Born as Margar… Read Full Bio ↴Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/margaret-singana
Born as Margaret Mcingana in 1938 in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
She died in 2000
In the 1950s Singana moved to Johannesburg and soon started performing with The Symbols. In 1972 she made "Good Feelings" with the band. She became the first black artist to feature on the Radio 5 hit parade. Singana's song "I never loved a man the way I loved you" became a hit. In 1973, Singana was cast as the lead singer in the musical Ipi Tombi and soon made herself famous with the song "Mama Tembu's Wedding". She suffered from bad health for many years but in 1986 she returned to sing "We Are Growing", the theme song from the television series Shaka Zulu.
Singana has received many awards, including the 1976/1977 critics award from the British magazine Music Week. She was known as "Lady Africa" in Southern Africa.
Many Rivers to Cross
Margaret Singana Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost as I travel along
The white cliffs of Dover
Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
That keeps me alive
I've been licked, washed up for years and
I merely survive because of my pride
It's such a drag to be on your own
My man left and he didn't say why
Well I guess
Well I guess I have to try
Many rivers to cross but just where to begin
I'm playing for time
There've been times I find myself thinking
Of committing some dreadful crime
Yes I've got
I've got many rivers to cross
But I can't seem to find my way over
Wandering I am lost as I travel along
The white cliffs of Dover
Yes I've got
Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
I merely survive because of my pride
The song, "Many Rivers to Cross" by Margaret Singana, is an emotional expression of lost love and the struggles that come with moving on. The opening lines, "Many rivers to cross but I can't seem to find my way over," serve as a metaphor for the challenges she faces in trying to move beyond her heartbreak. She feels lost as she travels along the white cliffs of Dover, unsure of where to begin to heal the wounds caused by her lover's departure.
Despite feeling defeated and washed up for years, she manages to keep going because of her pride. She is determined to survive and is willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means being alone. However, the loneliness she experiences is a heavy burden, and she longs for the solitude to be lifted. In the end, she acknowledges that she has many rivers to cross, but the will to survive is what keeps her going.
The song strikes a chord with listeners because of its relatable lyrics and themes. It serves as a powerful reminder that life is full of challenges, and the key to overcoming them is to never give up. Margaret Singana's soulful delivery of the words, accompanied by the melody, creates an emotional resonance that touches the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Many rivers to cross
There are many obstacles in life that I must overcome.
But I can't seem to find my way over
I feel lost and unable to overcome these obstacles.
Wandering I am lost as I travel along
I am aimlessly moving forward without direction or purpose.
The white cliffs of Dover
This is a metaphor for the challenges in my life that are difficult to navigate.
Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
My determination is the only thing that keeps me going despite the challenges.
That keeps me alive
My will to survive is the only thing that keeps me going.
I've been licked, washed up for years and
I have been defeated and struggling for a long time.
I merely survive because of my pride
I continue to push forward because of my stubbornness and dignity, even when it seems impossible.
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
I am feeling isolated and abandoned.
It's such a drag to be on your own
Being alone is a heavy burden to bear.
My man left and he didn't say why
I feel hurt and confused by my partner's abandonment.
Well I guess
I am resigned to this reality.
Well I guess I have to try
I must keep trying to move forward despite my circumstances.
Many rivers to cross but just where to begin
I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of my problems and don't know where to start.
I'm playing for time
I am trying to delay my problems rather than confront them head-on.
There've been times I find myself thinking
I sometimes contemplate doing something desperate to escape my problems.
Of committing some dreadful crime
I think about breaking the law or doing something amoral to escape my pain.
Yes I've got
I am fully aware of the numerous obstacles that lie ahead.
I've got many rivers to cross
I have many challenges to overcome.
But I can't seem to find my way over
I feel helpless and unable to overcome these challenges.
Wandering I am lost as I travel along
I am struggling to find my direction and purpose.
The white cliffs of Dover
This is a metaphor for the daunting challenges I face.
Yes I've got
I acknowledge the immense challenges ahead.
Many rivers to cross and it's only my will
I know that my determination is the only thing that will get me through these difficulties.
I merely survive because of my pride
I keep pushing forward because of my stubbornness and dignity, even when it seems impossible.
Writer(s): JIMMY CLIFF
Contributed by Jack H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@jackalmuiz
Great rendition of a great classic.