Cruel Crazy Beautiful World
Juluka/Savuka/Johnny Clegg 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 to Juluka/Savuka/Johnny Clegg's song Cruel Crazy Beautiful World convey a message of embracing life's unpredictability and challenges. The opening lines suggest that in life, one must confront the dangers that exist and find a way to coexist with them. "You got to live with the crooked politician, Trust those things that you can never see," shows the fraught nature of politics and encourages the listener to have faith and persevere despite the inherent unfairness of some situations.
The chorus repeats the song's title, emphasizing the tension between the incredible beauty and the overwhelming cruelty of life. It acknowledges the bittersweet nature of existence and encourages the listener to make the most of it, even if saying goodbye to loved ones is inevitable. The line "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," is particularly poignant, expressing both the hope and fear that one experiences when facing the unknown.
Overall, Cruel Crazy Beautiful World presents a complex view of life, one that is neither wholly optimistic nor pessimistic but embraces the full spectrum of human experience.
Line by Line Meaning
You got to wash with the crocodile in the river
Sometimes you have to do dangerous things to get what you want.
You got to swim with the sharks in the sea
Sometimes you have to take risks to succeed.
You got to live with the crooked politician
You have to accept that not everyone in power is honest or trustworthy.
Trust those things that you can never see
Have faith in things that cannot be proven.
Ayeye ayeye, Jesse mfana, ayeye ayeye
An exclamation of encouragement.
You got to trust your lover when you go away
Trust is essential for a successful relationship, even when you are apart.
Keep on believeing tomorrow brings a better day
Maintain hope for a brighter future.
Sometimes you smile while you'r cryin' inside
You can't always show your true emotions to others.
Just once you'll turn away while the truth be shinin' bright
Sometimes it's easier to ignore the truth than to face it.
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world
Life can be challenging, unpredictable, and amazing all at once.
Every day you wake up I hope it's under a blue sky
Wishing for good days ahead.
One day when you wake up I will have to say goodbye
All good things must come to an end.
Say goodbye, it's your world so live in it
Enjoy life while you can.
Beyond the door, strange cruel beautiful years lie waiting for you
The future holds both good and bad experiences.
It kills me to know you won't escape loneliness
Watching those you care about suffer is painful.
Maybe you lose hope too
Difficult times can cause people to lose faith.
When I feel your small body close to mine
The love for a child is both delicate and powerful.
I feel weak and strong at the same time
The responsibility of caring for a child can be overwhelming and empowering.
So few years to give you wings to fly
Time is fleeting, and children grow up quickly.
Show you the stars to guide your ship by
Provide guidance and inspiration for a brighter future.
It's your world so live in it
A reminder to make the most of life and take control of one's own destiny.
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing, O/B/O CAPASSO
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.