Femi was born in London on 16 June 1962 and grew up in the former Nigerian capital Lagos.
Like his father, Femi has shown a strong commitment to social and political causes throughout his career, but he differs in his religious views.
In 2001, Femi collaborated with a number of US musicians such as Common, Mos Def, and Jaguar Wright, on his Fight to Win album. This album was widely regarded as the most influential Neo-Afrobeat album of the early 21st century.
Victim of Life
Femi Kuti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
when you see am you go understand
Somethings go make you wonder why
The Creator no dey for your side (for your side)
Suddenly.
You find yourself for bad condition
Endlessly.
You try to find an explanation
Times aside, you can fight back
You become.
A victim of life,
trapped in time.
Victim of life,
trapped in time.
Now listen to my example (oh oh oh)
You dey come from party
You just enjoyed yourself
You stand for road side
You then wait for taxi
Suddenly police van
Stop and bundle you away
Straight to Kirii kiri
Then jail you 6 months
You sit down you think your life
Why all these bad things
na our country, na the time Wey we dey
Police brutality don become our life
Uniform chancing, na our system e dey
So relax and understand
You are just another.
Victim of life,
trapped in time.
The lyrics of Femi Kuti's "Victim of Life" describe the unfairness and unpredictability of life through the perspective of someone who has experienced it firsthand. The singer acknowledges that there are some events in life that are inevitable and that can lead one to become a victim of circumstance. The line "when you see am you go understand" suggests that only those who have gone through such situations can truly grasp their complexities. The singer goes on to question why such events occur, particularly when it seems like the Creator is not on their side.
The second stanza highlights a specific example of police brutality, where someone who had just been enjoying themselves at a party is suddenly arrested and jailed for six months without any explanation. The singer suggests that such occurrences have become a common reality in their country, and that the very systems meant to protect people are the ones perpetuating these injustices. The final lines of the song acknowledge the unfortunate reality that sometimes, despite our best efforts, we can become victims of situations beyond our control.
In summary, "Victim of Life" is a somber and introspective song that reflects on the challenges and inequalities of life that can make us feel trapped in time and powerless.
Line by Line Meaning
Somethings go happen for life
Certain events are bound to happen in life
when you see am you go understand
You will eventually comprehend its meaning
Somethings go make you wonder why
Certain things will leave you questioning
The Creator no dey for your side (for your side)
It may seem like God is not on your side
Suddenly.
Unexpectedly
You find yourself for bad condition
You find yourself in a difficult situation
Endlessly.
Continuously trying
You try to find an explanation
You attempt to understand why it's happening
When time so hard, treats you bad
During difficult times, life can be unkind
Times aside, you can fight back
Despite the challenges, you still have the power to persevere
You become.
You transform
A victim of life,
A person caught in the struggles of life
trapped in time.
Stuck in a difficult period
Victim of life,
Helpless to the circumstances of life
trapped in time.
Unable to escape tough times
Now listen to my example (oh oh oh)
Now, let me share an example with you
You dey come from party
You have just left a party
You just enjoyed yourself
You were having a great time
You stand for road side
You wait by the side of the road
You then wait for taxi
You wait for a taxi to arrive
Suddenly police van
Without warning, a police van arrives
Stop and bundle you away
The officers apprehend you
Straight to Kirii kiri
They take you directly to jail
Then jail you 6 months
You end up spending six months in prison
You sit down you think your life
You reflect on your life
Why all these bad things
You question why these negative events are happening to you
na our country, na the time Wey we dey
It's a result of the current state of our country
Police brutality don become our life
Police brutality has become a part of our daily lives
Uniform chancing, na our system e dey
It's all due to the corrupt system we live in
So relax and understand
So take a deep breath and try to comprehend
You are just another.
You are not alone in this struggle
Victim of life,
Trapped in an unfair situation
trapped in time.
Stuck in a difficult moment in life
Writer(s): OLUFELA OLUFEMI ANIKULAPO KUTI
Contributed by Jeremiah F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@FlameShield
you will not be a victim of life in Jesus name.... you will be the champion of Life. good music.. bass is intact.
@PierreOlivierSultan
Just wonderful :)
@julietapala5075
I have remembered this songs title incorrectly, and it has been alright for me, you know making things your own, Stay To LIFE. I'll give a close listen to the lyrics. Thank you.
@evrenozbanazi7693
A legendary intro
@RedUmbre
Best song of all time wtf????????? Underrated
@brunobrown5695
This is a banger
@efe_jazz2752
Are you a Nigerian?
Then you are a victim of life trapped in time. Yes, you are.
Femi singing about police brutality 22 years before the #Endsars protests. Prophet!
@peterdarrylslaughter7390
None of today's music made today can't touch this bet ???
@pakithehealermokoena471
Like Baba like Son
@breakthroughmoment1647
very hip