For months now, the four piece’s melodic rock has dominated airwaves, with songs like “Words”, "All I Have", "The Hardest Thing" and “Simple Truth” easily slipping into the hearts and minds of music fans now rapidly cottoning onto the fact that Niemand is proudly South African – a truly homegrown group that makes music of a global standard.
Joe Niemand’s soaring vocals are the signature that set Niemand apart from their offset. Hailed as one of South Africa’s most promising talents, this award-winning songwriter’s music has been heard in more than 13 countries worldwide.
Jake Odendaal, dynamic lead guitarist and critically acclaimed producer is a force to be reckoned with on stage. Jake lives for the stage where his energy as a performer meets his consummate musicality.
Jake is joined by his brother, Thinus Odendaal, who at 25 has experience in the international arena as the drummer of Tree63, the band awarded the “American Billboard Chart, Christian Song of the year 2004.” Thinus who has recently returned to SA to join Niemand believes that his future lies with Niemand and that the possibilities in this tight unit are indeed endless.
http://www.niemand.co.za/portals/14/home.htm
Hummin'
Niemand Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Before I lose my mind
I’m always getting out of somewhere
Half of the time
I know if Elvis was here
We’d be having a grand old time
I know Elvis is dead
I’ve gotta get on the road
Before I lose my way
On the back of a long black snake
Shining in the rain
I know if Johnny was here
We’d be ripping up this town
I know Johnny is gone
But he lives on in a song
I’ve got to get my guns
Before I shoot me a painful foot
I’ve got to get out the dark doubt
Before it ruins me for good
I know if Jesus was here
I’d be a better man
Yeah, just me and Him
Johnny and the king
Humming an old hymn
And we’re next to the bed
Of an old man almost dead
Johnny’s softly praying
And Elvis lights a cigarette
And through the smoke I see
The old man is me
Yeah, just me and him
Johnny and the king
Still humming an old hymn
I’m going up yonder
I’m going up yonder
I’m going up yonder
I’m going up yonder
To be with my Lord (My Lord)
To be with my Lord (My Lord)
To be with my Lord (My Lord)
To be with my Lord (My Lord)
To be with you, my Lord (My Lord)
To be with my Lord (My Lord)
The lyrics to Niemand's song "Hummin'" revolve around the themes of escapism, nostalgia, and longing for a better life. The singer expresses the need to escape from their current circumstances before they lose their sanity. They are constantly seeking an exit from wherever they find themselves, suggesting a restlessness or dissatisfaction with their current situation.
The mention of Elvis and Johnny alludes to the singer's desire for a more joyful and carefree existence. They imagine that if Elvis or Johnny were present, they would indulge in lively and enjoyable experiences. Despite acknowledging their absence, the singer believes that these iconic figures live on in their thoughts, as they bring about a sense of joy and internal solace.
The lyrics also touch upon the singer's personal struggles and the need to confront them head-on. They mention the guns and the dark doubt that threaten to consume them. It is clear that they recognize the potential destructive power within themselves and feel the urgency to overcome it before it ruins them. The reference to Jesus suggests that they look to faith and spirituality as a means of finding redemption and becoming a better person.
The last section of the song paints a vivid scene where the singer envisions themselves in a transformative experience. They imagine being by the side of an old, dying man while Johnny softly prays and Elvis lights a cigarette. Through this imagery, the singer sees their own mortality and the need to make peace with themselves and their creator. They long to be in the presence of their Lord, seeking solace and eternal rest.
Overall, "Hummin'" conveys a deep yearning for a better life, a desire to escape, face personal demons, and find comfort through faith and spirituality.
Line by Line Meaning
I’ve got to get out of here
I feel the need to escape from my current situation
Before I lose my mind
Before my sanity is compromised
I’m always getting out of somewhere
I frequently find myself leaving places behind
Half of the time
Approximately fifty percent of the time
I know if Elvis was here
If Elvis Presley were present in this moment
We’d be having a grand old time
We would be enjoying ourselves immensely
I know Elvis is dead
I am aware that Elvis Presley has passed away
But he lives inside my head
His memory and influence strongly resonate with me
I’ve gotta get on the road
I must embark on a journey
Before I lose my way
Prior to becoming lost or directionless
On the back of a long black snake
Riding on a metaphorical dark path or temptation
Shining in the rain
Gleaming or standing out despite unfavorable circumstances
I know if Johnny was here
If Johnny Cash were present in this moment
We’d be ripping up this town
We would be causing excitement and chaos in this place
I know Johnny is gone
I am aware that Johnny Cash has passed away
But he lives on in a song
His legacy continues through his music
I’ve got to get my guns
I need to acquire my personal means of protection
Before I shoot me a painful foot
Before I make a costly mistake
I’ve got to get out the dark doubt
I must overcome my inner uncertainties
Before it ruins me for good
Before it permanently damages me
I know if Jesus was here
If Jesus Christ were present in this moment
I’d be a better man
I would become a morally improved individual
Yeah, just me and Him
Only myself and Jesus
Johnny and the king
Referring to Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley
Humming an old hymn
Quietly singing a traditional religious song
And we’re next to the bed
We are positioned beside the sleeping area
Of an old man almost dead
An elderly individual close to dying
Johnny’s softly praying
Johnny Cash is gently engaging in prayer
And Elvis lights a cigarette
Elvis Presley casually ignites a cigarette
And through the smoke I see
Despite the haze, I perceive
The old man is me
I realize that the elderly person is actually myself
Still humming an old hymn
Continuing to softly sing a traditional religious song
I’m going up yonder
I am ascending towards a higher place
To be with my Lord (My Lord)
To be in the presence of God, my spiritual guide
To be with you, my Lord (My Lord)
To be reunited with God, my divine protector
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind