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.
You Better Ask Yourself
Femi Kuti Lyrics
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Talking talking talking talking
That the savior will be coming
Will be coming coming coming
And he will end all suffering
End suffering suffering suffering
But this na the same old story
Wa don be part of them strategy
Talking talking talking talking
To keep the people always wondering oh
Talking talking talking talking
While the take all our resources
Talking talking talking talking
Leaving us in total poverty
Talking talking talking talking
I want you to do one favor for me
I want you to do something for yourselves
I want you to do something for me now
I want you to do something for yourselves
We're always a Africa not the richest continent
Were governors said we can't be one, of the poorest people as well
We're always a Africa not the richest continent
Were governors said we can't be one, of the poorest people as well
Na we get gold, the diamond, cocoa and rubber
We con know sa na we get the oil and many other resources to
Na we get gold, the diamond, cocoa and rubber
We con know sa na we get the oil and many other resources to
You better ask yourself how the richest continent get the poorest people
(You better ask yourself)
Why everybody dey rush for the resources of Africa
(You better ask yourself)
How many more years we go wait before the savior go come save us (you better ask yourself)
Why as we dey wait, other nations dey get richer
(You better ask yourself)
Sha e good as na we wa get the oil na we da suffer
(You better ask yourself)
Why na the savor dem dey wait before dem make our lives better oh
(You better ask yourself)
Why na the bad things dem dey teach for our forefathers
(You better ask yourself)
Sha na through Christianity and Islam convert of Africa
(You better ask yourself)
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
If you want make your life better oh (you better ask yourself)
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
If you want make your life better oh ohhhh (you better ask yourself)
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You better ask yourself
The song "You Better Ask Yourself" by Femi Kuti is a thought-provoking commentary on the state of Africa and how its people have been oppressed and exploited for their natural resources. The song begins with the lyrics "Everybody's talking/Talking talking talking talking/That the savior will be coming/Will be coming coming coming/And he will end all suffering/End suffering suffering suffering" which suggest that people have been waiting for a savior to come and help them out of their misery. However, Femi Kuti challenges this belief by saying "But this na the same old story/Same old story story story/Wa don be part of them strategy/Talking talking talking talking/To keep the people always wondering oh" which implies that the idea of a savior coming to help is just a ploy to keep people complacent and not take action against their oppressors.
The lyrics go on to highlight how the African continent is rich in resources like gold, diamonds, cocoa, rubber, and oil, but its people are among the poorest in the world. Femi Kuti questions how this is possible and who is benefiting from the exploitation of these resources. He urges people to ask themselves why they are still waiting for a savior to come and make their lives better when they have the power to improve their own lives. He reminds them that they have the resources and potential to be a rich continent, but they must take action and not rely on the promises of others.
Overall, "You Better Ask Yourself" is a call to action for Africans to take control of their own destinies and not wait for others to save them. It challenges the status quo and encourages people to ask critical questions about their situation and take action to improve it.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody's talking
Everyone is discussing
Talking talking talking talking
Speaking repeatedly
That the savior will be coming
That a rescuer will arrive
Will be coming coming coming
Will come soon
And he will end all suffering
And will stop all hardships
End suffering suffering suffering
End all forms of suffering
But this na the same old story
But this is a repetitive narrative
Same old story story story
A tired, recycled tale
Wa don be part of them strategy
We have become pawns in their plans
To keep the people always wondering oh
To always keep people in doubt
While the take all our resources
While they take away all our wealth
Leaving us in total poverty
Leaving us in utter destitution
I want you to do one favor for me
I have a request for you
I want you to do something for yourselves
I want you to take a step for yourselves
We're always a Africa not the richest continent
We are always Africa, not the wealthiest continent
Were governors said we can't be one, of the poorest people as well
Where our leaders have proclaimed us to be one of the poorest people as well
Na we get gold, the diamond, cocoa and rubber
We possess gold, diamonds, cocoa, and rubber
We con know sa na we get the oil and many other resources to
We also know that we have oil and many other resources
You better ask yourself how the richest continent get the poorest people
You should question how the wealthiest continent has the poorest individuals
(You better ask yourself)
(You should ask yourself)
Why everybody dey rush for the resources of Africa
Why is everyone eager to acquire Africa's resources?
How many more years we go wait before the savior go come save us (you better ask yourself)
How much longer must we wait for a rescuer to save us?
Why as we dey wait, other nations dey get richer
Why are other nations getting wealthier as we wait?
Sha e good as na we wa get the oil na we da suffer
It's unfortunate that we suffer despite possessing oil
Why na the savor dem dey wait before dem make our lives better oh
Why are rescuers delaying to improve our lives?
Why na the bad things dem dey teach for our forefathers
Why did they teach our ancestors terrible things?
Sha na through Christianity and Islam convert of Africa
Through converting Africa to Christianity and Islam
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You need to ask yourself
If you want make your life better oh (you better ask yourself)
If you want to improve your life
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You should ask yourself
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You need to question yourself
You better ask yourself (you better ask yourself)
You need to inquire within yourself
Writer(s): Olufemi Anikulapo Kuti
Contributed by Nathan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@johncamacho6657
Some of the most important protest music of this century. I wish the lyrics were available for this song. POWER TO AFRICA! I love you Femi! This is an awesome mix. Thank for posting.
@taviraglayva
This has to be my favorite this year. Just gorgeous. Jose Marquez is a genius.
@Mr74550
Jose Marquez é o cara! Sensibilidade e maestria. Gracias.
@sixclapsdeep2863
The people in South Africa love it. I love playing it.
@JayMedina
Touches the heart.
@BINTASOUND2010
What a groove! Wau!
@caribe077
i n c r e i b l e¡¡¡..... me encanto.... i love this kind of remixes¡¡¡¡
@estardeepbrown
love the song ..very groovy :)
@dadamadzsa
this one rulezz everything!!
@km3659
Can you update the link bro, love this btw! excellent work