These Days
Johnny Clegg Savuka Lyrics
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What happened to the diamonds in your eyes,
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
To the empty heart of these days.
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
Yashimbawula!
You were the reason I came here
You will always be the one I am looking for
I can't stand to see the way
These days are pushing you against the wall
Got to get up, got to move out
Face the tide beyond the door
Outside there's a whole world changing
We can't stand here, trapped inside
Let's step out and test the weather
Hang on baby, it's going to ge a rough ride through'
These days, searching for a vision
These days, gun metal blue
These days, changing my religion
These days, heartless and cruel
Say the words and fill my sails
I will love you through the coming gale
We'll get through the darkest heart of these days
"it's killing time"
Who will watch the watchers?
Who will keep the keepers?
Who will love the lovers, could you?
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
The song 'These Days' by Johnny Clegg is a powerful commentary on the unrest and turmoil of the world, and encourages people to not give in to despair and instead fight against the chaos. The first verse addresses a person who has lost their spark and drive, someone who has gone from being full of energy and ambition to feeling trapped and hopeless. This sense of despair and disillusionment is contrasted with the memories of the past, where conversations were deep and full of potential, and where the future seemed limitless. The chorus highlights the violence and destruction that is rampant in the world, and serves as a reminder of the harsh realities that need to be faced.
The second verse is a call to action, and highlights the need to act and resist the negative forces that surround us. It implores the listener to not be passive, but to get up and take charge of their own lives, and to resist being pushed down by the chaos of the world. The bridge speaks to the idea of love and connection, and highlights the importance of supporting and caring for one another through the difficulties and challenges of life. The song ends with a powerful call-to-action, questioning who will be the ones to stand up and fight against the tide of violence and despair in the world.
Overall, 'These Days' is a powerful protest song that encourages listeners to not give in to despair or hopelessness, but to instead take action and fight for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes,
What happened to the sparkle in your eyes?
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to your drive and ambition?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face?
What happened to your joy and happiness?
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
We used to be passionate about making a difference, but now you just want to run away from everything.
Come on baby don't surrender now
To the empty heart of these days.
Don't give up and let the emptiness of these days consume you.
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
We used to have deep conversations late into the night, and you were passionate and free-spirited. We both knew that harder times were coming.
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
These days are filled with pain, turmoil, and hopelessness for many people.
You were the reason I came here
You will always be the one I am looking for
You were my reason for coming here, and I will always cherish you.
I can't stand to see the way
These days are pushing you against the wall
I hate seeing how these times are making you feel trapped and helpless.
Got to get up, got to move out
Face the tide beyond the door
We need to get up and leave this behind, and face whatever comes next.
Outside there's a whole world changing
We can't stand here, trapped inside
The world is constantly evolving and moving forward. We can't stay stuck in this place forever.
Let's step out and test the weather
Hang on baby, it's going to ge a rough ride through'
Let's take a chance and see what's out there, but hold on tight because it's not going to be easy.
These days, searching for a vision
These days, gun metal blue
These days, changing my religion
These days, heartless and cruel
These days are marked by struggles to find direction, sadness, and heartlessness.
Say the words and fill my sails
I will love you through the coming gale
We'll get through the darkest heart of these days
If you support me and fill me with love, we can get through the toughest of times together.
"it's killing time"
Who will watch the watchers?
Who will keep the keepers?
Who will love the lovers, could you?
These harsh times require us to question who's in charge, who's keeping us safe, and who's caring for us.
These days, blood in the heavens
These days, fire and ice
These days, burning streets and visions
These days, of the loveless child
Again, these times are filled with pain, chaos, and a sense of hopelessness.
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, RHYTHM SAFARI DBA HRBV MUSIC
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL CLEGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexbalatonmagyar3118
Cc
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
Come on baby don't surrender now
To the empty heart of these days
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
@wengrrrl1
JC is The Bomb. I miss him so much. As a stage tech, have tech’d him 3 times. Savuka is the best f’n band i’ve ever seen live. (And am a 100+show Deadhead!) He is the apex to which every band should aspire.Love him so much. Miss you, JC. ✨The bagpipe intro on this is absolutely tits.
@eddiegrondin4034
This song gives me some motivation
@Axboub
Rest In Peace my friend, we'll never forget you
@susanlarhubarbe9475
Missed his Jo’burg Final Journey concerts and regret it so much. It’s crazy to feel so heartsore about the passing of someone I’ve only seen perform live, but never met. I only realize now how familiar some of the ‘less familiar’ songs actually are and have really grown to like this one so much. Miss you Johnny Clegg! Gone but never forgotten and always in our hearts ❤️❤️
@RollDeep1000
Johnny Cleggs sound is amazing and authentic.
@garnetgwembere3035
Sad to learn of his passing, now that you are gone “who will watch the watchers”
@dawbtreader22
This is one of my favorite songs. Ive been a Clegg fan since the 90s.
@johnward-cox9839
Kay Ledford been a fan since the early 80's
@Mickelic
Who will love the world if we do not?
@lastrada52
"Scatterlings of Africa" was the song that grabbed my ear. But, it wasn't until one night years ago on the Johnny Carson Show that Clegg comes out with some sticks & begins to sing then dance -- up, over and all around these sticks at an incredible speed. That was the night Michael Jackson took 2nd spot as greatest dancer. This Clegg guy was not to be believed that night. Clegg has since performed with many famous artists -- Johnny deserves the recognition. A monster talent & an original.