A third generation Canadian with Scottish and English roots, Dawud Wharnsby's recordings and reputation have established him as an institution in the realm of English language Nasheed (spiritual songs of a world-rhythm/folk style, drawn from Islamic cultural and musical roots). In true folk-song tradition, his writings have taken on a life of their own - spreading far beyond officially targeted territories by way of a bootleg industry which circulates his recordings unofficially and uncontrollably throughout the world. Though distribution of Wharnsby's material is difficult to gage, his efforts have spawned an artistic movement and musical industry of young artists hailing from Los Angeles, London, Jakarta and all stops in between.
A traveler, writer, troubadour and multi-instrumentalist, Dawud (David) Wharnsby first emerged onto the North American folk music scene in 1991. His debut solo recording "Blue Walls and The Big Sky” (1995), firmly established his skills not only as a crafty lyricist, but also as a powerful vocalist, capable of drawing listeners into his world like a vibrant stage actor or an intimate storyteller.
Merging the Celtic/folk styles of his upbringing with sounds and embellishments of the Middle and Far East, his 1996 CD "A Whisper Of Peace” was followed by a string of internationally recognized recordings including, "Road To Madinah” (1999), "Sunshine, Dust and The Messenger” (2001) and "The Prophet's Hands” (2002) - all released through the US based label Sound Vision. Wharnsby's unique lyrical style, warm voice and knack for penning catchy melodies yield a rich reception from his listeners world-wide, who in many cases do not even speak English as their first language.
Several of Wharnsby's latest recordings feature collaborations with the likes of UK based artist, producer and peace activist Yusuf Islam (formerly CAT STEVENS) South African songwriter Zain Bhikha, Canadian percussion ensemble The Fletcher Valve Drummers, and award winning producer/songwriter Zuriani (KEB'MO', BRENDA RUSSELL, MELISSA MANCHESTER). His newest CD, “Vacuous Waxing” brings together a unique mix of featured artists, including Canadian songwriter Bill Kocher, UK bass legend Danny Thompson (PENTANGLE, NICK DRAKE, EVERYTHING BUT THE GIRL, DONOVAN, RICHARD THOMPSON, ERIC CLAPTON), Canadian icon Stephen Fearing (BLACKIE & THE RODEO KINGS, SARAH McLACHLAN) and world renown sitar master Irshad Khan.
Dawud served as an executive member of the creative team behind educational multimedia entity Sound Vision for 7 years and now oversees his own world-music publishing entityEnter Into Peace. Frequently assisting with television and video production, Wharnsby has scored or personally hosted programs produced with the support of Canada's Vision TV, the National Film Board of Canada, CBC, and BBC Scotland. As a respected and vibrant solo musical performer, social activist and motivational speaker, he travels extensively throughout the world and often lectures at schools and universities - addressing gatherings of all ages with his inspirational talks and diverse educational programs for children. Though his performance venues have included Toronto’s prestigious Living Arts Centre, and London England’s famed Royal Albert Hall, Dawud (who got his start humbly busking on cold street corners of small Canadian and Scottish towns) maintains a love of simplicity - never straying far from opportunities to share his music informally with intimate audiences.
http://www.wharnsby.com/Biography/
midnight
Dawud Wharnsby Ali Lyrics
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He said, "There's nothing more to say."
then lectured on for another hour.
She said, everything was fine.
She said, she didn't like to whine,
then cried on for another hour.
They sat so still though the scene was violent.
And words can never really help you say,
what you want them to anyway.
And words can never really help you see,
what you really want to be.
He took a last sip of cold tea.
Last chance to stop all these lies.
Last chance to clean up these lives.
This could be the final hour.
This could be the final hour, or
this could be the finest hour.
And words can never really help you say
what you want them to anyway.
And words can never really help you see,
what you really want to be.
He took a last sip of cold tea.
The lyrics to Dawud Wharnsby Ali's song Midnight describe a couple who are in the midst of an argument, but they are not communicating effectively with each other. The man expresses his feelings in an arrogant way and dismisses the woman's perspective, while the woman tries to downplay her emotions and ends up crying for an hour. The scene is silent and violent at the same time, showing the depth of their conflict.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that words cannot really help them express what they truly want to say or be. The man takes a final sip of cold tea, which could symbolize the end of their relationship or the need for them to take a break and reflect on their communication issues.
The song's lyrics convey a message about the importance of effective communication in relationships and the limitations of language when it comes to expressing complex emotions. It highlights the need for empathy and the willingness to truly listen to each other in order to resolve conflicts and build stronger connections.
Line by Line Meaning
He sat back in his arrogant sort of way.
He reclined with a pompous attitude.
He said, "There's nothing more to say."
He declared that there was no more to discuss.
then lectured on for another hour.
Despite his statement, he continued to speak for another hour.
She said, everything was fine.
She mentioned that everything was all right.
She said, she didn't like to whine,
She remarked that she did not like to complain.
then cried on for another hour.
Despite her earlier statement, she sobbed for another hour.
They sat there screaming through the room was silent.
They shouted despite the room being silent.
They sat so still though the scene was violent.
They remained motionless despite the situation being tense.
And words can never really help you say,
Expressions cannot always entirely convey what you wish to communicate.
what you want them to anyway.
Your intended message may not be fully conveyed through words.
And words can never really help you see,
Speech cannot always assist you in perceiving.
what you really want to be.
Your true aspirations may not be clear through verbal communication.
He took a last sip of cold tea.
He had the last swallow of his chilled tea.
Last chance to stop all these lies.
The last opportunity to end falsehoods.
Last chance to clean up these lives.
The final opportunity to improve their existence.
This could be the final hour.
This could be the last moment of their lives.
This could be the final hour, or
This moment could also be their most excellent moment.
And words can never really help you say
Words do not always fully express what you desire to communicate.
what you want them to anyway.
Your desired message may not fully come across through spoken language.
And words can never really help you see,
Speech cannot always aid in perception.
what you really want to be.
Your true intentions may not be clear through spoken communication.
He took a last sip of cold tea.
With his final gulp, he consumed his chilled tea.
Contributed by Tyler K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.