these days
Savuka Lyrics
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What happened to the diamonds in your eyes,
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
To the empty heart of these days.
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
[Chorus]
These days -- blood in the heavens
These days -- fire and ice
These days -- burning streets and visions
These days -- of the loveless child
Yashimbawula!
You were the reason I came here
You will always be the one I am looking for
I can't stand to see the way
These days are pushing you against the wall
Got to get up, got to move out
Face the tide beyond the door
Outside there's a whole world changing
We can't stand here, trapped inside
Let's step out and test the weazther
Hang on baby, it's going to ge a rough ride through'
[Chorus]
These days -- searching for a vision
These days -- gun metal blue
These days -- changing my religion
These days -- heartless and cruel
Say the words and fill my sails
I will love you through the coming gale
We'll get through the darkest heart of these days
"It's killing time"
Who will watch the watchers?
Who will keep the keepers?
Who will love the lovers -- could you?
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Savuka's song, These Days, narrates the transformation of a person from a hopeful, vibrant soul into someone disillusioned and trapped in the mundane, heartless days of routine. The lyrics begin with the phrase "Yashimbawula," meaning "the watchman's fire is burning," which sets the tone for the song. The singer then questions their friend's lost sparkle and energy, asking what happened to their ambitions and electric smile. They used to stay up all night discussing how to change the world, but now all they want is to change their name. The singer implores their friend not to give up and surrender to the emptiness of the present days.
The chorus repeats the phrase "these days" while highlighting the perception of chaos and pessimism that surrounds us. It talks about the blood in the heavens, the burning streets, and the loveless child. The song then shifts from focusing on the friend to the singer themselves. They express their love for the friend and that they cannot bear to see them stuck in the numbing days. The singer recognizes that the challenge before them is arduous, but they have to step outside and "test the weather." However, the singer does not want to go through the hurdle alone and pleads with the listener to stand by them, saying "Say the words and fill my sails."
These Days speaks about the disillusionment towards increasing corruption, wars, poverty, and climate change. The song highlights the need to break free of the pattern and stand up for change. Musically, it has inspirations from traditional African music blended with modern sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Yashimbawula!
The watchman's fire is burning
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes,
What happened to your passion and enthusiasm?
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to your drive and ambition?
What happened to the electric smile
What happened to your radiant and charismatic smile?
That danced across your face
Which used to light up your entire face
We used to talk about changing the world
We used to have big dreams of making a difference in the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
Now you just want to escape from your current situation
Come on baby don't surrender now
Don't give up now, there's still hope
To the empty heart of these days.
To the hopeless and bleak reality of today's world
We used to talk so deep into the night
We used to have deep and meaningful conversations late into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You had an adventurous and fearless spirit
You bared your soul to me
You revealed your deepest and most personal thoughts and emotions to me
And we both knew these days were coming
We both knew that difficult times were ahead
These days -- blood in the heavens
Times of violence and unrest on a global scale
These days -- fire and ice
Times of extreme weather conditions and natural disasters
These days -- burning streets and visions
Times of riots and protests, and a lack of clear direction for the future
These days -- of the loveless child
A world where love and compassion are scarce
You were the reason I came here
You were my motivation for being here
You will always be the one I am looking for
You will always hold a special place in my heart
I can't stand to see the way
I can't bear to see how things have turned out
These days are pushing you against the wall
Times are tough and you feel trapped and cornered
Got to get up, got to move out
You have to take action and leave your current situation behind
Face the tide beyond the door
You must overcome the challenges that lie ahead
Outside there's a whole world changing
The world is constantly evolving and there are new opportunities waiting
We can't stand here, trapped inside
We can't stay stuck in one place
Let's step out and test the weather
Let's take a risk and see what lies ahead
Hang on baby, it's going to ge a rough ride through'
Hold on tight, because the road ahead will be difficult
These days -- searching for a vision
We are looking for meaning and direction in our lives
These days -- gun metal blue
These are bleak and depressing times
These days -- changing my religion
These times are causing me to question my beliefs
These days -- heartless and cruel
The world can be harsh and unforgiving
Say the words and fill my sails
Encourage me with your words and give me hope
I will love you through the coming gale
I will stay by your side and support you through the storms of life
We'll get through the darkest heart of these days
We will persevere through the toughest times
"It's killing time"
These times are deadly and serious
Who will watch the watchers?
Who will keep those in positions of power accountable?
Who will keep the keepers?
Who will ensure that those responsible for enforcing the law are acting justly?
Who will love the lovers -- could you?
Who will show compassion and care to those who are already full of love?
Lyrics © RHYTHM SAFARI PTY LTD, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JONATHAN PAUL CLEGG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexbalatonmagyar3118
Cc
What happened to the diamonds in your eyes
What happened to the hunger for the day's chase?
What happened to the electric smile
That danced across your face
We used to talk about changing the world
Now all you want to do is change your name
Come on baby don't surrender now
To the empty heart of these days
We used to talk so deep into the night
You had the heart of a wild horse running
You bared your soul to me
And we both knew these days were coming
@wengrrrl1
JC is The Bomb. I miss him so much. As a stage tech, have tech’d him 3 times. Savuka is the best f’n band i’ve ever seen live. (And am a 100+show Deadhead!) He is the apex to which every band should aspire.Love him so much. Miss you, JC. ✨The bagpipe intro on this is absolutely tits.
@eddiegrondin4034
This song gives me some motivation
@Axboub
Rest In Peace my friend, we'll never forget you
@susanlarhubarbe9475
Missed his Jo’burg Final Journey concerts and regret it so much. It’s crazy to feel so heartsore about the passing of someone I’ve only seen perform live, but never met. I only realize now how familiar some of the ‘less familiar’ songs actually are and have really grown to like this one so much. Miss you Johnny Clegg! Gone but never forgotten and always in our hearts ❤️❤️
@RollDeep1000
Johnny Cleggs sound is amazing and authentic.
@garnetgwembere3035
Sad to learn of his passing, now that you are gone “who will watch the watchers”
@dawbtreader22
This is one of my favorite songs. Ive been a Clegg fan since the 90s.
@johnward-cox9839
Kay Ledford been a fan since the early 80's
@Mickelic
Who will love the world if we do not?
@lastrada52
"Scatterlings of Africa" was the song that grabbed my ear. But, it wasn't until one night years ago on the Johnny Carson Show that Clegg comes out with some sticks & begins to sing then dance -- up, over and all around these sticks at an incredible speed. That was the night Michael Jackson took 2nd spot as greatest dancer. This Clegg guy was not to be believed that night. Clegg has since performed with many famous artists -- Johnny deserves the recognition. A monster talent & an original.