Scatterlings of Africa
Johnny Clegg Savuka Lyrics

Copper sun sinking low
The African sun is setting, leaving everything in the land colored in a beautiful copper hue.

Scatterlings and fugitives
People of Africa who have been forced to flee their homes and scatter around in search of a new place to live.

Hooded eyes and weary brows
These are the outward appearances of those who have faced many difficulties in their journey to find a new home. They are tired, scared, and unsure of what their future holds.

Seek refuge in the night
Under the cover of darkness, these people find a place to rest and seek protection from any dangers that may be lurking.

They are the scatterlings of Africa
These are the people who have been forced to leave their homes and wander the land in search of a new one.

Each uprooted one
Every person who has been displaced from their home, uprooted from the ground they were born on.

On the road to Phelamanga
This refers to the journey that these people are on to find a new home, a place with a new beginning.

Where the world began
Phelamanga represents a new start, a place where life started afresh.

I love the scatterlings of Africa
The artist is expressing his love for these people and their struggle to find a new home.

Each and every one
This underscores the importance of these individuals and their unique stories.

In their hearts a burning hunger
These are people with a deep desire to find a new home, a place where they can belong and start afresh.

Beneath the copper sun
These are people who have endured many difficulties and trials along the way, with the African sun bearing witness to their struggles.

Ancient bones from Olduvai
The remains of our ancestors who lived in Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, and who signify the struggles of humanity.

Echoes of the very first cry
The first outcry of humanity, which we can still feel echoing through the generations that have followed.

"Who made me here and why
The existential question that we all struggle with, trying to understand our purpose and why we were created.

Beneath the copper sun?"
This question is asked and can only be answered by those who have been through the trials of the African sun.

African idea
A call to embrace African culture and ideas.

African idea
A repetition of the call to embrace African culture and ideas, reflecting its importance.

Make the future clear
A call to plan and prepare for the future, a future that will honor the traditions and heritage of Africa.

Make the future clear
A repetition of the call to plan and work towards a future that celebrates and preserves Africa's heritage.

And we are the scatterlings of Africa
The artist acknowledges that he too is a part of this group of people who have been displaced from their homes and are searching for a new one.

Both you and I
This is a reminder that we all share this journey and struggle, that we are all in this together.

We're on the road to Phelamanga
Reflecting that we all have a journey to find a new home, a place to start afresh.

Beneath the copper sky
Acknowledging that the sun has set, but still the struggle continues.

On a journey to the stars
Looking towards the future, a future of hope and promise.

Far below, we leave forever
Leaving our past behind, while looking towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

Dreams of what we were
Reflecting on the past, but not dwelling on it, as we strive towards a better future.

We are the scatterlings of Africa
A repetition of the statement that we are all part of this group of people who have been displaced and are searching for a new home.

Scatterlings of Africa
A repetition of the title, and a final call to acknowledge and celebrate the struggles of these people, who are all part of the tapestry of Africa.