Africa
D\'Angelo Lyrics
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And here I am far from home
I dwell within a land that is meant
For many men not my tone
The blood of god is my defense
Let it drop down to my seed
Showers to your innocence
And with this wood I beat this drum
And we won't see defeat
From kings to queens becomes a prince
Knowledge wisdom is
Understanding what we need
Ever since the day you came
My whole world began to change
I knew then to dedicate my life
For your own
Everyday I see you grow
And remember what you already know
I receive the love
That radiates from your glow
From which you came was love
And that's how it all should be
You and my soul are one
Through all the time and history
Thank you, thank you
The lyrics of D'Angelo's song Africa evoke a strong sense of identity and belonging. The artist reflects on his African heritage, acknowledging the physical distance between himself and his ancestral home. He recognizes that the land he inhabits was not originally meant for him, but for others whose skin tone matches the majority. However, he feels protected by the blood of god, which he hopes will extend to his children and their children's children for all eternity.
The beat of the drum becomes a symbol of defiance and strength, a reminder that defeat is not an option. D'Angelo suggests that knowledge and wisdom are the keys to achieving royalty, as kings and queens beget princes who inherit this wisdom. He dedicates himself to his loved ones, particularly to the growth and well-being of his child. He sees the radiance of love emanating from his child, recognizing the connection between his soul and his child's soul. The song closes with gratitude, as the artist expresses his thanks, recognizing the love and interconnectedness that binds us all.
Line by Line Meaning
Africa is my descent
I am from Africa and my ancestry is African
And here I am far from home
I am living away from my home continent
I dwell within a land that is meant
I reside in a country that was not originally intended for people of my race
For many men not my tone
This land is predominantly inhabited by people who do not look like me
The blood of god is my defense
I rely on divine protection
Let it drop down to my seed
May this divine protection pass down to my offspring
Showers to your innocence
May this protection cover and preserve your purity
To protect you for all eternity
May this protection be everlasting for you and your descendants
And with this wood I beat this drum
I use this instrument to make music
And we won't see defeat
Through our music and culture, we will not be defeated
From kings to queens becomes a prince
Out of royal lineage comes a new generation of royalty
Knowledge wisdom is
Intelligence and insight are valuable
Understanding what we need
Knowing what is necessary for our survival and success
Ever since the day you came
Since the moment you were born
My whole world began to change
My life was transformed for the better
I knew then to dedicate my life
I realized the importance of committing myself fully to you
For your own
For your benefit and well-being
Everyday I see you grow
I witness and celebrate your progress
And remember what you already know
I acknowledge and honor your existing knowledge and abilities
I receive the love
I feel and accept the affection
That radiates from your glow
That comes from your positive energy and spirit
From which you came was love
The source of your being is rooted in love
And that's how it all should be
Love should be at the center of everything
You and my soul are one
Our connection goes beyond physical and emotional levels
Through all the time and history
Across all eras and generations
Thank you, thank you
Expressing gratitude
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL D'ANGELO ARCHER, ANGELA STONE, AHMIR K. THOMPSON, LUTHER ARCHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Pride317
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Africa is my descent
And here I am far from home
I dwell within a land that's meant
Meant for many men not my tone
[Verse 2]
The blood of God is my defence
Let it drip down to my seed
Showers to your innocence
To protect you for all eternity
And with this wood I beat this drum
And we won't see defeat
From kings and queens
Becomes a prince
Knowledge and wisdom is
Understanding what we need
[Bridge]
And this game of love
Ever since the day you came
My whole world began to change
I knew then to dedicate my life
For your own
And this game of love
Everyday I see you grow
And remember what you already know
I receive, I receive the love
That radiates from your glow
[Verse 3]
From which you came was love
And that's how it all should be
You and my soul are one
Through all the time and history
[Outro]
And I thank you, thank you
@haustreviance
One of D'Angelo's best songs, also one of the best songs in music history. Up there with his tracks Untitled, Betray My Heart, and Another Life. This probably his best.
@adrianwilson1705
Trevin Hughes don't forget about The Root, Black Messiah, and The Charade!
@ebonyb6603
This song makes me cry. When I hear it it just makes me think about how us black african people have to constantly prove to the world that we are somebody. We are beautiful. We matter. Its just a very soulful song that touches my soul. We are Africa.
@sehz1789
+Ebony Ebony theres this vibe that only africans make. u guys are resposible to keep that soulful sound. keep doing it i love it been loving it since little kid
@charismills2020
Ever see La Amistad? I wrote four pages of feelings about the combination of that movie and this song.
@terryrobinson4555
Ebony B yes to that
@empressphilo
great
@empressphilo
Ebony B. Great
@stephaniebedford2705
His voice makes my soul melt...I've played this album religiously for 15 years now and it really has become the soundtrack of my life.
@maytagq603
Dedicated this song to my newborn son... and everytime I listen to it, my eyes swell from proud tears. I have a duty to my son.