In the United States songs performed by Johnny Clegg have appeared in three well-known feature films: "Scatterlings of Africa" in Rain Main, "Dela" in George of the Jungle, and "Life Is a Magic Thing" in the animated film Ferngully.
Cruel Crazy Beautiful World
Johnny Clegg and Savuka Lyrics
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You got to swim with the sharks in the sea
You got to live with the crooked politician
Trust those things that you can never see
Ayeye ayeye, Jesse mfana, ayeye ayeye
Ayeye ayeye, Jesse mfana, ayeye ayeye
Keep on believeing tomorrow brings a better day
Sometimes you smile while you'r cryin' inside
Just once you'll turn away while the truth be shinin' bright
Ayeye ayeye , Jesse mfana, ayeye ayeye
Ayeye ayeye , Jesse mfana, ayeye ayeye
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world
Every day you wake up I hope it's under a blue sky
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world
One day when you wake up I will have to say goodbye
Say goodbye, it's your world so live in it
Goodbye, it's your world so live in it
Beyond the door, strange cruel beautiful years lie waiting for you
It kills me to know you won't escape loneliness
Maybe you lose hope too
Ayeye ayeye, Jesse mfana, ayeye ayeye
Ayeye ayeye, Jesse mfana, ayeye ayeye
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world
Every time you wake up I hope it's under a blue sky
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world
One day when you wake up I will have to say goodbye
Say goodbye
It's your world so live in it
Goodbye, it's your world so live in it
When I feel your small body close to mine
I feel weak and strong at the same time
So few years to give you wings to fly
Show you the stars to guide your ship by
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world
Every day you wake up I hope it's under a blue sky
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world
One day when you wake up I will have to say goodbye
Say goodbye, it's your world so live in it
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
The lyrics of Johnny Clegg's song Cruel Crazy Beautiful World send a powerful message about the unpredictability and complexity of life. The first verse sets the tone by listing out seemingly dangerous tasks like washing with crocodiles and swimming with sharks. This is a metaphor for the challenges we face in everyday life and how we must live with them to survive. The second verse speaks about the difficulty of dealing with a cheating lover and smiling through the pain. It's about how we must keep believing in a better tomorrow even when it seems impossible.
The chorus repeats the phrase "it's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world" which further emphasizes how life can be both brutal and wonderful, and we must embrace it for what it is. In the last verse, the songwriter speaks about the future and how he hopes to give his child the tools to navigate the world. But ultimately, the child must learn to live on their own, even if it means facing loneliness and hardships.
Overall, the song is a reminder to appreciate the good and the bad, to never lose hope, and to cherish the time we have with loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
You got to wash with the crocodile in the river
Sometimes you have to face dangerous situations to survive.
You got to swim with the sharks in the sea
Sometimes you have to take risks to achieve your goals.
You got to live with the crooked politician
Sometimes you have to deal with corrupt people in power.
Trust those things that you can never see
Believe in things that cannot be proven, such as faith or intuition.
Ayeye ayeye, Jesse mfana, ayeye ayeye
Repeating a phrase to express excitement or encouragement.
You got to trust your lover when you go away
In a relationship, trust is essential for a strong bond.
Keep on believing tomorrow brings a better day
Have hope for the future even in difficult times.
Sometimes you smile while you're crying inside
When you're struggling, you may put on a brave face to hide your pain.
Just once you'll turn away while the truth be shining bright
Sometimes you may ignore the truth even when it's clear.
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world
Life can be a mixture of joy and pain, beauty and chaos.
Every day you wake up I hope it's under a blue sky
Wishing for good things to happen every day.
One day when you wake up I will have to say goodbye
Death is inevitable, and we must all someday say goodbye.
Say goodbye, it's your world so live in it
Live life to the fullest because it belongs to you.
Goodbye, it's your world so live in it
Repeating the idea that life is yours to live.
Beyond the door, strange cruel beautiful years lie waiting for you
The future is unknown and can be a mixture of joy and pain.
It kills me to know you won't escape loneliness
Feeling sad that loved ones may face loneliness at times.
Maybe you lose hope too
Sometimes you may lose faith or hope for better times.
When I feel your small body close to mine
Expressing love and affection for a child.
I feel weak and strong at the same time
Being vulnerable and strong at the same time when caring for a child.
So few years to give you wings to fly
Feeling the pressure to prepare a child for independence in a short time.
Show you the stars to guide your ship by
Guiding a child towards a bright future.
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
Repeating the idea that life is yours to live.
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
Repeating the idea that life is yours to live.
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
Repeating the idea that life is yours to live.
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
Repeating the idea that life is yours to live.
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
Repeating the idea that life is yours to live.
It's your world so live in it (it's your world so live in it)
Repeating the idea that life is yours to live.
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jonathan Paul Clegg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ahmedhikmet1057
"One day when you wake up I will have to say goodbye
Say goodbye, it's your world so live in it
Goodbye ... it's your world so live in it"
🤍
I love and am fan of Zulu Music since the Juluka 💛💛🌟
Yes Johnny,
A cruel crazy beautiful world
... but so sad without you
Rip, Dear Great Heart Artist
@wesrobmat
"One day when you wake up, I will have to say good-bye" Good-bye kind sir and thank you for all the love. RIP
@alSirois
RIP Johnny Clegg. Fantastic, optimistic music. We need more of him in this cruel, crazy, beautiful world.
@hannahshark8080
Aww man I had no idea... I grew up listening to his music :'(
@lucianvrasmas138
Brilliant song
@julianamunyembate5469
Watched you perform this song over 30 times. I loved working at your shows and hearing this live. Thank you for the beautiful memories, Johnny ❤️
@SuperSupacoop
The Best Love Letter a parent can leave for their child/children. Thanks for saying all the right things Johnny Clegg & Savuka (thank you and sleep in paradise).
@dennysmith7862
Last week this day world lost a beautiful, unifying, talented, caring soul... Spirit of a brave heart r.i.p. Africa & the world is sadly going to miss you terribly... great resurrection hope on the cards...thanks for putting into action for all to clearly observe the ubuntu teaching of : "I AM BECAUSE YOU ARE..." 😢😢
@carikamffer4337
R.I.P Johnny Clegg💗🤗🌺 From a very proud South African who will love your music for the rest of my life. This song you wrote for your Son, Jessie, in 1990is Amazing💗 The song he wrote for you for your final performances is just as beautiful. Special that you got to sing it together💗
@marisa82
RIP, we will miss you greatly Johnny! You will be remembered as a man who was truly larger than life ♥️ from Russia
@LGoromonzi
That bass guitar is insane. Pure gold.