Born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Coenie was educated at University of the Free State in Bloemfontein majoring in media studies where he later on lectured in the Communications faculty. He has always viewed his musical career as his second vocation. He is also a classically trained pianist. Coenie is the anchor presenter in popular South African kykNET journal program "Kwela".
During the late 1980s, Coenie spent a few years in self-imposed exile in Cyprus. Coenie has also performed in New Zealand, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
Coenie signed with Mountain Records in 1983, and recorded his debut album, Skoppensboer, working with producer, Patrick Lee-Thorp and engineer, Kevin Shirley, in the same year. He subsequently recorded 4 albums for the label many of which won industry awards. In addition he contributed to label compilations of his work. Since leaving Mountain Records he has recorded a number of one off projects for different labels.
Coenie lived on the island of Cyprus during the eighties and nineties. He wrote, recorded and produced the album Amper Alleen in Cyprus and in Athens, Greece. Amper Alleen was the second SA album to be released on CD. Coenie and his family returned to South Africa after the release of Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of the ANC. He released Hartland, an album which included a vocal performance by Lesley Rae Dowling.
Walls
Coenie De Villiers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At the bottom of my garden
They never asked permission
They never asked for pardon
I awoke to find the view gone
I could not see the sky
There was no one who could answer
My neighbours used to talk
By the hedge that once was there
But with the wall between us
Can we show we really care?
My garden is much smaller now, my world is half its size
The wall has blocked the truth
Has left us all with lies
Yet all around the world they are building walls to split
The kindness and compassion
That show that we could fit
Like the pieces of a jigsaw
Like the fingers in a glove
Show that we could build a planet
Filled with faith and hope and love
I wonder what they're thinking
Beyond this wall of brick?
What makes them smile and cry?
What really makes them tick?
For those who try to separate
Divide and then to rule
A wall won’t stand the test of time
It’s the wisdom of a fool
Yet all around the world they are building walls to split
The kindness and compassion
That show that we could fit
Like the pieces of a jigsaw
Like the fingers in a glove
Show that we could teach our children
How to live with faith and love
The lyrics of Coenie De Villiers's song "Walls" convey a powerful message about the metaphorical walls that separate people and hinder genuine connection and understanding. The singer describes how someone erected a wall at the bottom of their garden without permission or apology, symbolizing an unexpected barrier that has disrupted their world. The loss of the view of the sky reflects a loss of freedom and openness, as well as a feeling of isolation and confusion about the purpose of the wall.
The lyrics highlight the impact of the wall on relationships, as the singer laments the loss of communication with their neighbors who used to chat over the now blockaded hedge. The physical barrier has translated into an emotional barrier, raising questions about the ability to care for one another when separated by walls. The shrinking of the garden and world metaphorically represent how walls restrict perspectives and limit possibilities, while also hiding truths behind falsehoods that the wall embodies.
The song acknowledges the global issue of wall-building as a means of division and separation, emphasizing that kindness and compassion are essential ingredients for unity and mutual understanding. The imagery of a jigsaw puzzle and fingers in a glove suggests the interconnectedness of humanity and the potential for harmony and cooperation if these barriers are broken down. The lyrics call for a planet filled with faith, hope, and love, painting a picture of a world where unity prevails over division.
In its final verses, the song questions the motives of those who build walls and calls out the folly in seeking to divide and rule through such means. The wall is portrayed as a temporary obstacle that will ultimately be overcome by the wisdom of unity and solidarity. The repeated refrain underscores the universal nature of the issue, urging listeners to recognize the shared humanity that transcends boundaries and encourages the teaching of values like faith and love to future generations, thereby breaking down walls and nurturing connections that can bind us all together in a world guided by empathy and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone built a wall
Someone erected a barrier
At the bottom of my garden
At the end of my personal space
They never asked permission
They didn't seek approval
They never asked for pardon
They didn't seek forgiveness
I awoke to find the view gone
I realized my perspective was obstructed
I could not see the sky
I lost sight of the bigger picture
There was no one who could answer
There was no explanation available
When I asked the reason why?
When I questioned the purpose
My neighbours used to talk
My community was once connected
By the hedge that once was there
Through the natural border that existed
But with the wall between us
With the barrier separating us
Can we show we really care?
Are we able to demonstrate genuine concern?
My garden is much smaller now, my world is half its size
My environment feels restricted and limited
The wall has blocked the truth
The barrier has obscured the reality
Has left us all with lies
Has led to a sense of deceit
Yet all around the world they are building walls to split
Despite this, barriers are being erected globally
The kindness and compassion
The empathy and understanding
That show that we could fit
That demonstrate our ability to coexist
Like the pieces of a jigsaw
Similar to the interconnected parts of a puzzle
Like the fingers in a glove
Like the perfect fit of hand in a glove
Show that we could build a planet
Reveal the potential to create a harmonious world
Filled with faith and hope and love
Abundant with trust, optimism, and affection
I wonder what they're thinking
I contemplate their thoughts
Beyond this wall of brick?
Behind this physical obstacle?
What makes them smile and cry?
What brings them joy and tears?
What really makes them tick?
What truly motivates them?
For those who try to separate
For those who attempt to divide
Divide and then to rule
To create disunity in order to govern
A wall won’t stand the test of time
A barrier is not enduring
It’s the wisdom of a fool
It reflects foolishness
Show that we could teach our children
Demonstrate our ability to educate the next generation
How to live with faith and love
Incorporating belief and affection into daily life
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind