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.
One 'man One Vote
Johnny Clegg and Savuka Lyrics
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Bayeza abafana bancane wema
Baphethe iqwasha, baphethe ibazooka
Bathi "Sangena savuma thina,
Lapha abazange bengena abazali bethu
Nabadala, bayasikhalela thina ngoba asina voti."
(The young boys are coming,
They carry homemade weapons and a bazooka.
They say "We have agreed to enter a place
that has never been entered before
by our parents or our ancestors
and they cry for us, for we do not have the right to vote.)
Hayiyaah!
The west is sleeping in a fragile freedom
Forgotten is the price that was paid
Ten thousand years of marching through a veil of tears
To break a few links in these chains
These things come to us by way of much pain
Don't let us slip back into the dark
On a visible but distant shore -- a new image of man
The shape of his own future, now in his own hands -- he says:
Chorus:
One 'man, one vote -- step into the future
One 'man, one vote -- in a unitary state
One 'man, one vote -- tell them when you see them
One 'man, one vote -- it's the only way
Bayeza abafana abancane
(The young boys are coming)
Hayiyaah!
In the east a giant is awakening
And in the south we feel the rising tide
The soul inside the spark that gives breath to your life
Can no longer be made to hide
These things come to us by way of much pain
Don't let us slip back into the dark
On a visible but distant shore -- a new image of man
The shape of his own future, now in his own hands -- he says:
Chorus
The song "One 'man One Vote" by Johnny Clegg and Savuka is a call for basic democratic rights, particularly the right to vote, for all people regardless of their race or status. The song begins with the image of young boys coming with homemade weapons and a bazooka, which represents their determination to fight for their right to vote. They say that they want to enter a place that no one, not even their ancestors or parents, have ever entered before, and that is the place of true democracy where everyone has a say, and no one is left behind because they lack the right to vote. The song also touches on the cost of freedom and democracy, which is often won through a great deal of pain and sacrifice.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of everyone having one vote, which is the only way to move forward into a better future. The lyrics suggest that democracy is not just a political ideology or theory but something that people need to experience and live. This is why the song highlights that the future is in people's hands, and they must step forward and claim their rights.
The verses of the song are sets of observations about the situation of democracy in different parts of the world. For instance, in the west, people often take democracy for granted and forget the price that was paid to achieve it. Similarly, in the east and the south, there is a rising tide of demand for democracy, and the people are no longer willing to be silenced or made to hide. The song seems to suggest that while democracy may look different in different contexts, it is a universal human right that should be respected and upheld.
Line by Line Meaning
Bayeza abafana bancane wema
The young boys are coming
Bayeza abafana bancane wema
The young boys are coming
Baphethe iqwasha, baphethe ibazooka
They carry homemade weapons and a bazooka.
Bathi "Sangena savuma thina, Lapha abazange bengena abazali bethu Nabadala, bayasikhalela thina ngoba asina voti."
They say "We have agreed to enter a place that has never been entered before by our parents or our ancestors, and they cry for us, for we do not have the right to vote."
Hayiyaah!
A vocal expression of enthusiasm and encouragement.
The west is sleeping in a fragile freedom
Western nations enjoy relative freedom but are still vulnerable to abuses of power.
Forgotten is the price that was paid
The sacrifices made to obtain freedom are often overlooked.
Ten thousand years of marching through a veil of tears
Humans have endured oppression and suffering for millennia.
To break a few links in these chains
Progress has been made but full liberation remains elusive.
These things come to us by way of much pain
Freedom is often won at great cost.
Don't let us slip back into the dark
We must remain vigilant to prevent regression towards authoritarianism.
On a visible but distant shore -- a new image of man
A new vision of a just and equitable society is within reach but still far away.
The shape of his own future, now in his own hands -- he says:
The power to shape the future is within our own control.
Chorus: One 'man, one vote -- step into the future One 'man, one vote -- in a unitary state One 'man, one vote -- tell them when you see them One 'man, one vote -- it's the only way
Chorus emphasizing the importance of universal suffrage for achieving a just society.
In the east a giant is awakening
Emerging nations in the East are rising in power and influence.
And in the south we feel the rising tide
Nations in the global South are also asserting themselves and demanding justice.
The soul inside the spark that gives breath to your life
The fundamental essence of human life cannot be suppressed or denied.
Can no longer be made to hide
It is time to recognize and honor our innate dignity and worth.
Contributed by Caroline A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jmac1244
His words have never rang more true than today. Got to see him play in KC in 1990 Very little appreciation for the price that was paid, and the progress made.
@rlm6213
R.I.P. Johnny Clegg. Great music.
@Treebard
Gone too soon
@haroldwhite5761
Thank you for contributing to the best times of my life!
@thedudewhoeatspianos
He's still alive
@theevolutionfather
No @@thedudewhoeatspianos he passed away in 2019
@carolannbagan3562
if we want to be the change everybody talks about. WE MUST BE THAT CHANGE. it will not come by talking only. it will come by deeds. one (hu)man one vote always & forever
@JonathanHatch1967
Thanks, Johnny, for pointing the way for me. Thanks for everything...
@angelam4136
Farewell to the amazing John Clegg.
@revdrkathleenraphaelddlpn2357
Getcho funk on!!!
Love this!
❤👍❤