Scatterlings Of Africa
Johnny Clegg Savuka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Scatterlings and fugitives
Hooded eyes and weary brows
Seek refuge in the night
Chorus
They are the scatterlings of Africa
Each uprooted one
On the road to Phelamanga
I love the scatterlings of Africa
Each and every one
In their hearts a burning hunger
Beneath the copper sun
Ancient bones from Olduvai
Echoes of the very first cry
"Who made me here and why
Beneath the copper sun?"
African idea
African idea
Make the future clear
Make the future clear
Chorus.....
And we are the scatterlings of Africa
Both you and I
We are on the road to Phelamanga
Beneath a copper sky
And we are the scatterlings of Africa
On a journey to the stars
Far below, we leave forever
Dreams of what we were
The lyrics of Johnny Clegg & Savuka's song Scatterlings Of Africa effectively portrays the struggles and challenges faced by Africans in the past trying to flee their homes and find a new life. The line "Copper sun sinking low" proposes a sense of darkness and the end of the day for Africans trying to escape their towns. The "Scatterlings" and "fugitives" with "hooded eyes" and "weary brows" suggest that they are running away from something threatening and dangerous, presumably conflict or persecution.
The chorus emphasizes that these people are the "scatterlings of Africa" who have been uprooted from their homes but are on their way to Phelamanga where the world began. This represents a quest for a new start, a new life, and a fresh horizon. The phrase "In their hearts a burning hunger, Beneath the copper sun" suggests that the people are hungry for a new start, a better life and they're determined to achieve that. The third verse of the song ("Ancient bones from Olduvai...") gives a nod to Africa's rich history and the bones that rest there.
Line by Line Meaning
Copper sun sinking low
The sun is setting and the day is coming to an end.
Scatterlings and fugitives
People who have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.
Hooded eyes and weary brows
Tired and worn-out people with eyes that look down, hiding their sorrow.
Seek refuge in the night
Finding a safe place to rest and hide from danger during the night.
Chorus
Recurring part of the song that emphasizes the message.
They are the scatterlings of Africa
Referring to the people who have been forced out of their homes and are wandering.
Each uprooted one
Every person who has been forced to leave their home behind.
On the road to Phelamanga
Heading towards a place where they can start again and build a future.
Where the world began
Going back to the roots, to the place where humanity started.
I love the scatterlings of Africa
Emphasizing the connection and admiration for those who are struggling.
Each and every one
All of the people who are wandering and searching for a new home.
In their hearts a burning hunger
A strong desire to find a place to belong and start a new life.
Beneath the copper sun
Under the African sun that is a symbol of warmth and hope.
Ancient bones from Olduvai
Reference to the archaeological site in Tanzania where the oldest human fossils were found.
Echoes of the very first cry
Memories of the beginning of humanity and the struggle for survival.
"Who made me here and why"
Questioning the reason for their existence and the purpose of their struggles.
African idea
Embracing the concept of African culture and identity.
Make the future clear
Looking forward to a brighter future and working towards it.
Chorus.....
Repeating the message of the song and its significance.
And we are the scatterlings of Africa
Acknowledging that everyone is a migrant and wandering in search of their identity.
Both you and I
Referring to a shared experience and humanity.
We are on the road to Phelamanga
Heading towards a new beginning and new possibilities for the future.
Beneath a copper sky
Under the African sun that represents hope and a new day.
On a journey to the stars
Metaphor for a journey towards a brighter future and possibility of better things.
Far below, we leave forever
Leaving behind the past and heading towards a new and better future.
Dreams of what we were
Memories of the past that will remain with us, but not hold us back from moving forward.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL CLEGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sonnyroy497
Today is June 7, 2023, Johnny would have been 70 years of age today. Rip Johnny Clegg 💜.
@elizabethmcleod246
He had the same birthday as Prince! 💜
@nickca420
This video was filmed in Zimbabwe, because at the time it was illegal and punishable by extrajudicial beatings at best to film a video like this in Clegg’s home of South Africa. He was born a Brit but died a Zulu.
@sibusisomko1814
only Zuluz going to haven zulu
@nickca420
@@sibusisomko1814 Ngiyavuma umngane wami kodwa uJohnny Clegg ubeyinto ekhethekile. That's translated so I don't know if I said it right.
@clipvillelive4712
@@nickca420 very right sir...from a Xhosa
@EphphathaSalama
Thanks for sharing
@TheRaggamaniac
I was looking for this comment! I recognised home. Love the viedeo and song!❤
@AS-wm7jm
The greatest white man in South Africa. He fought for a better world without prejudice where everyone is equal without prevailing over each other. Now we are left with only his beautiful music and great ideas.
Manje osekusele wumculo wakhe noma singaphinde simbone.
@lethaboncanane1420
All the way from Swaziland 🇸🇿🇸🇿🇸🇿🇸🇿 2024