African Shadow Man
Johnny Clegg Savuka Lyrics

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If you come to my house
I will show you something to see
It's a picture of a man, I used to be

But these days I'm running through the dark
Like a blind man, what's happened to me?
These days searching for a sign
In the badlands, oh, give it to me

African shadow man
Tell me the future if you can, tell it to me
There's magic in your hands
Touch my life and set me free
African shadow man

I am a refugee in a world that once was mine
Hunting my tomorrow on the edge of time
But these days I'm running through the dark
Like a blind man, what's happened to me?
There days I'm running from a tribe in the badlands
Oh, set me free

African shadow man
Tell me the future if you can, tell it to me
There's magic in your hands
Oh, touch my life and set me free

African shadow man
Tell me the future if you can, tell it to me
I don't need a Cadillac
To take me where I have to be

Oh, it feels alright, it feels alright to me
Oh, it feels alright, it feels alright to be

An African, an African
An African, an African
An African, an African

African shadow man
Tell me the future if you can, tell it to me
There's magic in your hands
Oh, touch my life and set me free

African shadow man
Show me the future if you can, tell it to me
I don't need a Cadillac
To take me where I have to be

(Oh, shadow man)
A shadow man
(Oh, shadow man)
A shadow man

(Oh, shadow man)
A shadow man
(Oh, shadow man)
A shadow man

(Oh, shadow man)
A shadow man

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Johnny Clegg and Savuka's "African Shadow Man" reflect the struggle and uncertainty of being a refugee in a world that was once familiar, but now feels foreign and hostile. The singer longs for guidance and direction, asking the African shadow man to tell him about the future and touch his life in a way that will set him free. The repeated refrain of "tell me the future if you can" highlights both the singer's desperation for answers and his awareness that there are no guarantees.

The image of the African shadow man seems to represent the elusive hope and power that the singer seeks. He acknowledges the "magic in [the shadow man's] hands" and believes that this figure has the ability to offer him something he cannot find on his own. The chorus serves to reinforce this idea, as the singer repeats his plea for guidance and a sense of purpose.

The repeated use of the phrase "these days" also underscores the singer's sense of displacement and disorientation. He has been forced to adapt to new circumstances, but he feels lost and uncertain about his place in the world. The refrain of "an African, an African" ultimately suggests that his sense of identity is tied to his homeland, even if he is no longer physically there.

Overall, "African Shadow Man" is a poignant meditation on the effects of displacement and the search for meaning and security in a hostile world.

Line by Line Meaning

If you come to my house
I invite you to visit me.

I will show you something to see
I have something to share with you.

It's a picture of a man, I used to be
I have a photograph of my past self.

But these days I'm running through the dark
I feel lost and confused.

Like a blind man, what's happened to me?
I can't see the way forward.

These days searching for a sign
I'm seeking guidance.

In the badlands, oh, give it to me
I'm in a difficult situation and need help.

African shadow man
I see an image of a wise figure.

Tell me the future if you can, tell it to me
I want to know what lies ahead for me.

There's magic in your hands
I believe you have special powers.

Touch my life and set me free
I hope you can help me escape my troubles.

I am a refugee in a world that once was mine
I feel out of place and longing for the past.

Hunting my tomorrow on the edge of time
I'm searching for a better future.

There's days I'm running from a tribe in the badlands
I feel under threat from others.

Oh, set me free
I need liberation from my struggles.

I don't need a Cadillac
I don't require material luxuries.

To take me where I have to be
I just want to reach my destination.

Oh, it feels alright, it feels alright to me
I feel reassured about my situation.

An African, an African
I'm proud of my heritage and identity.

African shadow man
I continue to seek your wisdom.

Show me the future if you can, tell it to me
I seek further insight into what's to come.

(Oh, shadow man)
I continue to call out for your guidance.

(A shadow man)
I see you as a symbol of enlightenment.

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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