The band was already established in 1994 by Rümenapp, Ude and Poschwatta, when the vocalist Sandra Nasic joined later that year. They recorded 3 demo tapes, but their career took off in 1996 after winning the Local Hero contest for unsigned bands. They used the prize money for recording their first hit "Open Your Eyes" and shot a video for that song. They also signed to GUN/Supersonic Records.
"Open Your Eyes" was released as a single (#5 GER) and was followed by their debut album Proud Like a God in 6 October 1997. The album ranked #4 and it was certified platinum in Germany. Two other singles helped the album's popularity and sales: "Rain" (#76 GER) and "Lords of the Boards" (#10 GER). "Lord of the Boards" is performed as the closing song on every Guano Apes concert.
In 1999, they issued the stand alone single "Don't You Turn Your Back on Me" (# 50 GER).
In 2 May 2000, Guano Apes released the sophomore album, Don't Give Me Names. This #1 album in Germany was certifed gold in the same country and it was promoted by four singles: "Big in Japan" (#9 GER, #5 IT), "No Speech" (#75 GER), "Living in a Lie" (#84 GER) and "Dödel Up" (#57 GER).
In 2001, the band credited as Guano Babes featuring Michael Mittermeier, issued the stand alone single "Kumba Yo!" (#3 GER).
Their third album Walking on a Thin Line was released in 3 February 2003. The album peaked #1 and it was certified gold in Germany. Guano Apes released three singles from this album: "You Can't Stop Me" (#10 GER), "Pretty in Scarlet" (#51 GER) and "Quietly" (#51 GER).
After the very long promo tour to the WOATL album, the band decided to take a rest for a while. In 2004 they issued a Best Of album titled Planet of the Apes and the single "Break the Line". The band broke up after a final tour in February 2005. A year later, their label released the compilation Lost (T)apes, which contains previously unreleased demos, originally recorded in 1994 and 1995.
Dennis Poschwatta formed the crossover band Tamoto with his friend G-Ball and released the album Clemenza. Henning Rümenapp worked for Horus Studios in Germany. Sandra Nasic released her solo album The Signal in 2007. In 2006 Dennis, Henning and Stefan formed a new group with singer Charles Simmons, called IO. IO realeased their studio album For the Masses in 2008.
In 2009 Guano Apes reformed and played some dates including Enterro da Gata (Portugal), Rock am Ring (Germany), Nova Rock (Austria), Woodstock Festival (Poland), Sofia (Bulgaria), Bucharest (Romania). In Bucharest, Sandra announced the band is working on a new studio album.
Their fourth album Bel Air was released in Spring 2011, preceded by the single "Oh What a Night".
Official site: http://www.guanoapes.org
Kumbayo!
Guano Apes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
Oh Lord kumba ya
Kumba ya my Lord kumba yo
Kumba ya my Lord kumba yo
Go tell it to the mountains that you believe
It's the word of the only commander-in-chief
He gotcha by ya balls, swing it low sweet Chariot
I was a sinner, a bad girl, Lord pardon me
I was deaf, dumb and blind, but know I can't see
I'm the A–ko-Christ with my guitar
Give it to me Jesus - aha aha
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
Oh Lord kumba ya
Kumba ya my Lord kumba yo
Kumba ya my Lord kumba yo
Can't you feel, whe the faints are marchin' in
You don't know the fucking trouble I've seen
You're the Savior, you're the real big player
And I'm standing here alone in the need of a prayer
Judgement is coming high
I heard a sucker rumbling in the sky
Kumba kumba a kumba yo
Kumba kumba a kumba yo
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
Can't you see the judgement is coming
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
You all keep the rhythm of the Lord
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
Yeah of course life can be summer
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
We are the raiders of the last chord
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
Oh Lord kumba ya
Kumba ya my Lord kumba yo
Kumba ya my Lord kumba yo
The Guano Apes song, "Kumbayo!" combines elements of traditional spiritual hymns with rock instrumentation, creating a unique and powerful musical experience. The lyrics are a combination of traditional hymn verses and more contemporary expressions of faith, such as "swinging low sweet chariot" mixed with "give it to me Jesus." The song's central theme is the belief in a higher power and the importance of faith.
The first verse emphasizes the power of belief in a higher power and the idea that the "commander-in-chief" has the whole world in his hands. The second verse acknowledges past mistakes and sins, asking for forgiveness and redemption through faith in Jesus. The chorus repeats the phrase "Kumbaya my Lord" which is a traditional African American spiritual that means "Come by Here, my Lord."
