Africa
Savuka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Scatterlings and fugitives
Hooded eyes and weary brows
Seek refuge in the night
They are the scatterlings of Africa
Each uprooted one
On the road to Phelamanga
Where the world began
I love the scatterlings of Africa
Each and every one
In their hearts a burning hunger
Beneath the copper sun
Ancient bones from Olduvai
Echoes of the very first cry
"Who made me here and why
Beneath the copper sun?"
African idea
African idea
Make the future clear
Make the future clear
And we are the scatterlings of Africa
Both you and I
We're on the road to Phelamanga
Beneath the copper sky
And we are the scatterlings of Africa
On a journey to the stars
Far below, we leave forever
Dreams of what we were
We are the scatterlings of Africa
We are the scatterlings of Africa
We are the scatterlings of Africa
We are the scatterlings of Africa
Scatterlings of Africa
Scatterlings of Africa
The first verse of the song "Scatterlings of Africa" by SAVUKA paints a picture of individuals seeking refuge and safety under the cover of nightfall. The imagery of "hooded eyes and weary brows" adds a layer of desperation and exhaustion to the scene, indicating that these individuals have been through a lot before arriving at their current location. The chorus of the song celebrates and embraces these individuals, referring to them as "the scatterlings of Africa" who are on a journey to Phelamanga, which is believed to be where the world began. The second verse of the song highlights the idea of ancestry and the interconnectedness of all individuals who identify as being from Africa. It references the ancient bones found in Olduvai and the first cry of humanity, asking questions about the origins of their being "beneath the copper sun."
In the bridge of the song, the phrase "African Idea" is repeated multiple times. This could be interpreted as a call to action for embracing African identity and culture, and using it to create a clear vision for the future. The final verse of the song once again acknowledges that we all are "scatterlings of Africa" on a journey to the ever-expanding universe. The song closes with the repetition of the title phrase "scatterlings of Africa" as a sort of affirmation and celebration of African identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Copper sun sinking low
The sun is setting as the day ends
Scatterlings and fugitives
People who are displaced and seeking refuge
Hooded eyes and weary brows
Tired and wary expressions due to their circumstances
Seek refuge in the night
Finding safety and shelter under cover of darkness
They are the scatterlings of Africa
These people are the ones who have been uprooted from their homes in Africa
Each uprooted one
Every individual has been displaced
On the road to Phelamanga
They are on a journey towards a new destination
Where the world began
Phelamanga is considered the place where humanity began
I love the scatterlings of Africa
The artist has affection for these people
Each and every one
Every individual is valuable
In their hearts a burning hunger
They all have a strong desire for something
Beneath the copper sun
Under the setting sun
Ancient bones from Olduvai
Fossils from the Olduvai Gorge, a famous archaeological site
Echoes of the very first cry
A reference to the beginning of human existence
"Who made me here and why
A question about the purpose of life
Beneath the copper sun?"
Asked while watching the sunset
African idea
A concept originating from Africa
Make the future clear
To create a path for a successful future
And we are the scatterlings of Africa
The singer and listener are also part of this group of people
Both you and I
Both individuals are included
We're on the road to Phelamanga
A shared journey to a new destination
Beneath the copper sky
Under the sunset
On a journey to the stars
Metaphorically traveling towards a higher destiny
Far below, we leave forever
Leaving behind a previous life permanently
Dreams of what we were
Remembering old aspirations but with a new future ahead
We are the scatterlings of Africa
Repeated emphasis on their identity
Scatterlings of Africa
A reminder of their displacement and journey
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT (FRANCE), RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: Jonathan Paul Clegg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sonnyroy497
Today is June 7, 2023, Johnny would have been 70 years of age today. Rip Johnny Clegg 💜.
@elizabethmcleod246
He had the same birthday as Prince! 💜
@nickca420
This video was filmed in Zimbabwe, because at the time it was illegal and punishable by extrajudicial beatings at best to film a video like this in Clegg’s home of South Africa. He was born a Brit but died a Zulu.
@sibusisomko1814
only Zuluz going to haven zulu
@nickca420
@@sibusisomko1814 Ngiyavuma umngane wami kodwa uJohnny Clegg ubeyinto ekhethekile. That's translated so I don't know if I said it right.
@clipvillelive4712
@@nickca420 very right sir...from a Xhosa
@EphphathaSalama
Thanks for sharing
@TheRaggamaniac
I was looking for this comment! I recognised home. Love the viedeo and song!❤
@AS-wm7jm
The greatest white man in South Africa. He fought for a better world without prejudice where everyone is equal without prevailing over each other. Now we are left with only his beautiful music and great ideas.
Manje osekusele wumculo wakhe noma singaphinde simbone.
@lethaboncanane1420
All the way from Swaziland 🇸🇿🇸🇿🇸🇿🇸🇿 2024