Work For All
Juluka Lyrics


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Keep the home fires burning
While Papa's earning the pittance he calls his pay
You've got to get up so early in the morning
To keep your job, let alone find one these days

Hear them sing in the streets now
Hear the sound of marching feet now
Chorus:
Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all -- we need to work to be
Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all -- there's a jobless army in the streets
Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all -- in a wage, a hidden war
Sifun'umsebenzi -- funumsebenzi

Papa sits alone in the kitchen
Thirty years a mining man
He still has to fight for the right to work
Whether times are good or bad

Hear them sing in the streets now
Hear the sound of marching feet now

Chorus

Sifun'umsebenzi -- wo thina sifun'umsebenzi
We need work for all
Hum o hum

Chorus

Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all --
We need to work to be
Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all --
So many mouths at home to feed
Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all --
In a wage a hidden war
Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all --
Oh a jobless army at my door
Sifun'umsebenzi -- funumsebenzi
Wo thina sifun'umsebenzi

We need work for all
We want work for all
We need work to be




Give us work for all--
Give us work to be

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Juluka’s song “Work For All” highlight the struggles of the working class, particularly those who struggle to make ends meet despite working tirelessly. The song suggests that work ought to be available to all those seeking it but, in reality, this is not always the case. The opening lines, “Keep the home fires burning / While Papa’s earning the pittance he calls his pay,” serve as a metaphor for the fact that many individuals work long hours, for little money, just to make ends meet. The line “hear them sing in the streets now / Hear the sound of marching feet now” suggests the rising levels of frustration amongst the lower and working classes.


The chorus of the song is powerful, demanding, and energizing: “Sifun’umsebenzi” which means, “we want jobs.” Here, the song speaks directly to the alienation of the members of society who lack supportive support systems or a functioning government. This anthem of defiance calls for greater opportunities for all individuals, with lyrics like “In a wage, a hidden war / So many mouths at home to feed / Oh a jobless army at my door / We need work for all.” Ultimately, “Work For All” is a cry for equality, justice, and change, a song that celebrates the strength and perseverance of the working class.


Line by Line Meaning

Keep the home fires burning
Maintain the household and family while the father is struggling to earn a meager wage.


While Papa's earning the pittance he calls his pay
Despite the father's 30 years of mining work, he is still paid very little and struggles to make ends meet.


You've got to get up so early in the morning / To keep your job, let alone find one these days
Finding a job is difficult and employees must work hard just to keep them, let alone find one in the first place.


Hear them sing in the streets now / Hear the sound of marching feet now
People are protesting and demonstrating for jobs on the streets.


Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all -- we need to work to be
The people demand jobs for everyone and recognize the importance of work for survival.


Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all -- there's a jobless army in the streets
There are many unemployed individuals who have become desperate and are demanding jobs in the streets.


Sifun'umsebenzi -- work for all -- in a wage, a hidden war
There is a struggle for fair wages and compensation that is not openly acknowledged.


Papa sits alone in the kitchen / Thirty years a mining man / He still has to fight for the right to work / Whether times are good or bad
Even with years of experience in mining, the father still struggles to fight for the right to work, regardless of economic conditions.


Sifun'umsebenzi -- wo thina sifun'umsebenzi / We need work for all
The people demand jobs for everyone in order for the community to survive.


So many mouths at home to feed
The pressure to provide for family and dependents is high.


Oh a jobless army at my door / Give us work for all-- / Give us work to be
The unemployed are desperate for jobs and are pleading for opportunities to work and earn a living.




Contributed by Emma P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Peggy Kozak

Johnny Clegg is one of those truly immortal souls. His music and message will reverberate throughout the ages. He should have lived forever in this world nonetheless, unfazed by the inevitable demise that affects the rest of us mere mortals. We need people like him now more than ever.

Alexander B.

great song! we miss you Johnny!

Justin Kasse

A universal sentiment ... 'we need work to be'

Réjane Denizot

J'Adore tout simplement...........

thesandsie13the2nd

ngiyakuthananda johnny ngizokukhombula. sleep well umfowethu until we meet again

Carlton Baker II

Poignant even now.

Event Trading

I fucking love it

Gavin Smiley

I wish this song didn’t apply anymore. At least we still have the song.

Kevin Cameron

awesome

brian kandiye

great work johnny,african leaders wreck economies due to greed instead of creating jobs for all

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