The bridge emphasizes the need for salvation and the recognition that judgement is coming. The song ends with a final call to keep the rhythm of the Lord and to be "raiders of the last chord." Overall, the lyrics of "Kumbayo!" are a powerful expression of faith, redemption, and the hope for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Kumba ya my Lord kumba ya
Repetitive expression of calling out to the Lord in a moment of spiritual reflection and longing for divine guidance.
Kumba ya my Lord kumba yo
Continued calling out to the Lord with a slightly different expression, reflecting a change in emotional intensity or urgency.
Oh Lord kumba ya
Addressing the Lord specifically and reverently, acknowledging His power and omnipresence.
Go tell it to the mountains that you believe
Encouraging others to openly express their faith and conviction, especially in the face of challenges or opposition.
It's the word of the only commander-in-chief
Stating that faith in the Lord is the ultimate authority and source of guidance, above all human leaders or powers.
He's got the whole world in his hands, just say yo
Acknowledging the all-encompassing power and presence of the Lord, and emphasizing the simplicity of expressing faith through a single word or phrase.
He gotcha by ya balls, swing it low sweet Chariot
Using crude language and imagery to convey a sense of surrender and submission to the Lord's will, even in moments of vulnerability or discomfort.
I was a sinner, a bad girl, Lord pardon me
Confessing past mistakes or transgressions, and seeking forgiveness and redemption from the Lord.
I was deaf, dumb and blind, but know I can't see
Acknowledging a previous state of spiritual ignorance or confusion, and expressing newfound clarity or enlightenment through faith in the Lord.
I'm the A-ko-Christ with my guitar
Asserting one's identity as a devoted follower of Christ, and using music as a means of channeling and expressing faith.
Give it to me Jesus - aha aha
Expressing enthusiasm and joy in one's relationship with the Lord, and asking for continued guidance and blessings.
Can't you feel, whe the faints are marchin' in
Invoking a sense of communal celebration and shared faith, as reflected in the spiritual hymn 'When the Saints Go Marching In.'
You don't know the fucking trouble I've seen
Acknowledging past struggles or hardships, and emphasizing the transformative power of faith in overcoming adversity.
You're the Savior, you're the real big player
Proclaiming the Lord as the ultimate source of salvation and guidance, and emphasizing His importance above all others.
And I'm standing here alone in the need of a prayer
Revealing a sense of personal vulnerability or need for guidance and support from the Lord in a particular moment.
Judgement is coming high
Warning of an impending reckoning or divine judgment, and underscoring the need for spiritual preparation and repentance.
I heard a sucker rumbling in the sky
Using colorful language and imagery to evoke a sense of the divine and otherworldly, and building anticipation for a climactic moment of spiritual revelation.
Kumba kumba a kumba yo
Repeating the earlier expressions of calling out to the Lord, this time with a slightly more urgent or intense tone.
Can't you see the judgement is coming
Reiterating the earlier warning of impending divine judgment, and emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance and preparation.
You all keep the rhythm of the Lord
Encouraging fellow believers to maintain a sense of spiritual discipline and focus, and to remain in sync with the Lord's will and guidance.
Yeah of course life can be summer
Acknowledging that life can be difficult or challenging at times, but expressing faith in the Lord as a source of comfort and strength.
We are the raiders of the last chord
Asserting a sense of spiritual rebellion or resistance against worldly forces or temptations, and declaring allegiance to the Lord as a final and decisive authority.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL MITTERMEIER, SANDRA NASIC, DENNIS POSCHWATTA, HENNING RUEMENAPP, STEFAN UDE, ROBERT FUHRMANN, HANS VON CHELIUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@D45Z
I know this used to be a troll song but holy cow did it age well! Still loving it in 2022!
@SiaAbderezai
I’ve been rocking this track for 20+ years. Must have missed troll phase
@tomasztarasewicz9977
Yeah u know shit
@joaoleitao619
and also 2023!
@Bodziox6a8
❤
@daddycationxx
we need this kind of music these days more than ever
@SuperTantePeter
Kumbaya my Lord, kumbaya!
@laser5803
Was war das noch für eine geile Zeit. Memories kicked in.
@drazman9
Das ist - miteinst der besten Clips und Songs von den Apes!!!
@AdamMichalMarkowski
I love this period in time. There were so many songs with crazy clips playing back then on Viva and German MTV. Moment when the other band rode in with a mime on a rope was just too perfect!