Great Heart
Savuka Lyrics
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Every man has to be his own savior
I know I can make it on my own if I try
But I'm searching for a great heart to stand me by
Underneath the African sky
A great heart to stand me by
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
Under African sky
Sometimes I feel that you really know me
Sometimes there's so much you can show me
There's a highway of stars across the heavens
There's whispering song of the wind in the grass
There's the rolling thunder across the savanna
A hope and dream at the edge of the sky
And your life is a story like the wind
Your life is a story like the wind
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
To hold and stand me by
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
Under African sky
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
I see the fire in your eyes
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
That beats my name inside
Sometimes I feel that you really know me
Sometimes there's so much you can show me
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
To hold and stand me by
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
Under African sky
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
(Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo)
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
The lyrics of "Great Heart" by Savuka speak of the human need for companionship and the search for a trustworthy presence in life. The singer acknowledges that every person must ultimately rely on themselves to survive in the difficult world, but he also recognizes the importance of having a great heart to stand by his side when the going gets tough. The repeated refrain about searching for the spirit of the great heart under the African sky suggests that this quest is deeply rooted in the singer's cultural identity.
The lyrics use vivid imagery to convey a sense of the African landscape and its natural beauty, such as the highway of stars and the rolling thunder across the savanna. The theme of searching for something beyond oneself is also extended to human relationships, as the singer admits that sometimes there is so much his companion can show him. The repetition of the phrase "I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart" emphasizes the urgency and seriousness of the singer's quest, and the use of African language in the final verses adds a sense of authenticity to the overall message of the song.
Overall, "Great Heart" is a powerful expression of the human desire for connection and meaning in life, as well as a celebration of African culture and identity.
Line by Line Meaning
The world is full of strange behavior
The world is full of unpredictable actions.
Every man has to be his own savior
Each person is responsible for saving themselves from challenges and struggles.
I know I can make it on my own if I try
I am confident I can succeed independently with enough effort.
But I'm searching for a great heart to stand me by
However, I am seeking someone with a big heart to stand by my side through difficulties.
Underneath the African sky
In the vast and beautiful sky of Africa.
I'm searching for the spirit of the great heart
I am searching for a person with a strong, compassionate heart.
To hold and keep me by
Who will support and keep me close.
Sometimes I feel that you really know me
At times, I feel like you truly understand me.
Sometimes there's so much you can show me
Other times, there is a lot you can teach me or reveal to me.
There's a highway of stars across the heavens
The sky is filled with many stars forming a pathway in space.
There's whispering song of the wind in the grass
The sound of wind creates a gentle, subtle melody in the grass.
There's the rolling thunder across the savanna
The sound of thunder can be heard across the vast open plains.
A hope and dream at the edge of the sky
A sense of optimism and aspirations exist at the limits of what is possible.
And your life is a story like the wind
Your life is just like the wind, with its own unique tale and journey.
I see the fire in your eyes
I notice the passion and intensity in your gaze.
That beats my name inside
Your heart reflects a strong connection to me, which is evident in the rhythms of your heartbeat.
Guka 'mzimba, sala 'nhliziyo
An African phrase meaning 'cleanse the body, heal the soul.'
To hold and stand me by
To be a source of support and strength through life's challenges.
Under African sky
Within the beautiful and unique surroundings of Africa.
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jonathan Paul Clegg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@carolmartin2768
🇿🇦 I loved and love this man so much.
His music formed the soundtrack to my childhood and adolescence.
He had a Great heart indeed, and such love for my homeland and the continent we live on.
I am ever grateful for the gift of his music. He was a true son of the African continent.
Love to all who live in Africa.
Never lose hope. We have so much wealth in music, knowledge, art, poetry, entrepreneurship and above all Ubuntu, love and passion.
Viva Africa ✝️💜🌈🎵🦋
@saabturbo16
Shocked and Saddened today to learn the news that Johnny has passed away. There is a great gap left by his passing ..
I havecbeenva fan for many years of South African Music , not the contrived stuff but the REAL music.
As a kid I remember when Elias and his zig zag jive flutes had a hit with 'Tom Hark ' theme, a melody still heard at football matches today.
In the bad years I became acquainted with Music you wouldnt hear in South Africa , on tapes, township jive, rythmn of resistance, Mahotelland queens, and many more including
Sipho mabuse and Juluka with Johnny Clegg and scatterlings of Africa.
From then on I was hooked..
He has left an indelible mark on South Africa, his Music will live on and his legacy to the real people is enourmous.
He is not here now, but the pain of his passing is real.
Mandela his friend has called him to join him and they can now rest together..
God Bless you Johnny, a giant of a man who did so much to expand Real South African Music to the world.
@jessejames258
As an American, this guy deserves global recognition. I've lived in South Africa for 4 years growing up and that's the only reason I know him and I'm glad I did. His music is criminally underrated.
@bradh6062
So glad you experienced it. Stays with you always
@notamusedboosh
His son Jesse is also a musician, he has some good hits too. Sadly his wife passed away a week ago due to cancer as well. For my Mum's birthday, we bought her two tickets to his last concert. She said it was amazing and sad.
@KonradvonHotzendorf
He outsold Michael Jackson in France in 1988. MC had to cancel 😂
Don't know any Artist who could do the same?🤔
@ilovethelord847
Yes! This song reminds me of everybody wants to rule the world. Same vibes
Of Africa by Toto
@KonradvonHotzendorf
@@janmalan602 Well with the name of Jan Malan🇿🇦😂 Checks out
What's your full name 🤔
@donaloshea2936
Hamba kahale White Zulu, any of us that ever spent time in South Africa, knew your music and loved you for it, you will always have a special place in my heart. RIP Great Heart!!!♥️😥♥️😥♥️ Irish by birth but African by the Grace of God, 22 years in southern africa!!♥️♥️♥️♥️
@JenCarew
Us Irish really do get everywhere 💚 well said Donal
@quinnooz7109
My mother spent time in Africa, a piece of her heart is still there 😥❤️🩹
@andrewhall9051
Nice ☝️❤️🇿🇦