In the early 1960s, Bebey moved to France and started work in the arts, establishing himself as a musician, sculptor, and writer. His most popular novel was Agatha Moudio's Son. His writing and music often cross-fertilised, and he performed a song by that name, as well (Agatha). He also worked as a consultant for UNESCO.
Bebey released his first album in 1969. His music was primarily guitar-based, although he integrated traditional African instruments as well. His style was groundbreaking, merging Cameroonian makossa with classical guitar, jazz, and pop, in a mix that could be intellectual, humorous, or serious. He sang in Duala, English, and French. Bebey had a strong impact on later performers. For example, he gave Manu Dibango his big break when Dibango came to work for him in Paris. Bebey released more than 20 albums over his career. He died in 2001.
Forest Nativity
Francis Bebey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Awake into life, my child
Life is good
You will see
Come into the world my child
All of us are here
Awaiting you
And leap for joy
As soon as you are born
The whole forest is expecting you
You can see the panther
Wearing his finest coat
And the lion
The king himself
Wearing a brand new mane to welcome you
Come into the world my child
Awake into life my child
Come into the world
Don't be afraid of the wicked
We have confined the wicked into a prison of scorn, of contempt
From where they'll never escape
The wicked will never trouble you
Or make you unhappy
Because we are here
All of us
Awaiting you
Come into the world
Awake into life, my child
Come, the whole forrest is expecting you
The song "Forest Nativity" by Francis Bebey is a beautiful and poetic celebration of new life entering into the world. The song is addressed to a child who is about to be born, inviting the child to awaken into the world and to see that life is good. In the first stanza, the child is welcomed and urged to come into the world and to embrace life. The second stanza describes the excitement that surrounds the child's arrival, with the entire forest rejoicing and bursting into applause. The panther and the lion, two of the forest's greatest predators, are depicted as wearing their finest clothing to welcome the new child, emphasizing the joy and celebration of the moment.
The third and final stanza of the song takes on a more serious tone as the child is warned of the wicked people in the world. However, the forest and its animals have confined the wicked and promise to keep the child safe from harm. The child is reassured that the forest and all of its inhabitants are eagerly awaiting their arrival and that they will be protected and cared for.
Overall, the song is a beautiful and uplifting celebration of new life, and it artfully conveys a sense of community and collective responsibility towards each other.
Line by Line Meaning
Come into the world my child
Be born and experience life
Awake into life, my child
Open your eyes to the wonders of the world
Life is good
Life is full of positivity
You will see
There are many things yet to be experienced
All of us are here
Everyone is eagerly awaiting your arrival
Awaiting you
Excited to welcome you into the world
And the whole forest will burst into applause
The natural world will celebrate your birth
And leap for joy
Jump with excitement and happiness
As soon as you are born
Immediately upon your arrival
The whole forest is expecting you
All creatures of the forest are thrilled for your arrival
You can see the panther
An example of the wondrous animals you will encounter
Wearing his finest coat
Showing off his beauty and grace
And the lion
Majestic and strong
The king himself
Ruler of the forest
Wearing a brand new mane to welcome you
Ready and eager to welcome you with open arms
Don't be afraid of the wicked
Do not fear the evil in the world
We have confined the wicked into a prison of scorn, of contempt
Those who spread negativity and hatred are not celebrated in this world
From where they'll never escape
Their hateful ways cannot harm you
The wicked will never trouble you
You will not be affected by negativity
Or make you unhappy
You will be surrounded by positivity and love
Because we are here
Everyone is here to support and protect you
Contributed by Benjamin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@n.a.n.t.o.k.a
This track is beyond dope.
@reubengrivell4136
hella dope
@ILikeToPlay
Giga dope
@wiskebovee6353
I will play this for my children
@houseofcourgette
might be the best song ever
@dg.vincent4213
those flutes, what a spicy gem.
@elkezwinge
Francis Bebey and his eternal music, never forgot...28.5.2020
@whoisit01
I love this artist, and this album is exceptional. Easily in my top favorite finds in the last few years. I just wish I could find more information about it and about Francis Bebey!
@meddlesomemusic
I love the inward singing
@ajowong4029
I’m pregnant 🤰🏾 my mother in law just emailed me this song ♥️♥️