DAY BY DAY
Femi Kuti Lyrics


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Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign

Because the suffering is too much
So many meaningless wars
The people are confused about their future
So we turn, we turn, we turn to God

Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign

Go look Mushi
The condition just dey worse
Go look Ajegunle
The matter make we no talk
See as our papa dem dey suffer for Oshodi bus stop
Mama mama no get any money to chop

Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night
We work and pray
For peace to reign
Day by day
By night by night




We work and pray
For peace to reign

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Femi Kuti's "Day By Day" call for an end to the suffering caused by meaningless wars and a plea for peace to reign. The repetition of "Day by day, by night by night, we work and pray for peace to reign" strengthens the message and conveys the idea that peace is not something that can be achieved overnight, but requires constant effort and commitment.


The song highlights the confusion and uncertainty felt by people about their future, particularly in areas like Mushi, Ajegunle and Oshodi bus stop where poverty and misery are rife. The lyrics are a call to action for people to turn to God and work tirelessly to bring peace and hope to their communities.


The song is a reflection of Femi Kuti's deep-rooted commitment to social justice and equality, which are themes that run through much of his music. Femi Kuti has stated that he draws inspiration from his father's legacy of using music as a tool for activism and change. "Day By Day" is a poignant reminder of the power of music to raise awareness about social issues and to inspire people to work towards a better future.


Line by Line Meaning

Day by day
Every single day


By night by night
Even during the night


We work and pray
We put in effort and offer supplication


For peace to reign
In the hopes of achieving peacefulness


Because the suffering is too much
The agony is unbearable


So many meaningless wars
Numerous wars with no significant purpose


The people are confused about their future
Citizens are unsure of what is in store for them


So we turn, we turn, we turn to God
Seeking divine intervention


Go look Mushi
Observe the state of Mushi


The condition just dey worse
The situation is deteriorating


Go look Ajegunle
Take notice of Ajegunle


The matter make we no talk
The issue is too complex to discuss


See as our papa dem dey suffer for Oshodi bus stop
Witness the struggle of our fathers at Oshodi bus stop


Mama mama no get any money to chop
Mothers do not even have the means to provide food




Writer(s): 布袋 寅泰

Contributed by Jasmine M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Oba Orisha

One of the best albums ever. The legendary Femi, just like father like son

Mattycakes

A guy I worked with had this playing one day. I mainly listen to Metal/Hip-hop, but this always stuck with me. After an exhaustive search I found out who this was and have been jamming it on the reg. Never limit yourself by genre or culture, you'll miss out on something special.

Stay Smüth

respect to that mattycakes! I'm not a metal guy, but you inspired me...i'll take your best album rec ! :P

LOUIS OTIENO

Enlightening

PeekaPeep

Found this album heavily marked down in the used CD section at my local indie music retailer several years ago, virtually unplayed (O_O)! One of the best in-store music purchases I ever did make, looking back...
:-)

The Urban Philosopher

Powerful music, this man is the truth

Emilio Panizio

yes

KuttyJoe

I can't get enough authentic Afrobeat.

Préférence Rhum

One of the most underrated album imho

Benada Mtu

Not since I listened to very good 🎶 music 🎶 that accompanies deep meaningful lyrics written & performed by the best band in the land, which back-in-the- day, was Earth 🌍, Wind 🌬️, & Fire🔥, have I heard 👂🏿 any contemporary Afri~ Artist's excellent created & performed 🎼 🇳🇬 🎵sounds 🎤🎤, 🎹, 🎺🎷🎺🎷,🎸, 🥁 as are on this entire 📀 album.

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