Great Heart
Johnny Clegg Savuka Lyrics
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Every man has to be his own saviour
I know I can make it on my own if I try
But I'm searching for a great heart to stand me by
Underneath the african sky
A great heart to stand me by
Chorus:
To hold and stand me by
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
Under african sky
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
I see the fire in your eyes
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
That beats my name inside
Sometimes I feel that you really know me
Sometimes there's much you can show me
There's a highway of stars across the heavens
The whispering song of the wind in the grass
There's the rolling thunder across the savanna
A hope and dream at the edge of the sky
And your life is a story like the wind
Your life is a story like the wind
Chorus
Guka 'mzimba (body grow old)
Sala 'nhliziyo (but heart remain behind)
The lyrics of Johnny Clegg Savuka's song, "Great Heart," speak of the search for a higher meaning in life. The opening lines "The world is full of strange behaviour, every man has to be his own saviour..." depict how, in life, every individual faces challenges that test one's strengths and capabilities. It is essential to find your inner spirit and develop a sense of self-reliance. However, the search for a great heart to stand by you is still of utmost importance. The lines "...I'm searching for a great heart to stand me by, underneath the African sky, a great heart to stand me by," represent the raw beauty of the African landscape and how it forms a crucial part of one's journey in life.
As the song progresses, the chorus repeats lines that emphasize the search for a spirit of the great heart to hold and stand by you under the African sky. The lyrics connect the African landscape, the spirit of a great heart, and the individual's search to discover their purpose. The lines "Sometimes I feel that you really know me, sometimes there's much you can show me," express the significance of meaningful interpersonal connections and the impact it has on one's search for purpose in life.
The song's beautiful and poetic lyrics demonstrate the need to connect with nature, self, and others to find one's purpose, creating a beautiful African melody in the process.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is full of strange behaviour
The world is full of unexpected actions and events.
Every man has to be his own saviour
Everyone has to save themselves from difficult situations.
I know I can make it on my own if I try
I am aware that I can overcome anything if I put in the effort.
But I'm searching for a great heart to stand me by
However, I am still looking for someone with a kind and strong heart to support me.
Underneath the african sky
Amidst the beautiful scenery of Africa.
A great heart to stand me by
Someone with the compassion and strength to stand by me through all difficulties.
Chorus:
Repeating the chorus throughout the song.
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
I am actively seeking out someone with a kind and caring heart.
To hold and stand me by
Someone willing to support me physically and emotionally.
Under african sky
In the beautiful setting of the African landscape.
I see the fire in your eyes
I see the passion and determination in your gaze.
That beats my name inside
Your heart is filled with love for me.
Sometimes I feel that you really know me
At times, it seems like you truly understand me.
Sometimes there's much you can show me
You have experiences and knowledge that I can learn from.
There's a highway of stars across the heavens
The night sky is filled with countless stars, shining brilliantly like a highway stretching across the celestial realm.
The whispering song of the wind in the grass
The gentle rustling of the grass caused by the wind creates a soft, soothing sound.
There's the rolling thunder across the savanna
In the African savanna, the sound of distant thunder can be heard echoing across the land.
A hope and dream at the edge of the sky
Even amidst all the difficulties and challenges, there is always hope and possibility at the horizon.
And your life is a story like the wind
Your life is like a tale carried by the wind, filled with its own unique twists and turns.
Guka 'mzimba (body grow old)
Although our bodies age and weaken,
Sala 'nhliziyo (but heart remain behind)
The heart remains steadfast and unchanged.
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, RHYTHM SAFARI DBA HRBV MUSIC
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL CLEGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carolmartin2768
🇿🇦 I loved and love this man so much.
His music formed the soundtrack to my childhood and adolescence.
He had a Great heart indeed, and such love for my homeland and the continent we live on.
I am ever grateful for the gift of his music. He was a true son of the African continent.
Love to all who live in Africa.
Never lose hope. We have so much wealth in music, knowledge, art, poetry, entrepreneurship and above all Ubuntu, love and passion.
Viva Africa ✝️💜🌈🎵🦋
@saabturbo16
Shocked and Saddened today to learn the news that Johnny has passed away. There is a great gap left by his passing ..
I havecbeenva fan for many years of South African Music , not the contrived stuff but the REAL music.
As a kid I remember when Elias and his zig zag jive flutes had a hit with 'Tom Hark ' theme, a melody still heard at football matches today.
In the bad years I became acquainted with Music you wouldnt hear in South Africa , on tapes, township jive, rythmn of resistance, Mahotelland queens, and many more including
Sipho mabuse and Juluka with Johnny Clegg and scatterlings of Africa.
From then on I was hooked..
He has left an indelible mark on South Africa, his Music will live on and his legacy to the real people is enourmous.
He is not here now, but the pain of his passing is real.
Mandela his friend has called him to join him and they can now rest together..
God Bless you Johnny, a giant of a man who did so much to expand Real South African Music to the world.
@jessejames258
As an American, this guy deserves global recognition. I've lived in South Africa for 4 years growing up and that's the only reason I know him and I'm glad I did. His music is criminally underrated.
@bradh6062
So glad you experienced it. Stays with you always
@notamusedboosh
His son Jesse is also a musician, he has some good hits too. Sadly his wife passed away a week ago due to cancer as well. For my Mum's birthday, we bought her two tickets to his last concert. She said it was amazing and sad.
@KonradvonHotzendorf
He outsold Michael Jackson in France in 1988. MC had to cancel 😂
Don't know any Artist who could do the same?🤔
@ilovethelord847
Yes! This song reminds me of everybody wants to rule the world. Same vibes
Of Africa by Toto
@KonradvonHotzendorf
@@janmalan602 Well with the name of Jan Malan🇿🇦😂 Checks out
What's your full name 🤔
@donaloshea2936
Hamba kahale White Zulu, any of us that ever spent time in South Africa, knew your music and loved you for it, you will always have a special place in my heart. RIP Great Heart!!!♥️😥♥️😥♥️ Irish by birth but African by the Grace of God, 22 years in southern africa!!♥️♥️♥️♥️
@JenCarew
Us Irish really do get everywhere 💚 well said Donal
@quinnooz7109
My mother spent time in Africa, a piece of her heart is still there 😥❤️🩹
@andrewhall9051
Nice ☝️❤️🇿🇦