In My African Dream
Johnny Clegg / Savuka Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Something broke the place where the rain is bornb
Something stole the promise from the light of dawn
People, people were everywhere struggling to get their share
Honest cruelty in the eyes of the innocent
Squeezing one more harvest from this tired earth
They call to you, but the wind just blows away their words
Didn't believe in miracles, didn't believe you'd come
Didn't see any reason to carry on

Chorus:
But in my african dream, you touched my face
Raised up my children and gave them grace
In my african dream you wiped away my tears
And whispered the promise of a thousand years

Children with eyes like souls ready to fly
Looking at me -- for some kind of sacred sign
Who will teach the young, the names of the ancient ones
Who will tell them from whence they come
I have no answer, don't even have a prayer
All I can do is close my eyes and hope that you will be thre

In my african dream you blessed the rain
Let me stand proud, eased the pain,
You raised me up,
Gave me love, filled my cup.

Old man sits in the shade of the thorn treee
He says "these thorns are all that are true
Life is suffering, suffering is life,
Be happy with the small things that come to you
They will come to you, come to you."





Chorus

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Johnny Clegg & Savuka's song In My African Dream describe the struggle of people in Africa who face poverty, cruelty, and injustice. The first verse speaks of the brokenness of the land and the people, who are fighting to survive and get what they deserve. The sense of hopelessness is palpable, as the people have lost faith in miracles and have no reason to carry on.


However, the chorus provides a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. In the singer's African dream, they experience the touch of grace, the wiping away of tears, and the whisper of the promise of a thousand years. The second verse speaks of the responsibility to pass on the knowledge and traditions of the past to the younger generation, but the singer has no sure answers. All they can do is hope for the presence of the one who blessed the rain and raised them up.


The song is a poignant commentary on the struggles and hopes of the people of Africa, with vivid imagery and a powerful message. It acknowledges the harsh realities they face while also highlighting the resilience and hope that keeps them going.


Line by Line Meaning

Something broke the place where the rain is born
Something has destroyed the source of life and fertility in this land.


Something stole the promise from the light of dawn
Hope has been taken away and people are left to struggle in darkness.


People, people were everywhere struggling to get their share
The people are fighting to survive and secure their portion of resources.


Honest cruelty in the eyes of the innocent
Even those who are innocent have seen the cruelty and brutality of life.


Squeezing one more harvest from this tired earth
People are exhausting the land's resources to sustain their lives.


They call to you, but the wind just blows away their words
Their pleas for help are unheard and ignored by those who have the power to change things.


Didn't believe in miracles, didn't believe you'd come
The people have lost faith in any possibility of a better future.


Didn't see any reason to carry on
With no hope and no way out of their struggles, many cannot find a reason to go on.


Chorus: But in my african dream, you touched my face
The singer has had a dream of a better future, where their struggles are eased.


Raised up my children and gave them grace
In this dream, their children are given a better life full of grace.


In my african dream you wiped away my tears
The singer's pain and suffering is relieved in this dream.


And whispered the promise of a thousand years
The promise of a better future is given, one that will last for generations.


Children with eyes like souls ready to fly
The children are full of potential and hope for the future.


Looking at me -- for some kind of sacred sign
They are searching for guidance and a sign of hope from the singer.


Who will teach the young, the names of the ancient ones
The traditions and history of their ancestors are in danger of being lost without someone to preserve and teach them.


Who will tell them from whence they come
Without that knowledge, the children will not know their true identity and heritage.


I have no answer, don't even have a prayer
The singer is at a loss for how to preserve their culture and give hope to the children.


All I can do is close my eyes and hope that you will be there
The singer can only hope for a better future, with the help of someone or something unknown.


In my african dream you blessed the rain
The dream brings renewed life and fertility to the land.


Let me stand proud, eased the pain
The singer is no longer burdened by their struggles in this dream.


You raised me up, gave me love, filled my cup.
The singer is lifted up and given love and fulfillment in this dream.


Old man sits in the shade of the thorn tree
An elder is offering wisdom in the face of suffering.


He says 'these thorns are all that are true
The thorns represent the harsh realities of life.


Life is suffering, suffering is life,
Suffering is an inevitable part of life.


Be happy with the small things that come to you
Find joy in the simple pleasures of life, even in the midst of hardship.


They will come to you, come to you.'
There will be better times ahead, even if they are small and incremental.




Lyrics Β© RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, RHYTHM SAFARI DBA HRBV MUSIC
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL CLEGG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

View of the Forest

Rest in peace Johnny Clegg.
The sound quality on this video is not so great but if you can find a better quality copy, this is a truly sublime piece of music. Listen to the words, it tells of a powerful and emotional vision for Africa - an African dream, truly.

Maymouna Ly

Beautifful single
Forever
Sleep in peace Johnny Clegg

Athhar3

Wow...I did not know until I clicked here that Johnny passed. RIP.

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