the crossing
Savuka Lyrics
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At every breath that I take
Through all the nights I have lain alone
In someone else's dream, awake
All the words in truth that were spoken
That the wind has blown away
Oh, it's only you that remains with me
O siyeza, o siyeza
Sizofika webaba noma
O siyeza, o siyeza
Siyagudle lomhlaba
Siyawela lapheshaya
Lulezontaba ezimnyama
Lapha sobheka phansi
Konke ukhulupheka
A punch-drunk man in a downtown bar
Takes a beating without making a sound
Through swollen eyes, he sways and he smiles
'Cause no one can put him down
Inside of him a boy looks up to his father
For a sign or an approvin' eye
Oh, it's funny how those once so close and now gone
Still so affect our lives
O siyeza (oh, I'm comin'), o siyeza (I'll be comin')
Sizofika webaba noma (you know the tide is turnin')
O siyeza, o siyeza (you know the tide is turnin')
Siyagudle lomhlaba (make my crossin')
Siyawela lapheshaya (over this dark land)
Lulezontaba ezimnyama (gonna touch your face)
Lapha sobheka phansi (gonna lay me down)
Konke ukhulupheka (in your grace)
Take me now
Don't let go
Hold me close
I'm comin' home
O siyeza (oh, I'm comin'), o siyeza (I'll be comin')
Sizofika webaba noma (you know the tide is turnin')
O siyeza, o siyeza (I'm tellin' you, the tide is turnin')
Siyagudle lomhlaba (gonna make this crossin')
Siyawela lapheshaya (over this dark land)
Lulezontaba ezimnyama (gonna touch your face)
Lapha sobheka phansi (gonna lay me down)
Konke ukhulupheka (in that green field of grace)
O siyeza (oh, I'm comin'), o siyeza (oh, I'm comin')
Sizofika webaba noma (oh, I'm comin', oh, I'm comin')
O siyeza, o siyeza (oh, I'm comin', gonna lay me down)
Siyagudle lomhlaba
Siyawela lapheshaya (gonna make my crossin' over this dark land)
Lulezontaba ezimnyama (I'm gonna touch your face)
Lapha sobheka phansi (gonna lay me down)
Konke ukhulupheka (in your green fields of grace)
O siyeza, o siyeza
Sizofika webaba noma
O siyeza, o siyeza
Siyagudle lomhlaba
Siyawela lapheshaya
Lulezontaba ezimnyama
Lapha sobheka phansi
The Crossing by Savuka is a powerful song that explores the themes of endurance, hope, fatherhood, and the journey of life. The first verse describes the struggles of life - the pain, loneliness, and the loss of cherished memories. The lyrics paint a picture of an individual who has gone through the challenges of life, but through all of that, only one thing has remained constant, a person or a relationship that has been there through thick and thin, holding on to them like the "light of day."
The chorus "O siyeza" is a traditional call to action in South African culture, and it means "we are coming." It's a poignant reminder that no matter how hard life gets, we have to keep pushing forward, holding on to hope that we will overcome. The verse about the punch-drunk man in a downtown bar further explores this theme of resilience. Despite being beaten down, the man still stands tall with a smile, no one can put him down, and he keeps moving towards the goal he has set for himself.
The song also touches on fatherhood and its influence on our lives. The lyrics mention a boy who looks up to his father for guidance and approval. Even though his father is gone, his memories still impact his life. The song ends with a plea to be taken home, to be held close, to make the crossing, to lay down in the green fields of grace, marking the end of life's journey.
Overall, The Crossing is a hopeful and inspiring song that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the power of relationships, and the importance of never giving up.
Line by Line Meaning
Through all the days that eat away
At every breath that I take
Day by day, life chips away at me and my existence.
Through all the nights I have lain alone
In someone else's dream, awake
Even when surrounded by others, I am still alone and lost in my own thoughts.
All the words in truth that were spoken
That the wind has blown away
Words may be spoken but are easily forgotten and lost with time.
Oh, it's only you that remains with me
Clear as the light of day
Only memories of you remain with me, vivid and concrete.
A punch-drunk man in a downtown bar
Takes a beating without making a sound
Sometimes, we suffer with no way to express our pain or voice our struggles.
Through swollen eyes, he sways and he smiles
'Cause no one can put him down
Despite the hardships, he still stands and embraces life's challenges with a smile.
Inside of him a boy looks up to his father
For a sign or an approvin' eye
Looking up to a father is a common desire for many boys in search of validation.
Oh, it's funny how those once so close and now gone
Still so affect our lives
Even after someone leaves our lives, they still have a lasting impact on us.
Take me now
Don't let go
Hold me close
I'm comin' home
Yearning for security and a place to belong, to be welcomed home.
O siyeza (oh, I'm comin'), o siyeza (I'll be comin')
Sizofika webaba noma (you know the tide is turnin')
O siyeza, o siyeza (you know the tide is turnin')
Siyagudle lomhlaba (make my crossin')
Siyawela lapheshaya (over this dark land)
Lulezontaba ezimnyama (gonna touch your face)
Lapha sobheka phansi (gonna lay me down)
Konke ukhulupheka (in your grace)
I am coming home, crossing over to a new phase in life, despite the struggles and darkness that accompany it, I find peace and grace in your embrace.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT (FRANCE), Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Jonathan Paul Clegg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SoniaJbrt
Crying... Will take a long time to not cry whenever I hear a song of Johnny Clegg. He changed lives, his music opened my eyes to a wonderful world that I didn’t know as a child but was so extatic to discover. It shaped me as a human being. How wonderful to cross from this temporary world to our eternal Home im Heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ. To live is for Christ, to die is eternal gain! Thank you for this song and all your wonderful music Johnny Clegg 💗
@ramelak1635
I'm Indian living in Botswana and had the good fortune of seeing this legend as,an opening act for Santana at the FNB stadium in Joburg. Was blown away...may we all get some inspiration from him
@tebogophalantoa6442
You will forever be missed great one, South Africa has lost.💔
@Francloy1
Sad day today
@dude124353
Live in Australia now, but will never forget one of the greatest South Africans of my time. Blows my mind how little the rest of the world knows of such an amazing artist
@kimmicole991
My husband introduced me to his music in 1991 and got to see him 2yrs ago. This is so heartbreaking.
@mogausephewu5772
Please guys lets comeback home mother land and fix this once beautiful inspiring country ,because corruption and dirty politicians are ruining everything
@catymarvelous1226
@@mogausephewu5772 I have so much faith in my fellow South Africans! And this last year has proven me right. I know the headlines of all the corruption are depressing , and of course true. But I just don't care anymore. I'm way more interested in how many communities are taking control of their own destinies and having great success. You know what they say, "The revolution will not be televised". And there is a quiet revolution, although I prefer to call it evolution, of people taking matters into their own hands, helping each other, protecting their communities together. I can't help feeling this is the beginning of something wonderful.
@driftke70
Livin in Australia JC is the only true taste of Africa I can get and cannot put into words how it makes me feel and how appreciative I am of him and his music. I struggle to imagine life without it.
@traceywright9484
You helped us dance through those terrible memories... We love you. Thank you. God says welcome home my faithful servant. With you I am well pleased...Peace to your family...