Gabriel has been a champion of world music for much of his career. He co-founded the WOMAD festival in 1982. He has continued to focus on producing and promoting world music through his Real World Records label. He has also pioneered digital distribution methods for music, co-founding OD2, one of the first online music download services. Gabriel has also been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts. In 1980, he released the anti-apartheid single "Biko". He has participated in several human-rights benefit concerts, including Amnesty International's Human Rights Now! tour in 1988, and co-founded the Witness human rights organisation in 1992. Gabriel developed The Elders with Richard Branson, which was launched by Nelson Mandela in 2007.
Gabriel has won three Brit Awards—winning Best British Male in 1987, six Grammy Awards, thirteen MTV Video Music Awards, the first Pioneer Award at the BT Digital Music Awards, the Q magazine Lifetime Achievement, the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the Polar Music Prize. He was made a BMI Icon at the 57th annual BMI London Awards for his "influence on generations of music makers". In recognition of his many years of human rights activism, he received the Man of Peace award from the Nobel Peace Prize laureates in 2006, and Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2008. AllMusic has described Gabriel as "one of rock's most ambitious, innovative musicians, as well as one of its most political". He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Genesis in 2010, followed by his induction as a solo artist in 2014. In March 2015, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of South Australia in recognition of his achievements in music.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Gabriel
Studio albums
Peter Gabriel (1977; known as Peter Gabriel 1 and Car)
Peter Gabriel (1978; known as Peter Gabriel 2 and Scratch)
Peter Gabriel (1980; known as Peter Gabriel 3 and Melt)
Peter Gabriel (1982; known as Peter Gabriel 4 and Security)
So (1986)
Us (1992)
Up (2002)
Scratch My Back (2010)
New Blood (2011)
Shaking the Tree
Peter Gabriel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Waiting your time, dreaming of a better life
Waiting your time, you're more than just a wife
You don't have to do what your mother has done
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Turning the tide, you are on the incoming wave
Turning the tide, you know you are nobody's slave
Find your sisters or brothers who can hear all the truth in what you say
They can support you when you're on your way
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are shakin' the tree
Changing your ways, changing those surrounding you
Changing your ways, more than any man can do
Open your heart, show him the anger and pain, so you heal
Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel
You had to be so strong
And you do nothing wrong, nothing wrong at all
We're gonna break it down
We're gonna shake it down, shake it all around
No no no no no no
No no no no no no
No no no no no no
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
It's your day, a woman's day
You had to be so strong
You do nothing wrong, nothing wrong at all
We're gonna break it down
We're gonna shake it down, shake it all around
The lyrics of Peter Gabriel's "Shaking the Tree" urge women to break free from societal constraints and embrace their power. The song is set to African-inspired rhythms and uplifting melodies, evoking a sense of joy and liberation. The repetitive chant of "Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree" creates a sense of community and momentum, as if the song is urging listeners to join together and rise up.
The first verse urges women to seize their own destiny and not be limited by the roles their mothers played in society. It encourages women to dream of a better life and take charge of their own futures. The second verse focuses on the power that comes from connecting with others who share your viewpoint. By finding like-minded individuals, women can amplify their voices and create lasting change.
The final verse turns to a call for men to open their hearts to feminine qualities and emotions. The line "Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel" suggests that true equality can only come when men and women embrace their differences and work together as equals.
Overall, "Shaking the Tree" is a powerful anthem about the importance of breaking down societal barriers and embracing our true selves, no matter our gender. Its message of empowerment and unity is timeless and universal.
Line by Line Meaning
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon
We are creating change, we are shaking things up
Waiting your time, dreaming of a better life
Stop waiting and start taking action to make your dreams come true
Waiting your time, you're more than just a wife
Don't let societal expectations define you, you have value beyond your domestic role
You don't have to do what your mother has done
You can choose your own path and break free from generational cycles
This is your life, this new life has begun
Take ownership of your life and embrace the changes you want to make
It's your day, a woman's day
Celebrate the strength and power of women
Turning the tide, you are on the incoming wave
You are creating momentum and positive change
Turning the tide, you know you are nobody's slave
You have the power to break free from oppression and limitations
Find your sisters or brothers who can hear all the truth in what you say
Surround yourself with supportive people who understand and validate your experiences
They can support you when you're on your way
Lean on your community for strength and guidance
Changing your ways, changing those surrounding you
Your personal growth can have a positive impact on those around you
More than any man can do
Women have the power and ability to create significant change
Open your heart, show him the anger and pain, so you heal
Express your emotions and experiences to heal and move forward
Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel
Men can also benefit from embracing traditionally feminine traits and emotions
You had to be so strong
Women have historically had to be strong in the face of adversity and oppression
You do nothing wrong, nothing wrong at all
Your worth and value are not defined by others' opinions or expectations
We're gonna break it down
We will dismantle systems of oppression and inequality
We're gonna shake it down, shake it all around
We will create significant and lasting change
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Peter Gabriel, Youssou N'Dour
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lisascott2841
Today's generation will never understand just how amazing Peter Gabriel is . Secret World Live is one of the best concerts in the history of music ❤
@christimentus4425
❤ Absolutely!!!
@shadowknows69
Facts
@mastpow8744
my dad got me to listen to his favorite (and old) songs and now i got a playlist full of em, I'm suprised how I've never listened to such beautiful songs before (peter gabriel is in there of course)
@50Kvful
yep!
@egleeescalante4998
I agarre!
@TheSuMaTr
I don't care if this is overdubbed, edited, engineered, cross-pollinated...whatever. This video gives me chills every time I watch it. Peter is a musical genius.
@WildAlchemicalSpirit
Agreed!
@thejonegcle7759
and Paula Cole owned the songs & vocals she sang ... such a gem
@Auntvicki123
He's fantastic. My all time favorite musician. 💕