Beginning with the release of Jika Jika in 2003 Freshlyground have carved out a massive following both in South Africa and around the world. Their music - a fusion of rock, jazz and Afro-pop – has proven time and time again to be a favourite amongst all audiences from young children to their grandparents. The skill and joy with which it is delivered have made them perpetual crossover favourites.
Nomvula, their multi-platinum 2004 release, broke new ground for South African pop acts. Its first single - Doo Be Doo - was the most played song in South Africa in 2005. With four hit singles following it, Nomvula propelled the band to heights few reach. It has taken them to stages and festivals around Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. With 2007’s Ma Cheri the band cemented their status as one of the finest acts to have ever come out of Southern Africa. They have won numerous awards including 4 South African Music Awards, 4 Metro FM Awards and an MTV Europe Music Award for "Best African Act" -a first for any SA musician-.
Freshlyground have not forgotten their roots in the gritty reality of Sub-Saharan Africa where so many suffer. They have been supporters of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation since playing a fund raising concert for the Foundation in 2005.
Freshlyground recorded their fourth studio album, Radio Africa, and it was released in South Africa May 2010. During the course of that year they toured extensively throughout South Africa as well as Europe, the US and Asia.
Expect “the most important South African act of the 21st century” to continue winning the hearts of fans and packing venues all over the world.
The band's official site: http://www.freshlyground.com/
Follow the band on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/freshlygroundsa/
Find the band on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/freshlyground/
Become a fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Freshlyground/7604775495/
Desire
Freshlyground Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My friends implore me
"Don't do it,
You'll get your heart smashed to the ground, no way around it"
My friends assure me
"You're too good for this,
Something better waits for you beyond the corner"
They pick me up around town
Take me out any time I'm feeling sentimental
My friends won't hold me
When I can't sleep late at night
When I can't put out the light
Oh, this desire
Oh, this desire
I kiss your shoulder
You look me in the eye
Without panic or surprise I know I'm falling
Into your rivers
I'm moving faster now
I'm flowing further into secret harbours
Your arms are open
You're too good to miss.
Without panic or surprise I know I'm falling
Oh, this desire
But what about this loneliness?
Maybe I should question this
What about this loneliness?
Maybe I should question this
My head is under the bed
You're not ready for all this
All you wanted was a moment's celebration
I'm treading water. Going under. Did you say?
My friends console me
They pick me up around town;
Take me out anytime I'm feeling temperamental.
My friends will hold me when I can't sleep late at night
When I can't put out the light.
Oh, this desire
Oh, this desire
But what about this loneliness?
Maybe I should question this
What about this loneliness?
Maybe I should question this
What about this loneliness?
The song "Desire" by Freshlyground explores the conflicting emotions of desire and loneliness. The singer is torn between their desire for someone and the fear of getting hurt. Despite their friends' warnings, the singer is unable to resist the pull of their desire and falls into the other person's arms. However, they also acknowledge the feeling of loneliness that accompanies their desire and questions whether it's worth it. As the song progresses, the singer's doubts and fears become more pronounced, culminating in the realization that they may have been played for a fool. The song skillfully captures the complexity of human emotions and the risks involved in pursuing our desires.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm treading water. Going under. What did you say?
I am struggling to stay afloat and might be drowning. Can you repeat what you said?
My friends implore me "Don't do it, You'll get your heart smashed to the ground, no way around it"
My close acquaintances highly discourage me from following through with a romantic interest because they foresee severe emotional pain.
My friends assure me "You're too good for this, Something better waits for you beyond the corner"
My confidants are confident that I am worthy of a better romantic situation and a brighter, more fulfilling future lies ahead of me.
Though my friends adore me They pick me up around town Take me out any time I'm feeling sentimental
Despite the affection they have for me, my allies accompany me around the city and cheer me up whenever I am feeling emotional.
My friends won't hold me When I can't sleep late at night When I can't put out the light
However, my companions are not there to physically comfort me when I am unable to sleep at night nor extinguish the light keeping me awake.
Oh, this desire
My longing for this person is overpowering and intense.
I kiss your shoulder You look me in the eye Without panic or surprise I know I'm falling
I am drawn to you and when I kiss your shoulder, you thankfully meet my gaze, revealing to me that I can let myself fall deeper for you without hesitation or alarm.
Into your rivers I'm moving faster now I'm flowing further into secret harbours Your arms are open You're too good to miss. Without panic or surprise I know I'm falling
I am metaphorically traversing through your deepest thoughts and emotions and I find myself growing more intense in my desire for the secrets you possess. Your arms are welcoming me and I sense that you are not one to be missed out on.
But what about this loneliness? Maybe I should question this What about this loneliness? Maybe I should question this
I am now questioning whether my newfound desire and strong feelings towards you are truly authentic or merely a means to fill an inner void of loneliness.
My head is under the bed You're not ready for all this All you wanted was a moment's celebration I'm treading water. Going under. Did you say?
Now I am hiding away under the bed, realizing that you are not ready or on the same level as I am in this emerging romantic relationship. I feel like I am sinking and perhaps, misunderstood. Can you clarify what you just said?
Writer(s): Peter Cohen, Simon Attwell, Julio Sigauque, Zolani Mahola, Aron Turest-Zwartz, Neil John Francis Hawks, Kyla-Rose Smith Copyright: Freshly Ground
Contributed by Mackenzie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.