Keinan Abdi Warsame (born 1978), known professionally as K'naan, is a Somal… Read Full Bio ↴Keinan Abdi Warsame (born 1978), known professionally as K'naan, is a Somali-Canadian poet and hip-hop artist. The Coming To America Songfacts states that born in Mogadishu, Somalia, he spent his childhood there during the Somali Civil War, which began in 1991. K’naan’s grandfather, Haji Mohammad, was a poet and his aunt, Magool, one of Somalia's most famous singers. The young Somalian acquired an early interest in hip-hop from the records that were sent to him from America by his father. K’naan describes growing up in Somalia amidst the ongoing warfare on his song "Coming To America". At age 13 he left for New York City with his mother and brother and finally settled in the Rexdale neighbourhood of Toronto.

In 2001 K'naan performed in Geneva at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

In 2005, he performed with DobaCaracol during the Live 8 concert in Barrie, Ontario. His full-length debut album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher, was released in 2005.

His song "Soobax" (pronounced "So-Bah") is now featured in the best selling video game FIFA Football 2006, made by Electronic Arts and he has toured the world with the cup.

K'naan participated in the Breedlove Odyssey Tour with Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae. He also participated in the "Welcome To Jamrock" tour along with Damian Marley.

The Dusty Foot Philosopher received a 2006 Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year, and was nominated for the inaugural Polaris Music Prize. He also featured in a song by M1, titled "Till We Get There".

The song "In the Beginning" from the album The Dusty Foot Philosopher was featured in the 2008 Comedy "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay"

He also toured with Stephen Marley on Stephen's "Mind Control" tour.

His latest album "Troubadour" was released in 2009 featuring guests artists such as Damian Marley, Adam Levine, Kirk Hammett, Mos Def, and Chali 2NA.

A remixed version of K'naan's single "Wavin' Flag" was chosen as the Coca-Cola anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

K'naan won the 2010 Juno Awards for Canada's Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

The Wall
K'naan Lyrics

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You don't have to launch your missile to break down my defense
You don't need to find a jet to end our arguments
We don't have to be like everyone to use our common sense
So I guess it's time we burned the documents

'Cause you're crazy I'm crazy and there ain't a thing to lose
Except our pride at suicide of all we've ever knew
And somewhere is where east and west and the wall is coming down

Some times we celebrate other times we say what have we done
And I feel you're holding on and I'm holding on too
But no matter what we say or do the wall is coming down
The wall is coming down
Down
I see you come around
'Cause the wall is coming down

I don't have to build a fortress to hide what you can't see
I don't have to be the master and hold on to the key
Sometimes I feel so certain that we were meant to be
But I guess it's fine if you disagree

'Cause I'm crazy and you're crazy and there ain't a thing to lose
Except our pride at suicide of all we've ever knew
And somewhere is where east and west and the wall is coming down
Some times we celebrate other times we say what have we done
And I feel you're holding on and I'm holding on too
But no matter what we say or do the wall is coming down
The wall is coming down
Down
I see you come around
'Cause the wall is coming down

So whenever we turn the wheel peace talking make a deal
You remind me of palace time and I feel so Israel
Look at all the walls I've built and look at all the guards you've killed
And if the gates would open would it be more loving
Or would all my fears turn real
So for now I suppress your demonstration and I undress you here's the question
This love making a masturbation if every touch feels like instigation
I'm so sure if we all trusted the force of love
Even if our past is awful also break our pride in the torso
Whatever it takes for down these walls go

And somewhere is where east and west and the wall is coming down
Some times we celebrate other times we say what have we done
And I feel you're holding on and I'm holding on too
But no matter what we say or do the wall is coming down
The wall is coming down
Down

I see you come around
'Cause the wall is coming down

Overall Meaning

The song "The Wall" by K'naan is a message of hope and unity, delivered through its lyrics. The song talks about breaking down barriers and walls that we create to distance ourselves from others. The first verse encourages the listener to put down their weapons and to engage in dialogue, using their common sense to reach a peaceful resolution. The second verse includes a message of acceptance, stating that it's okay to have differing opinions and to disagree because, in the end, we're all just crazy.

The chorus is the heart of the song, talking about the world coming together and celebrating when the wall finally comes down. Here, K'naan creates a space for hope, forgiveness, and love, acknowledging that it won't always go smoothly and that there may be setbacks. However, he encourages everyone to hold on tightly, knowing that the wall is indeed coming down. As the song comes to an end, K'naan reflects on the power of love and how it can help bring down walls, both literal and figurative, that we create in our lives.

Line by Line Meaning

You don't have to launch your missile to break down my defense
There's no need to escalate conflict to get through to me

You don't need to find a jet to end our arguments
We don't have to resort to extreme measures to resolve our differences

We don't have to be like everyone to use our common sense
Using common sense doesn't require conforming to societal norms

So I guess it's time we burned the documents
It's time to let go of old grudges and start fresh

'Cause you're crazy I'm crazy and there ain't a thing to lose
We're both imperfect and have nothing to lose by taking a chance on each other

Except our pride at suicide of all we've ever knew
We might feel ashamed if we fail, but it's worth the risk to move forward

And somewhere is where east and west and the wall is coming down
The barriers dividing us are breaking down and we're growing closer

Some times we celebrate other times we say what have we done
Sometimes we're ecstatic at our progress, other times we question our choices

And I feel you're holding on and I'm holding on too
We're both invested in this relationship

But no matter what we say or do the wall is coming down
Regardless of challenges, we're still making progress

Down
The wall is collapsing

I see you come around
I'm starting to see positive changes in you

I don't have to build a fortress to hide what you can't see
I don't need to hide my vulnerabilities from you

I don't have to be the master and hold on to the key
I don't need to control everything to have a successful relationship

Sometimes I feel so certain that we were meant to be
Occasionally I feel destined to be with you

But I guess it's fine if you disagree
It's okay if we have differing opinions

So whenever we turn the wheel peace talking make a deal
We should make an effort to communicate and compromise when conflicts arise

You remind me of palace time and I feel so Israel
You bring to mind moments of peace, and I associate that with Israel

Look at all the walls I've built and look at all the guards you've killed
We've both put up barriers in our relationship, and we've both hurt each other

And if the gates would open would it be more loving
If we opened up and trusted each other, would our relationship improve?

Or would all my fears turn real
I'm afraid of getting hurt, and opening up could make that a reality

So for now I suppress your demonstration and I undress you here's the question
I'm holding back my emotions for the time being, but I want to know how you feel

This love making a masturbation if every touch feels like instigation
Love feels hollow if it only leads to arguments and fights

I'm so sure if we all trusted the force of love
If we had faith in love, we could overcome our doubts and fears

Even if our past is awful also break our pride in the torso
Despite past mistakes, we could humble ourselves and work towards a better future

Whatever it takes for down these walls go
We should do whatever it takes to break down the barriers in our relationship

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANTWOINE COLLINS, DAVID GLASS, KEINAN WARSAME, WAYNE WILKINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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