Shaking The Tree
Genesis (Phil Collins & Peter Gabriel) Lyrics
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We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Waiting your time, dreaming of a better life
Waiting your time, you're more than just a wife
You don't have to do what your mother has done
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Turning the tide, you are on the incoming wave
Turning the tide, you know you are nobody's slave
Find your sisters or brothers who can hear all the truth in what you say
They can support you when you're on your way
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Changing your ways, changing those surrounding you
Changing your ways, more than any man can do
Open your heart, show him the anger and pain, so you heal
Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel
You had to be so strong
And you do nothing wrong, nothing wrong at all
We're gonna break it down
We're gonna shake it down, shake it all around
No no no no no no
No no no no no no
No no no no no no
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
You had to be so strong
You do nothing wrong, nothing wrong at all
We're gonna break it down
We're gonna shake it down, shake it all around
The song Shaking The Tree by Genesis (Phil Collins & Peter Gabriel) is an anthem about breaking free from societal expectations and finding a new life. The lyrics are particularly empowering for women who are often expected to follow in their mother's footsteps and conform to certain roles in life.
The song starts with the repeated lines "Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree." These lines are actually from the Senegalese language, Wolof, and translate to "Our roots (or ancestors) dig deep in the earth, we are shaking the tree." This line highlights the importance of cultural roots and how breaking free from tradition can be a struggle.
The song then goes on to talk about waiting for a better life and breaking out of traditional roles. It encourages women to find their own path and not necessarily follow in the footsteps of their mothers or previous generations. The chorus is particularly empowering, stating "It's your day, a woman's day, we are shaking the tree." The idea of shaking the tree reflects the idea of breaking free and starting anew. The song also encourages women to find allies, whether they be sisters or brothers, who can support them in their journey.
Overall, Shaking The Tree is an uplifting and empowering song about breaking free from societal expectations and embracing new beginnings.
Line by Line Meaning
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are awakening, we are the newly initiated
We are shakin' the tree
We are shaking up the established order
Waiting your time, dreaming of a better life
Don't waste your time waiting, dream for a better life
Waiting your time, you're more than just a wife
You are not limited to just being a wife
You don't have to do what your mother has done
You have the freedom to make your own choices
She has done, this is your life, this new life has begun
You don't have to follow in your mother's footsteps, this is your new beginning
Turning the tide, you are on the incoming wave
You are making a change, going against the tide
Turning the tide, you know you are nobody's slave
You are freeing yourself from being controlled by others
Find your sisters or brothers who can hear all the truth in what you say
Find like-minded people who support and understand you
They can support you when you're on your way
They can help you along your journey
Changing your ways, changing those surrounding you
Changing yourself and influencing those around you
Changing your ways, more than any man can do
You have the power to create change in a way that surpasses men
Open your heart, show him the anger and pain, so you heal
Be open about your feelings so that you can heal
Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel
Perhaps he is seeking his feminine side and it's okay to let him explore it
You had to be so strong
You had to endure a lot of challenges and be strong
You do nothing wrong, nothing wrong at all
You are doing nothing wrong by asserting yourself and creating change
We're gonna break it down
We are going to break down the societal norms
We're gonna shake it down, shake it all around
We are going to shake things up and create change
It's your day, a woman's day
Today is a day for women to shine
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Peter Gabriel, Youssou N'Dour
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Prof. J.M. Partinnin-Lowe
This remains a seriously unique performance. One aspect of this concert is notable: In that Peter Gabriel recognizes, and praises, all the members of the troupe. Wonderful, they enjoyed performing as much as the audience enjoyed it.
MCD
The complete Secret World video performance is a modern day masterpiece. 💖
Prof. J.M. Partinnin-Lowe
An incredible concert! - Everyone is so into having fun, the precision is excellent - it is contagious. 😎
Angela Brown-Bessau
The language of my people...ancient words...soul shaking..."souma yeugone, souniou yeugone" Dancing in the sacred circle, blessing all who hear...can you feel it?
B Stin
My favorite song of all time. I CAN FEEL IT INDEED! :-}
David King
@Cheryl Czekala bb
Cheryl Czekala
I surely can feel it, and have tried to discover what the words mean.
Shon Blackwell
IT'S A WOMAN'S DAY! IT'S YOUR DAY! EVERYDAY!
jonathan squires
Anela ty for letting me know why I love this so very very much...may god's light magnify within and without you today<><><><><>>
Shelley Mac
Peter Gabriel and Paula Cole LIVE is giving me life right now😍