The Click Song
Miriam Makeba & The Belafonte Singers Lyrics

The Click Song by Miriam Makeba is a well-known African song that reflects the Xhosa tribe culture. In the song, Makeba tells a story through the use of clicks, a unique style of African singing that originated from the Xhosa tribe. The song is about a man named Qongqothwane who is sitting on the side of the road, waiting for someone to pass by so that he can ask for directions. As he begins to click his tongue, the passersby notice his sound and begin to answer his questions with clicks too.

The repetitive use of the phrase "Igqira lendlela nguqongqothwane" implies Qongqothwane's persistence in waiting for someone to ask for directions. As the song progresses, the phrases "seleqabel'egqith'apha nguqongqothwane" and "selequbul'egqith'apha nguqongqothwane" indicate that someone has finally responded to Qongqothwane's call for help, leading him to ask for further help, leading to the other person responding with clicks. The chorus repeats repeatedly, emphasizing the story's culmination, leading to a celebration of clicks and the culture of communication through such sounds.