the crossing
Savuka & Johnny Clegg & Savuka Lyrics
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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
[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]
"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
@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...