Miram Makeba and the Skylarks were, between 1956 and 1959, one of the most … Read Full Bio ↴Miram Makeba and the Skylarks were, between 1956 and 1959, one of the most successful South African vocal groups to blend American influences (Mills Brothers-style pop, gospel, and jazz) with South African tribal rhythms and vocal styles (primarily mbube, a four-part harmony approach originated by Zulu miners).
While growing up in a tough Johannesburg township, Miriam Makeba first sang in Protestant school choirs. After achieving initial fame with the Manhattan Brothers, Makeba recorded a few singles under her own name before Gallo Records asked her to front a South African girl group loosely patterned after the Andrews Sisters and the McGuire Sisters.

Makeba’s lead vocals have a pure and innocent quality that belies her savvy as a bandleader.

Enhancing the gorgeous vocal harmonies wer some excellent South African jazzmen, most notably the band’s white musical director and talented clarinetist-saxman-pianist Dan Hill, as well as the great South African pennywhistler Spokes Mashiyane, who coaxed as much soul out of his simple instrument as any human could. Like the finest mainstream jazz, this music has a relaxed, spontaneous feel that is a complete joy to hear. It’s easy to understand why these lilting melodies gave hope to blacks living the nightmare of apartheid.

After Makeba left South African in 1959 to attend the Venice film festival, the South African authorities would not allow her to return. Her records were banned from South African radio, and the Skylarks broke up a short while later.

Hush
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics

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Soon one morning (Morning)
Death comes a creeping in the room (Well brother)
Soon one morning (Morning)
Death comes a creeping in the room
Soon, soon one morning (Morning)
Death comes a creeping in the room
Crying oh, my Lord
Oh, my Lord what shall I do?

What shall I do?

Well you may call, call on your mother (Mother)
Your mama can't do you no good
(Well you may) call on your mother (Mother)
Your mama can't do you no good
Call, call on your mother (Mother)
Your mama can't do you no good
Crying oh, my Lord
Oh, my Lord what shall I do?
What shall I do?

Well, well, hush (Hush)
Hush (Hush)
Somebody's calling my name
Well brother hush (Mama yo)
Somebody's calling my name
Hush (Hush)
Hush (Hush)
Somebody's calling my name

Crying oh, my Lord
Oh, my Lord what shall I do?

Overall Meaning

The song "Hush" by Miriam Makeba and The Skylarks is a gospel song that tells the story of a person nearing the end of their life and feeling the presence of death approaching. The lyrics are a spiritual call to God for guidance and comfort, as the singer asks "what shall I do?"

The opening verse sets the scene of death slowly creeping into the room, with the repeated phrase "soon one morning" emphasizing the inevitability of the situation. The second verse offers a glimmer of hope, with the suggestion to call on one's mother for help. However, this hope is quickly dashed as the refrain reminds us that even a mother's love cannot save us from death.

The song's chorus, which is repeated throughout, is a comforting plea for quiet and stillness. "Hush" is both a call to stop crying and a reminder to be still and listen for God's voice. The final verses express the singer's belief that God is the only one who can offer them salvation, and that they will soon answer the call of God's voice.

Overall, "Hush" is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the universal experience of mortality and the need for spiritual comfort and guidance.

HushMiriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics

Hush
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics