Tough Enough
Johnny Clegg / Savuka Lyrics
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[this world is a harsh place, this world]
Picture the end of a cycle
Here's the fire from heaven
There's a tired planeet closing down
No more news at eleven
Somewhere the last of a species has died
When i hold you, i tremble inside
Can we ride out the storm?
Are you tough enough -- can you take the strain?
Are you tough enough -- to walk in the burning rain
Are you tough enough -- can you take the change?
Are you tough enough -- baby just say!
Chorus:
Into the heart of the human dream
Into a strange new world
Remember me under the tree of man
Where i first heard your words
Gonna make it through, i can feel it
What we need is a miracle
What we need is some time
What we need is an angel of mercy
In this life
Are you tough enough -- can you take the heat?
Are you tough enough -- to walk in the burning street
Are you tough enough -- can you take the change
Are you tough enough -- baby just say!
[Chorus]
There's your mama and your papa
Waving good-bye in the cold moonlight
In their eyes the confusion of a world gone by
And you hold me tightly as we step out
Into the morning light
And i know you are thinking that for something to be born
Somthing has to die.
[Chorus]
Vele vele we mama kunjalo
[it is true, it's obvious. mama, it is just as you say].
The lyrics to Johnny Clegg and Savuka's song "Tough Enough" speak to the harsh realities of life and the strength it takes to persevere through them. The opening line "Lomhlaba unzima, lomhlaba" establishes the tone of the song, acknowledging the difficulty of the world we live in. The following lines paint a picture of a world in crisis, with apocalyptic imagery of fire from heaven, a tired planet, and the last of a species dying out. Amidst this chaos, the singer finds comfort in their lover, but also acknowledges their own vulnerability, asking if they are "tough enough" to weather the storm.
The chorus takes a more hopeful tone, speaking to the human dream of overcoming adversity and making it through difficult times. The image of the tree of man where the singer first heard their lover's words serves as a symbol of the possibility of renewal and growth. The repeated refrain of "are you tough enough" is a call to action, asking the listener to find the strength within themselves to face life's challenges.
Overall, "Tough Enough" is a powerful and uplifting anthem that speaks to the human experience of struggle and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
Lomhlaba unzima, lomhlaba
This world is a harsh place, this world
Picture the end of a cycle
Imagine the end of an era
Here's the fire from heaven
This is the destruction and chaos that symbolizes the end
There's a tired planet closing down
The world is exhausted and worn out, coming to an end
No more news at eleven
There won't even be news programs to report on what's happening
Somewhere the last of a species has died
There is extinction happening all around us
Somewhere a child is born
But new life also continues to emerge
When I hold you, I tremble inside
The artist feels a deep emotional response to their love
Can we ride out the storm?
Can we survive in a world that's ending?
Are you tough enough -- can you take the strain?
Are you strong enough to endure the hardships?
Are you tough enough -- to walk in the burning rain
Can you handle the chaos and turmoil?
Are you tough enough -- can you take the change?
Are you able to adjust to the new world that's emerging?
Are you tough enough -- baby just say!
Do you have the strength and resilience to stay with me in this new world?
Into the heart of the human dream
To the core of our collective aspirations
Into a strange new world
Into an unknown future
Remember me under the tree of man
Think of me in a time of new beginnings
Where I first heard your words
Where we fell in love
Gonna make it through, I can feel it
We will survive and thrive in the new world
What we need is a miracle
We require a supernatural intervention
What we need is some time
What we need is patience
What we need is an angel of mercy
What we need is someone to help us through the challenges
In this life
In this world
Are you tough enough -- can you take the heat?
Can you handle the intensity of this situation?
Are you tough enough -- to walk in the burning street
Can you walk through the chaos of a world that's collapsing?
Are you tough enough -- can you take the change
Can you adapt to the new reality?
Are you tough enough -- baby just say!
Do you have the strength and courage to stand by my side?
There's your mama and your papa
There are your parents
Waving good-bye in the cold moonlight
They're saying farewell in a dark and lonely time
In their eyes the confusion of a world gone by
They're lost, unsure what will happen next
And you hold me tightly as we step out
Together, we move forward bravely
Into the morning light
Into a new day, a new beginning
And I know you are thinking that for something to be born
You recognize that sometimes new life requires the end of something else
Something has to die.
There will be sacrifice and loss, but new life will emerge
Vele vele we mama kunjalo
It is true, it's obvious. Mama, it is just as you say
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: MARK ANDREW HOLMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@abelashes2676
One of the greatest humanist anthems of all time...it's pop, folk, avantgarde, rock, funk, soul, philosophy, politics, science...climate change, mortality, evolutionary biology, creation mythology, global humanism...the concertina, second chorus, bridge, outro...so beautiful.
I am glad to have lived during his time.
@UliAngola
Nice description! Yes I think he had a lot to give. I am listening again now...
@louanneblochmusic
I have a Savuka CD and this is probably my favourite track
@zamdak106
Thanks Johnny for this song and all others - best composer 👌
@jeromesevrain6712
Fucking artist! One of my favorit singer .Didn't know u left...in 2020! RIP musick hero .
@kroko3619
Masterpiece!
@misteronsepatro7018
This song is so motivating
@alanfox7860
african traditional music mixed in with conventional rock/pop music.a really good fushion.
@susanlarhubarbe9475
Alan Fox and he did this song and “These Days” live with bag pipes as well, as far as I know on one occasion only ( open to correction of course) in 1994, at a Festival in France.
@mr.yaegersemhcscoursechann1093
And wildly underappreciated state side. Saw him on Johnny Carson I think. That's how I found the band as well