The Crossing
Savuka & Johnny Clegg & Savuka Lyrics


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Through all the days that eat away
At every breath that I take
Through all the nights I've lain alone
In someone else's dream, awake

All the words in truth we have spoken
That the wind has blown away
It's only you that remains with me
Clear as the light of day

[Chorus]
O Siyeza, o siyeza , sizofika webaba noma
(we are coming, we are coming, we will arrive soon)
O siyeza, o siyeza, siyagudle lomhlaba
(we are coming, we are coming, we are moving across this earth)
Siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama
(we are crossing over those dark mountains)
Lapha sobheka phansi konke ukhulupheka
(where we will lay down our troubles)

A punch drunk man in a downtown bar
Takes a beating without making a sound
Through swollen eyes he sways and smiles
'Cause no one can put him down

Inside of him a boy looks up to his father
For a sign or an approving eye
Oh, it's funny how those once so close and now gone
Can still so affect our lives

[Chorus]

Take me now, don't let go
Hold me close, I'm coming home





[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

"The Crossing" by Savuka & Johnny Clegg describes the journey of the artist through life's restless days and lonely nights. The lyrics express the weight that every breath seems to take from the artist, as he searches for a place he can call home. He reflects on the words he's spoken that have been blown away by the wind and accepts that only the memories of a loved one remain. The lyrics express the belief that the journey to one's true home is not just a physical one but also a spiritual one. Despite the hardships the artist faces, he remains optimistic about his journey, accompanied by the beat of the African drums and the sound of the traditional African chorus in the background.


The chorus, "O Siyeza, o siyeza, sizofika webaba noma" (We are coming, we are coming, we will arrive soon), expresses the urgency of the journey, that they will arrive at their destination soon. The words "siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama" (we are crossing over those dark mountains) refer to the challenges that they will face on the journey. The song speaks of hope and resilience, that no matter what happens, they will lay down their troubles.


Line by Line Meaning

Through all the days that eat away
Despite the passing of time that consumes life


At every breath that I take
With every moment I live


Through all the nights I've lain alone
In the darkness of loneliness


In someone else's dream, awake
While being awake in somebody else's imagination


All the words in truth we have spoken
The words of honesty we have uttered


That the wind has blown away
Whisked away by the fleeting wind


It's only you that remains with me
It's just you that I carry with me


Clear as the light of day
Crystal clear, even in broad daylight


O Siyeza, o siyeza , sizofika webaba noma
We are coming, we will reach our destination, no matter what


O siyeza, o siyeza, siyagudle lomhlaba
We are crossing over this earth


Siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama
We are traversing those dark mountains


Lapha sobheka phansi konke ukhulupheka
Where we can lay down all our troubles


A punch drunk man in a downtown bar
A man beaten senseless in a bar located in the city center


Takes a beating without making a sound
Endures the violence without uttering a word


Through swollen eyes he sways and smiles
He wobbles and grins despite his puffy eyes


'Cause no one can put him down
He can't be defeated


Inside of him a boy looks up to his father
A boy deep within him seeks approval from his father


For a sign or an approving eye
Searching for some form of validation


Oh, it's funny how those once so close and now gone
It's amusing how people so near are now far away


Can still so affect our lives
Still, their presence influences our existence


Take me now, don't let go
Take me with you now, don't release me


Hold me close, I'm coming home
Embrace me tightly, I'm on my way home


O Siyeza, o siyeza , sizofika webaba noma
We are coming, we will reach our destination, no matter what


O siyeza, o siyeza, siyagudle lomhlaba
We are crossing over this earth


Siyawela lapheshaya lulezontaba ezimnyama
We are traversing those dark mountains


Lapha sobheka phansi konke ukhulupheka
Where we can lay down all our troubles




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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