Àfrica
Mike Mareen Lyrics
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This land of milk and honey gave all it had to grow
We took your sons and daughters
And made them to slaves
Now times have started changing
You're sending out new waves
Africa - your people will be free
Africa - they tried to put you down
Let's join hands, stop live in underground
This land, this land's for Black and White
Join hands and make things alright
'Cos there's still so much to do
'Cos there's still so much to do, let's start again
There's still so much to do in Africa
You had no education, so we took everything
We stole your gold and diamonds
To make our people sing
And in your darkest ages we even took your land
We split up all your country - you don't understand
Liberia, Zaire, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola
Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe
And all the parts of Africa
This land, this land's for Black and White
Join hands and make things alright
'Cos there's still so much to do
'Cos there's still so much to do, let's start again
There's still so much to do in Africa
The lyrics of Mike Mareen's "Africa" reflect the struggle and oppression faced by the continent of Africa, its people, and its resources throughout history. The opening lines seem to acknowledge Africa's historical wealth but also remind us how it all came at a great cost. The enslavement of African people and the stealing of their resources are highlighted as an unfortunate product of exploitation. However, the chorus suggests a transformation from these difficult times to a society that is free and united. The line, "Your people will be free, there will be a new society," reflects the hope that Africa will rise again.
The lyrics go on to highlight the need for unity between all races to make things right. Mareen speaks of the past and continues to point out "there is still so much to do in Africa." It is a wake-up call to the world to recognize how far Africa still needs to come. From education to land ownership, opportunities to realize the full potential of the continent must be provided. However, what seems to be the most significant message of the song is that it cannot be done without unity. "Join hands and make things alright" implies the need for collaboration between all races, whether black or white.
The lyrics of "Africa" act as a call to strengthen Africa's pride and vitality. Despite countless years of oppression, Africa is still a diamond in the rough, waiting for the world to recognize its true potential. This song provides a wonderful message of resilience to Africans, reminding them that they can fight back against the negativity and create a new, free society empowered by unity and collaboration.
Line by Line Meaning
Born in the sunshine, long time ago
Africa was born ages ago under the bright sunlight
This land of milk and honey gave all it had to grow
Africa is a land that provided the best, but was stripped off its resources
We took your sons and daughters
Africa was subjected to slavery; the people were captured and taken away from their land
And made them to slaves
Africans were forced into slavery and made to work for their captors to enrich them
Now times have started changing
The present time has come with a promise of change for Africa
You're sending out new waves
There is a new awakening in Africa, spreading a message of hope and liberation
Africa - your people will be free
The dream of Africa is to free its people from oppression and live with peace and equality
There will be a new society
The idea is to create a new society in Africa, a society that is free and equal
Africa - they tried to put you down
Africa had been under the shadow of colonialism and various forms of oppressions
Let's join hands, stop live in underground
By uniting, and working together for a common goal, the people of Africa can lift themselves up from the darkness of oppression and suppression
This land, this land's for Black and White
Africa is the land where people of all races and colors are welcome to live in harmony
Join hands and make things alright
It's time to work together to heal the wounds of the past and make things better for the future
'Cos there's still so much to do
Despite the progress made, there is still a long way to go in Africa
'Cos there's still so much to do, let's start again
Failure is not a setback; it's an opportunity to start again and do better
You had no education, so we took everything
The Europeans robbed Africa of its resources and riches, which created the space for the deprivation of its people’s education
We stole your gold and diamonds
The Europeans stripped Africa of gold, diamond, and other mineral resources
To make our people sing
To prosper their own people, the Europeans took away the things that made African people sing and dance with joy
And in your darkest ages we even took your land
The colonizers also took over the land, which made Africans suffer economically and socially
We split up all your country - you don't understand
The European colonizers divided and colonized Africa to rule it better; African unity was lost, and the repercussions are still felt today.
Liberia, Zaire, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe
A list of some of the countries in Africa that faced colonization or war and struggle for independence from the colonial powers.
There's still so much to do in Africa
Africa has the potential to be a great nation, and there's a lot of work to be done to achieve this goal.
Contributed by Ava S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.