Great Heart
Johnny Clegg Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

The world is full of strange behavior
Every man has to be his own savior
I know I can make it on my own if I try
But I'm searching for a great heart to stand me by
Underneath the African sky
A great heart to stand me by

I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
To hold and keep me by
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
Under African sky
Sometimes I feel that you really know me
Sometimes there's so much you can show me

There's a highway of stars across the heavens
There's whispering song of the wind in the grass
There's the rolling thunder across the savanna
A hope and dream at the edge of the sky
And your life is a story like the wind
Your life is a story like the wind

I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
To hold and stand me by
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
Under African sky
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
I see the fire in your eyes
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
That beats my name inside
Sometimes I feel that you really know me
Sometimes there's so much you can show me

I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
To hold and stand me by
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
Under African sky

I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart




(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Johnny Clegg and Savuka's song "Great Heart" speak to the universal need for connection and the search for a higher power to guide us through life's challenges. The opening lines reflect on the strange and often unpredictable nature of the world, emphasizing the need for self-reliance. However, the singer acknowledges that they are still searching for something greater, a "great heart" that can stand by them and give them strength when they falter. The theme of searching is repeated throughout the song as the singer seeks out the "spirit of the great heart" under the vast and beautiful African sky.


The second verse emphasizes the importance of human connection and the wealth of knowledge that can be shared in a relationship. The imagery of the highway of stars, the wind in the grass, and the rolling thunder across the savanna all point to the vastness of the natural world and the possibility for transcendence. The chorus repeats the message of the search for the "spirit of the great heart" and the longing for connection, both with a higher power and with other human beings.


Line by Line Meaning

The world is full of strange behavior
The world can be unpredictable and difficult to understand at times


Every man has to be his own savior
Each individual is responsible for their own salvation and success


I know I can make it on my own if I try
I am confident in my abilities to succeed independently


But I'm searching for a great heart to stand me by
Despite my self-sufficiency, I still desire support from someone with a good heart


Underneath the African sky
In the beautiful and unique environment of Africa


I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
I am seeking the essence of someone who embodies goodness and compassion


To hold and keep me by
To be a constant source of comfort and support


Sometimes I feel that you really know me
There are moments where I sense a deep connection with another person


Sometimes there's so much you can show me
Other times, I feel that there is still much to learn from others


There's a highway of stars across the heavens
The universe is vast and full of wonders beyond our imagination


There's whispering song of the wind in the grass
Nature is constantly communicating with us through its subtle sounds and movements


There's the rolling thunder across the savanna
The power and majesty of nature can be awe-inspiring


A hope and dream at the edge of the sky
The future holds endless possibilities and potential


And your life is a story like the wind
Life is constantly changing and full of twists and turns


I see the fire in your eyes
I sense a strong passion and drive in you


That beats my name inside
You have a connection to me that runs deep


Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo
This is a Zulu phrase which means 'hold the body and soul together'




Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: Jonathan Paul Clegg

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@carolmartin2768

🇿🇦 I loved and love this man so much.
His music formed the soundtrack to my childhood and adolescence.
He had a Great heart indeed, and such love for my homeland and the continent we live on.

I am ever grateful for the gift of his music. He was a true son of the African continent.

Love to all who live in Africa.

Never lose hope. We have so much wealth in music, knowledge, art, poetry, entrepreneurship and above all Ubuntu, love and passion.
Viva Africa ✝️💜🌈🎵🦋



@saabturbo16

Shocked and Saddened today to learn the news that Johnny has passed away. There is a great gap left by his passing ..
I havecbeenva fan for many years of South African Music , not the contrived stuff but the REAL music.
As a kid I remember when Elias and his zig zag jive flutes had a hit with 'Tom Hark ' theme, a melody still heard at football matches today.
In the bad years I became acquainted with Music you wouldnt hear in South Africa , on tapes, township jive, rythmn of resistance, Mahotelland queens, and many more including
Sipho mabuse and Juluka with Johnny Clegg and scatterlings of Africa.
From then on I was hooked..
He has left an indelible mark on South Africa, his Music will live on and his legacy to the real people is enourmous.
He is not here now, but the pain of his passing is real.
Mandela his friend has called him to join him and they can now rest together..
God Bless you Johnny, a giant of a man who did so much to expand Real South African Music to the world.



All comments from YouTube:

@jessejames258

As an American, this guy deserves global recognition. I've lived in South Africa for 4 years growing up and that's the only reason I know him and I'm glad I did. His music is criminally underrated.

@bradh6062

So glad you experienced it. Stays with you always

@notamusedboosh

His son Jesse is also a musician, he has some good hits too. Sadly his wife passed away a week ago due to cancer as well. For my Mum's birthday, we bought her two tickets to his last concert. She said it was amazing and sad.

@KonradvonHotzendorf

He outsold Michael Jackson in France in 1988. MC had to cancel 😂
Don't know any Artist who could do the same?🤔

@ilovethelord847

Yes! This song reminds me of everybody wants to rule the world. Same vibes
Of Africa by Toto

@KonradvonHotzendorf

@@janmalan602 Well with the name of Jan Malan🇿🇦😂 Checks out
What's your full name 🤔

4 More Replies...

@donaloshea2936

Hamba kahale White Zulu, any of us that ever spent time in South Africa, knew your music and loved you for it, you will always have a special place in my heart. RIP Great Heart!!!♥️😥♥️😥♥️ Irish by birth but African by the Grace of God, 22 years in southern africa!!♥️♥️♥️♥️

@JenCarew

Us Irish really do get everywhere 💚 well said Donal

@quinnooz7109

My mother spent time in Africa, a piece of her heart is still there 😥❤️‍🩹

@andrewhall9051

Nice ☝️❤️🇿🇦

More Comments

More Versions