The original lineup of Koola Lobitos was assembled in the late '50s when Kuti was a student at Trinity College of Music in London, England. By 1961, the group was one of London's most popular rhythm'n'beat bands. Returning to Nigeria, in 1963, Kuti formed a second version of the band with Tony Allen (drums), Ojo Okeji (bass), Yinka Roberts (guitar), Isaac Olasugba (saxophone), Tunde Williams and Eddie Aroyewu (trumpet), Tex Becks and Uwaifo (tenor saxophone), and Fred Lawal (guitar).
Attempting to reach a more global audience, Kuti relocated the band to the United States in 1969. Although they performed in clubs along the West Coast, the group continued to struggle financially. Upon their return to Nigeria, at the beginning of 1970, the group was renamed Fela Kuti & Afrika 70. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide
Highlife Time
Koola Lobitos Lyrics
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But you still insist that your heart's alright
I can see that he's about to get the best of you, maybe
You're too ashamed to cry and it's gettin' hard to hide
It's gonna get bad, before it gets better
You can cry and cry, but he still won't call
It's gonna get sad, maybe even sadderBut you're not over the heartache
You're still under the fall
When it comes to love, you've always had your way
And you never had your heart broke, or so you say
No you can't fool me, I know he's on your mind
There's things in love that just happen sometime
It's gonna get bad, before it gets better
You can cry and cry, but he still won't call
It's gonna get sad, maybe even sadder
But you're not over the heartache
You're still under the fall
It's gonna get bad, before it gets better
You can cry and cry, but he still won't call
It's gonna get sad, maybe even sadder
But you're not over the heartache
You're still under the fall
Still under the fall
The lyrics of Koola Lobitos's song "Highlife Time" are about heartache and the aftermath of a failed relationship. The singer is addressing someone who is still holding on to the pain of heartbreak even though they are trying to convince themselves and others that they are doing okay. The first verse suggests that the person is trying to deny the hurt they are feeling and hide it from others. However, the singer can see through this façade and understands that the person is on the verge of breaking down. The chorus then emphasizes that the pain is going to get worse before it gets better, and that the person is still deeply affected by the experience despite their attempts to move on.
In the second verse, the singer suggests that the person has previously been lucky in love and has never really experienced heartbreak before. However, they are now struggling to come to terms with the end of this particular relationship. The singer challenges the person's claims that they are over their ex-partner and points out that there are some things in love and relationships that cannot be controlled. The chorus repeats the message that the person has a long road ahead of them in terms of healing from their heartache.
Overall, "Highlife Time" is a poignant song about the emotional aftermath of a failed relationship. The lyrics capture the pain and confusion that can come with heartbreak, as well as the difficulty of moving on and letting go of past love.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody knows how much he meant to you, baby
It's clear that you deeply loved him and everyone knows that
But you still insist that your heart's alright
Despite your love for him, you pretend that you're okay and your heart hasn't been affected
I can see that he's about to get the best of you, maybe
It's becoming evident that he will take control over your emotions soon, maybe
You're too ashamed to cry and it's gettin' hard to hide
You feel embarrassed to show your emotions and it's becoming increasingly difficult to conceal them
When it comes to love, you've always had your way
In love, you've always had things your way
And you never had your heart broke, or so you say
You claim that you've never experienced heartbreak
No you can't fool me, I know he's on your mind
I can tell that he's still on your mind, you can't hide it from me
There's things in love that just happen sometime
Things in love don't always go as planned and unexpected things can happen
Still under the fall
Despite trying to hide your emotions, you're still under the negative effects of heartbreak
Writer(s): Fela Kuti
Contributed by Alexander R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.