The Great Heart
Juluka/Savuka/Johnny Clegg 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 to Juluka/Savuka/Johnny Clegg's song The Great Heart communicate the message of individuality and self-reliance. The song emphasizes that every man must be their own savior, but despite this, the singer seeks a great heart to stand by him. The driving force of the song is the pursuit of harmony as the singer searches for the spirit of the great heart. In the African sky, amid the whispering song of the wind and the rolling thunder across the savannah, the singer seeks a sense of belonging and community.
The song captures the essence of African spirituality and the concept of Ubuntu, which refers to interconnectedness and empathy for others. It is a call for connection and companionship and demonstrates how the power of unity can bring people together. The lyrics are a reflection of the African belief that people should work together in harmony, regardless of their differences, through the Ubuntu philosophy.
In summary, the song spreads the message of hope and unity, and its driving force is the search for a great heart to stand by. It emphasizes the importance of individuality and working together in harmony, which is a fundamental aspect of African spirituality and the Ubuntu philosophy.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is full of strange behaviour
The world has a lot of peculiar characteristics
Every man has to be his own saviour
Each person must save themselves
I know I can make it on my own if I try
I believe that I can succeed independently if I strive for it
But I'm searching for a great heart to stand me by
Despite my self-assurance, I am seeking a compassionate person to support me
Underneath the African sky
Beneath the clear sky of Africa
A great heart to stand me by
An empathetic individual to aid me
Chorus: I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart...
I'm pursuing the essence of empathetic people who stand up for others
Sometimes I feel that you really know me
At times, I believe that you genuinely understand me
Sometimes there's much you can show me
Occasionally, I have a lot to learn from you
There's a highway of stars across the heavens
The sky is dotted with star-filled paths
The whispering song of the wind in the grass
The soothing tune heard when the wind makes the grass rustle
There's the rolling thunder across the savanna
The echoed growls booming over the grasslands
A hope and dream at the edge of the sky
A distant expectation and wish at the sky's border
And your life is a story like the wind
Your life is like an engrossing tale that shares similar features with the wind
Your life is a story like the wind
Your life is like an engrossing tale that shares similar features with the wind
Chorus
I'm pursuing the essence of empathetic people who stand up for others
Guka 'mzimba (body grow old)
The body gets old
Sala 'nhliziyo (but heart remain behind)
But the heart remains
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD
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 ☝️❤️🇿🇦