religion
These days, heartless and cruel
Say the words and fill my sails
I will love you through the coming gale
We'll get through the darkest heart of these days
"it's killing time"
Who will watch the watchers?
Who will keep the keepers?
Who will love the lovers, could you?
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
The lyrics to Johnny Clegg's song "These Days" speak to the disillusionment and frustration experienced by the singer in their relationship with someone who has lost their passion and drive. The opening line, "Yashimbawula! (the watchman's fire is burning)," serves as a call to action, suggesting that it's time to wake up and take action. The singer is looking back at the person they once knew, who had "diamonds in [their] eyes" and a hunger for life. But that person has changed and lost the "electric smile" that used to light up their face.
The singer laments that their conversations have become shallow and that the person they once knew has given up on changing the world. However, they urge the person not to give in to the emptiness of these days, and to remember the connection they once shared. The chorus furthers this sense of unrest and chaos, with images of blood in the heavens, burning streets, and a loveless child. The repetition of "these days" suggests that this is not an isolated problem, but rather a widespread issue affecting the world.
The third verse is a call to action, urging the person to get up and move out, to face the challenges beyond the door. The singer acknowledges that it won't be easy and that it will be a "rough ride through," but they're committed to getting through "the darkest heart of these days" together. The bridge of the song, with its questions of who will watch the watchers and love the lovers, adds a layer of complexity and nuance, suggesting that these problems are systemic and require collective action.
Overall, "These Days" is a song about disillusionment, but also about hope. The singer sees the challenges and challenges ahead but remains committed to the person they love and the possibility of a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes,
What happened to the spark and life in your eyes that you once had
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to your motivation and drive to pursue your dreams
What happened to the electric smile that danced across your face
What happened to the joy and happiness that used to radiate from you
We used to talk about changing the world
We used to have big aspirations and dreams of making a difference in the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
Now all you want to do is run away and start over
Come on baby don't surrender now
Don't give up now, keep fighting
To the empty heart of these days.
Don't let yourself succumb to the despair and hopelessness of our current time
We used to talk so deep into the night
We used to have deep and meaningful conversations late into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You had a free spirit and endless passion for life
You bared your soul to me
You were vulnerable and open with me
And we both knew these days were coming
We both knew that the future would be difficult and uncertain
These days, blood in the heavens
These days are filled with violence and death
These days, fire and ice
These days are full of extreme and opposing forces
These days, burning streets and visions
These days are marked by destruction and conflict
These days, of the loveless child
These days are lacking in love and compassion
You were the reason I came here
You were my motivation for coming to this place
You will always be the one I am looking for
You will always hold a special place in my heart
I can't stand to see the way these days are pushing you against the wall
I hate seeing how difficult the world has been for you
Got to get up, got to move out, face the tide beyond the door
We need to keep pushing forward and face the challenges head-on
Outside there's a whole world changing
The world is constantly evolving and shifting
We can't stand here, trapped inside
We can't stay in one place and let life pass us by
Let's step out and test the weather
Let's venture out into the world and see what happens
Hang on baby, it's going to be a rough ride through
Things will be tough, but we have to hold on and stay strong
These days, searching for a vision
These days are full of confusion and a lack of direction
These days, gun metal blue
These days are cold and unforgiving
These days, changing my religion
These days are forcing me to reevaluate my beliefs and values
These days, heartless and cruel
These days are devoid of empathy and kindness
Say the words and fill my sails
Encourage me and give me direction
I will love you through the coming gale
I will always stand by your side, no matter what happens
We'll get through the darkest heart of these days
We will overcome the toughest challenges of our time
"it's killing time"
A realization that we are living in a time of death and destruction
Who will watch the watchers?
Who will hold those in power accountable for their actions?
Who will keep the keepers?
Who will monitor those who are meant to be monitoring the rest of us?
Who will love the lovers, could you?
Who will support those who are capable of love and compassion?
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL CLEGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexbalatonmagyar3118
Cc
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
Come on baby don't surrender now
To the empty heart of these days
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
@wengrrrl1
JC is The Bomb. I miss him so much. As a stage tech, have tech’d him 3 times. Savuka is the best f’n band i’ve ever seen live. (And am a 100+show Deadhead!) He is the apex to which every band should aspire.Love him so much. Miss you, JC. ✨The bagpipe intro on this is absolutely tits.
@eddiegrondin4034
This song gives me some motivation
@Axboub
Rest In Peace my friend, we'll never forget you
@susanlarhubarbe9475
Missed his Jo’burg Final Journey concerts and regret it so much. It’s crazy to feel so heartsore about the passing of someone I’ve only seen perform live, but never met. I only realize now how familiar some of the ‘less familiar’ songs actually are and have really grown to like this one so much. Miss you Johnny Clegg! Gone but never forgotten and always in our hearts ❤️❤️
@RollDeep1000
Johnny Cleggs sound is amazing and authentic.
@garnetgwembere3035
Sad to learn of his passing, now that you are gone “who will watch the watchers”
@dawbtreader22
This is one of my favorite songs. Ive been a Clegg fan since the 90s.
@johnward-cox9839
Kay Ledford been a fan since the early 80's
@Mickelic
Who will love the world if we do not?
@lastrada52
"Scatterlings of Africa" was the song that grabbed my ear. But, it wasn't until one night years ago on the Johnny Carson Show that Clegg comes out with some sticks & begins to sing then dance -- up, over and all around these sticks at an incredible speed. That was the night Michael Jackson took 2nd spot as greatest dancer. This Clegg guy was not to be believed that night. Clegg has since performed with many famous artists -- Johnny deserves the recognition. A monster talent & an original.