Inevitable Consequence of Progress
Johnny Clegg / Savuka Lyrics
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Captain in the doorway, telling us to step inside
last minute check, all weapons set
parachute and right sight
going to drop in on the jungle
and grease some stone age tribe
The 'sarge jokes about taking out the last link
to his troubled past
Chorus:
Inevitable Consequence of Progress --
is what he said to me
inevitable Consequence of Progress --
in the judgement of history
inevitable Consequence of Progress --
going to change your destiny
And I felt the sun, sun, sun, the Son, Son, Son
going down on me
The pilot pulled the chopper around
and we got into position
we made all the right moves and
there wasn't any real opposition
Crazy tribesmen shooting arrows at the 'ship overhead
Such a wierd spectacle
the 'sarge he smiled and he said
"There's a new world coming and
there ain't no place for them--
Don't feel sad son for what history has condemned."
Inevitable Consequence of Progress --
is what he said to me
inevitable Consequence of Progress --
in the judgement of history
inevitable Consequence of Progress --
going to change your destiny
And I felt the sun, sun, sun, the Son, Son, Son
had gone down on me
Bridge:
I've been waiting for the clouds to clear
I've been waiting for the dawn
I've been waiting for the fear to subside
and for the sun to make me warm again
"Live and let live" -- step into real life,
step into the lifeline boy
The song "Inevitable Consequence of Progress" describes the destructive impact of progress on indigenous populations. The singer is a soldier who is about to drop into a jungle and "grease some stone age tribe." He is accompanied by his captain and sergeant, who make light of the violence they are about to commit. The soldiers encounter resistance from the tribesmen, who shoot arrows at their helicopter. The sergeant assures the singer that "there's a new world coming" and that the tribe has no place in it. The singer, however, feels a "shadow across my heart," suggesting that he is aware of the wrongness of the situation.
The chorus, "Inevitable Consequence of Progress," highlights the idea that progress and modernization inevitably lead to the destruction of traditional cultures and ways of life. The singer feels powerless to stop this process, as it is judged by history to be inevitable. The bridge of the song suggests that the singer longs for a return to a simpler time, before progress brought fear and destruction.
Overall, the song is a powerful critique of the violence and devastation wrought by progress and modernization. It highlights the plight of indigenous people around the world who are forced to suffer the consequences of progress.
Line by Line Meaning
Chopper standing in the clearing, fuelled and ready to ride
A helicopter is ready for a mission.
Captain in the doorway, telling us to step inside
The person in charge directs the team to enter the helicopter.
Last minute check, all weapons set
The team makes sure that their weapons are ready to use.
Parachute and right sight
The equipment and gear needed for the mission are checked and ready.
Going to drop in on the jungle
The mission is to enter the jungle.
And grease some stone age tribe
The plan is to eliminate a tribe living in the jungle.
The 'sarge jokes about taking out the last link
The sergeant makes a light-hearted comment about destroying the last remnants of a past threat.
To his troubled past
This past threat has caused issues for him in the past.
As we hit the canopy. I feel a shadow across my heart
The team enters the jungle, but one member feels a sense of dread.
Chorus:
Inevitable Consequence of Progress --
The sergeant says that the mission is a result of inevitable progress.
Is what he said to me
This is the sergeant's message to his team.
In the judgement of history
He believes that history will ultimately justify their actions.
Going to change your destiny
The sergeant believes that this mission will change the team's fate.
And I felt the sun, sun, sun, the Son, Son, Son
Despite the message of progress, the artist feels an overwhelming sense of loss.
Going down on me
This loss feels like a physical burden.
The pilot pulled the chopper around
The helicopter changes its direction.
And we got into position
The team prepares for the mission.
We made all the right moves and
The team executes their plan well.
There wasn't any real opposition
The tribe is unable to stop the team.
Crazy tribesmen shooting arrows at the 'ship overhead
The team observes the desperate attempts of the tribe trying to stop them.
Such a weird spectacle
The artist sees this as a strange sight.
The 'sarge he smiled and he said
The sergeant takes pleasure in the success of the mission.
There's a new world coming and
The sergeant believes that their actions will pave the way for progress.
There ain't no place for them--
The sergeant believes that the tribe has no place in this new world.
Don't feel sad son for what history has condemned.
The sergeant encourages his team not to feel remorse for their actions.
Inevitable Consequence of Progress --
The message of the song is repeated.
Is what he said to me
In the judgement of history
Going to change your destiny
And I felt the sun, sun, sun, the Son, Son, Son
Had gone down on me
Bridge:
I've been waiting for the clouds to clear
The singer has been waiting for things to become clear.
I've been waiting for the dawn
The singer has been waiting for a new beginning.
I've been waiting for the fear to subside
The artist has been waiting for his fear to disappear.
And for the sun to make me warm again
The artist wants to feel comforted.
"Live and let live" -- step into real life,
The sergeant advises his team to step into the real world.
Step into the lifeline boy
The sergeant encourages his team to follow his lead.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Johnny Clegg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind