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.
The Coffee Cola Song
Francis Bebey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Eating bread and butter and honey, and drinking black coffee and cola
They believe we are wild man, they believe we are wild
Just because we don't use any money, and we drink no coffee cola
But if you could go and see how they live
(ashamed ashamed)
Then, you discover how savage they are, so much wilder than we
...
There are people in town man, weird people in town
Eating bread and butter and honey, and drinking black coffee and cola
Money is what they like most, money is what they like
And people who have plenty of money belong to high society
But if you could go and see how they live
(ashamed ashamed)
Then, you discover how savage they are, so much wilder than we
...
They keep dreaming of war man, hate and crime everywhere I was told that is to get the money, that need to buy coffee cola
They keep dreaming of war man, hate and crime everywhere
That is where they can find the money, that need to buy coffee cola
...
The Coffee Cola Song is a satirical commentary on the societal expectations surrounding consumption habits and wealth. The song is divided into three parts with slightly different lyrics each time, but the same message remains consistent throughout. The first verse speaks of people who live their lives without the need for money and are portrayed as wild and unconventional. These people consume bread, butter, honey, black coffee, and cola which are all simple and cheap items. However, the song suggests that those who criticize their lifestyle are in fact the savage ones. The second verse flips the perspective, depicting those who value money as out of touch with reality and consumed by greed. They are portrayed as savages dreaming of war and hate, all for the sake of buying expensive and luxurious items such as coffee cola. The final verse reiterates the theme that societal expectations and judgment are misplaced and often reveal more about the accuser than the accused.
Line by Line Meaning
There are people in town man, crazy people in town
There are strange individuals in our locality, my friend
Eating bread and butter and honey, and drinking black coffee and cola
These individuals consume a diet of bread, butter, honey, black coffee and cola
They believe we are wild man, they believe we are wild
They consider us untamed and primitive
Just because we don't use any money, and we drink no coffee cola
Simply because we don't place value on money and refrain from indulging in coffee cola
But if you could go and see how they live
(ashamed ashamed)
Then, you discover how savage they are, so much wilder than we
However, if you could observe their lifestyle, you'll realize how cruel and barbaric they truly are, far more savage than us
They keep dreaming of war man, hate and crime everywhere I was told that is to get the money, that need to buy coffee cola
These individuals keep fantasizing about war, with hatred and crimes happening everywhere; I heard this is done to obtain funds, which they use to purchase coffee cola
They keep dreaming of war man, hate and crime everywhere
That is where they can find the money, that need to buy coffee cola
They constantly fixate on war, with animosity and criminal acts occurring in every nook and cranny, as that is their primary means of obtaining cash, which they use to buy coffee cola
Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
gig
Good song
@wingfinrecords2545
EASILY the best song I've ever heard. The xylophone is simply incredible.
@danknfrshtv
Honestly, Kiffness brought me here. But now Francis Bebey is being rocked in Australia. Thank you Africa!
@barakiji
What is this gem? I want more of this please.
@user-wf8ie6md5c
Pauvre petit vas à tes origines si tu connais pas apprend sur place tout ne se fait pas que par la net
@pabloallesromero1796
ES MARAVILLOSO !!!
@plasticwrapcharlie
WARNING:
MASSIVE EARWORM POWER
ACHTUNG:
RIESENOHRWURMKRAFT
@MrDjchitus
dire que j'ai voulu diffuser ce clip sur facebook et qu'ils l'ont supprimé à cause des deux seins sur la photo, quelle hypocrisie, quelle censure débile !!!!
@user-wf8ie6md5c
Écologie ecology bad food mal bouffe nos parents l'ont dit avant la preuve si un jeune entend pas ça 😢
@notYero
legend! you can find a Lofi Hip Hop remix of this on my page ^^