Africa
Johnny Clegg; Juluka Lyrics
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E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Hlala
Hlala
He was born in the African dawn
So gentle in the eye he was
As any woman's child
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Hlala
Hlala
As he grew people told him son
Don't you trust anyone
You learn how to trust a stone
This is not gentle and then it breaks those
Who never learned how to be alone
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Hlala
Hlala
And so he walked in the fashion of his lands
Until at last he cried out
Can anybody hear me, hear me
Hear the song in my heart
There's a song to be sung that can heal these broken men
Let us sing and we'll walk through the dark
Hand in hand
Hand in hand
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Hlala
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
The song "Africa" by Johnny Clegg and Juluka is a powerful anthem that represents the strength and resilience of the African people despite years of political turmoil and hardship. The lyrics speak to the pain and struggle that the African people have faced for generations, as well as their unyielding spirit and their ability to find hope and joy in the face of adversity.
The chorus of the song, which repeats throughout the track, translates to "Africa is crying for holy men", suggesting that the continent is in desperate need of leaders who can help guide its people through troubled times. The verses of the song then tell the story of a young African boy who grows up in a world where trust is hard to come by, but who ultimately finds his voice and discovers that he can use his music to bring people together.
The final verse of the song is particularly poignant, as it encourages people to come together and support one another, even in the darkest times. The lyrics "let us sing and we'll walk through the dark, hand in hand" suggest that by working together and finding strength in unity, the African people can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Overall, "Africa" is a hopeful and inspiring song that celebrates the unique culture and spirit of the African people, while also acknowledging the difficulties that they have faced and continue to face.
Line by Line Meaning
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Oh Africa, the holy ones cry out
E Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Oh Africa, the holy ones cry out to you
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Africa, the holy ones cry out
Hlala
Stay
He was born in the African dawn
He came into this world in the early morning light of Africa
And orphaned to the land
He was left alone with the land as his only family
So gentle in the eye he was
He had a softness in his gaze
As any woman's child
Like a child of any mother
As he grew people told him son
As he matured, others cautioned him
Don't you trust anyone
Do not put your trust in anyone else
You learn how to trust a stone
You must learn to place your trust in something solid like a stone
This is not gentle and then it breaks those
This path is not easy and can break those who do not learn how to be alone
Who never learned how to be alone
Those who never learned how to be self-sufficient
And so he walked in the fashion of his lands
He walked in the footsteps of his ancestors
Until at last he cried out
Until he finally spoke out in desperation
Can anybody hear me, hear me
Does anyone hear my voice?
Hear the song in my heart
Do you hear the melody in my heart?
There's a song to be sung that can heal these broken men
There is a song that can mend the broken souls of men
Let us sing and we'll walk through the dark
Let us sing and move forward even in the absence of light
Hand in hand
Together
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Africa, the holy ones cry out
Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Africa, the holy ones cry out to you
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Africa, the holy ones cry out
Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Africa, the holy ones cry out to you
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Africa, the holy ones cry out
Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Africa, the holy ones cry out to you
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Africa, the holy ones cry out
Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Africa, the holy ones cry out to you
Afrika kukhala abangcwele
Africa, the holy ones cry out
Afrika kukhala abangcwele wena
Africa, the holy ones cry out to you
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Calixto Antonio Ochoa Ocampo, Wilfrido Carmelo Martinez Mattos
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stevenrossy9398
Bought this album while at US Army Airborne School the summer of 1992 and it changed my life.
@jende8652
My heart is opened every time I hear this song... Viva Mama Afrika xox
@hasielove
legend....an absolute legend. still missed.
@neilw259
One of his best songs
@ArielBerdugo
Proud of you Johnny, proud.
@DickMullen
RIP old son xx
@edwardsrsa
africa is crying today RIP a true legend
@thapeloradebe507
RIP Johnny
@andilelangelihle8477
this song reminds me of my late uncle(RIP)...Good music by
@lincolnseoloane5506
Beautiful tune