Kalimba Tree
Earth Wind & Fire Lyrics


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Saw it in a store one day
Thought it might make me play
Future music all for you

Seen me through my hardest times
Thought it was ′bout time
To open up a new world just for you
Fills all my needs, gave me the key
Door was open, for me to see
Playin' around the world
Touchin′ all the boys and girls
With a new love to make them free

Kalimba, oh Kalimba, play me a tune
Kalimba, oh Kalimba, I'm glad I found you
Kalimba, oh Kalimba, play me a tune
Kalimba, oh Kalimba, sends a message to you

If you lend an ear and you have no fear
The vibration will move your mind
It's new to you, sounds true to you
Sacred music before it′s time

Play it for you now, wanna see
Just how my Kalimba get next to you
Are you ready now, well get ready now
Come along, groove with the new

Kalimba, oh Kalimba, play me a tune
Kalimba, oh Kalimba, I′m glad I found you
Kalimba, oh Kalimba, play me a tune
Kalimba, oh Kalimba, sends a message to you

Kalimba, oh Kalimba, play me a tune




Kalimba, oh Kalimba, sends a message to you
Kalimba, oh Kalimba, sends a message to you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Kalimba Tree" by Earth Wind & Fire are about the power of music and the discovery of a new instrument that can bring people together. The singer discovers the kalimba, a type of thumb piano, in a store and believes it will help him create new music for his audience. The kalimba becomes a key that opens the door to a new world of possibility for the singer and his listeners. The lyrics describe how the kalimba can touch people all over the world, breaking down barriers and unlocking a new sense of free expression.


The singer also explains that the music of the kalimba is so powerful that it can move the mind and bring people together. The sacred music created by the kalimba is said to be ahead of its time, bringing people together through its unique sound and vibration. The lyrics encourage the listener to lend an ear and feel the vibration of the music, letting it move their mind and spirit.


Overall, the message of "Kalimba Tree" is one of unity and freedom. The kalimba is a symbol of the power of music to heal and unite people from all walks of life, and the singer encourages the listener to embrace this new sound and be open to the possibilities it offers.


Line by Line Meaning

Saw it in a store one day
While browsing in a store, I spotted a Kalimba and felt that it might inspire me to create new music for my fans


Thought it might make me play
I believed that the Kalimba could awaken a new musical creativity inside me


Future music all for you
I wanted to bring my fans new, innovative music from the future using the Kalimba as my inspiration


Seen me through my hardest times
During tough times, the Kalimba was there for me as a source of comfort and inspiration


Thought it was ′bout time
I felt it was finally the right time to introduce the rest of the world to the Kalimba's unique sound


To open up a new world just for you
I wanted to share this new, unexplored world of music with my fans


Fills all my needs, gave me the key
The Kalimba satisfied my musical needs and provided me with the tools to create new, unheard music


Door was open, for me to see
The Kalimba provided an open door for me to enter into a new world of musical possibilities


Playin' around the world
With the Kalimba's help, I was able to play music and share it with people from all over the world


Touchin′ all the boys and girls
My music, inspired by the Kalimba, touched the hearts and minds of all music lovers, regardless of age or gender


With a new love to make them free
The Kalimba brought a new musical love that empowered people to feel free, happy and at peace


Kalimba, oh Kalimba, play me a tune
Oh Kalimba, please play a beautiful melody that will take me and my listeners on a beautiful musical journey


Kalimba, oh Kalimba, I'm glad I found you
I'm extremely grateful to have discovered the Kalimba and its unique sound that has inspired my music and happiness


Kalimba, oh Kalimba, sends a message to you
The Kalimba has a message to share with all listeners, that through music we can find joy, love, and happiness


If you lend an ear and you have no fear
To truly appreciate the Kalimba's sound, you must be open-minded and unafraid to explore new musical horizons


The vibration will move your mind
The Kalimba's unique vibrations and sounds will move your mind, body, and soul into a state of pure musical bliss


It's new to you, sounds true to you
While the Kalimba's sound may be unfamiliar at first, with time you'll come to appreciate its unique beauty and authenticity


Sacred music before it′s time
I believe the Kalimba's sound is so special and sacred that it's ahead of its time, waiting for people to discover its beauty


Play it for you now, wanna see
I want to share the Kalimba's sound with you now and see how it impacts your heart and soul


Just how my Kalimba get next to you
I'm curious to know how the Kalimba's sound will resonate with you and get close to your heart


Are you ready now, well get ready now
Are you prepared to embrace this new, unique musical journey? If not, now is the time to get ready and join the groove


Come along, groove with the new
Join me and groove with the new, unique Kalimba sound, and take your musical experience to new heights




Writer(s): Maurice White, Verdine White

Contributed by Charlotte F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Brilliantbeing

The Elements were so much deeper than "September". Historians in the distant future will recognize this.

The industry tried to trivialize the import of this prophetic and immensely talented group. No group today can even approach this level of prowess and uplift.

Bernard Johnson

+Brilliantbeing So right

Darryl Massey

I love September but I hate that it's the song that has come to define EWF to the casual listener. They are so much deeper.

Adisa Olubayo Bankole

Oh man ya'll right on time, I don't know what to say, but 'September' come on, I mean really, 'Head to the Sky' or 'Serpentine Fire', now these songs I can get to.

Leonard Dolezal

My opinion is that EWF tried to catch the 70s disco trend with their songs "September" and "Boogie Wonder Land" in 1979. But for me EWF made better songs before 1979 and in the 1980's.

Simba Goma

RIP Maurice White. Your brought the Kalimba from Africa to the world and may it play on forever. Kenya is in mourning for this loss. Lala Salama Ndugu!!

Ramansdo3s

Maurice White = Legend. Can't be many who would disagree.

Daniel Åsbjørnsson

I disagree. Maurice wasn't a legend, he was a god.

HobbsBhipp

Imagine what we can do when we omit our differences and come together creatively.

ce hayes

I've always loved this groove, The African beat combined with the modern beat !!! Gotta love Maurice's Genius :-) !!!!

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