Àfrica
Straight No Chaser Lyrics


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I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She's coming in twelve-thirty flight
Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say: "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you"
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what's right
Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become

It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you

It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do




I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Overall Meaning

The song "Africa" by Straight No Chaser tells a story of a person who is reflecting on their memories of Africa. The opening line refers to the sound of drums, a common and melodious sound in African music. The singer then goes on to describe meeting an old man who gives them advice to hurry towards something that is waiting for them. Meanwhile, the singer's partner is in Africa waiting for them to arrive, which is emphasized by the line "Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you."


Throughout the rest of the song, the singer contemplates the beauty of Africa, including the stars that guide them towards their destination and the natural wonders found in places like the Serengeti. Despite this, they also acknowledge the challenges of Africa, including the restless wild dogs and their own inner fears. The chorus repeats that it will take a lot to keep the singer away from their partner and the promise of exploring Africa together, ending on the hopeful note that they will take the time to do the things they never had.


Overall, the song captures the longing for adventure and the beauty of Africa, but also acknowledges the challenges faced by those who venture there. It also reflects the desire to be connected to someone special and the idea of exploring new things together.


Line by Line Meaning

I hear the drums echoing tonight
The sound of the drums fills my ears


But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She's not listening to the drums, she's focused on something else


She's coming in twelve-thirty flight
She's scheduled to arrive at twelve-thirty by plane


Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
Her arrival gives me hope and inspiration


I stopped an old man along the way
I met an elderly man on my travels


Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
I was looking for some ancient knowledge or inspiration


He turned to me as if to say: "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you"
The old man gave me a sense of urgency to pursue my goals


It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
I am determined to stay committed to my goals and values


There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
No amount of opposition or adversity will sway me from my mission


I bless the rains down in Africa
I appreciate the natural beauty and life-giving force of Africa's rains


Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
I want to take time to pursue new opportunities and experiences


The wild dogs cry out in the night
The sounds of nature surround me, including the howling of wild dogs


As they grow restless longing for some solitary company
These wild dogs, like me, are seeking companionship


I know that I must do what's right
I am committed to doing the morally right thing


Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
Kilimanjaro is a powerful symbol of Africa's natural beauty and strength


I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become
I am searching for inner peace and healing, afraid of losing myself along the way


Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you
I am motivated to reach my destination quickly because someone is waiting for me


It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
I am determined to stay committed to my goals and values


There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
No amount of opposition or adversity will sway me from my mission


I bless the rains down in Africa
I appreciate the natural beauty and life-giving force of Africa's rains


Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
I want to take time to pursue new opportunities and experiences




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STONE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

slimreaper313

The best part is that they sound almost identical to this is concert and in person, really shows how naturally they sing and how they don't need auto tuning to an extreme degree.

Joel Fussell

Words can not say how great this is.

JAlf 3000

Have seen these guys 6 times, they're great everytime, just wish I could see this one live. Not just thr Christmas version.

Guinn Berger

THE best acapella version I've heard! Love it!

Connor Sung

Yoo Guinn,

Huge Toto Acapella guy here!!! Just out of curiosity, what are your top 3 Africa acapella covers??

Katharina M.

@silly ahh dude https://youtu.be/sHVoriOXCs0 you're also

sinister is random

@Katharina M. wrong.

1 More Replies...

deprofundis

This song makes me so happy. Absolutely love this cover. And yes, I came from the 12 days of Christmas medley, haha. This is my favorite part, after all! ❤️

Living2LivW/Christ4Ever

Wow...this is a HIT song from my era. I was 16 when this song was released. Hearing this takes me back as if I am first experiencing it again. All I can say is WELL DONE, guys....awesome!

Matthew K

I get goosebumps every time! Seeing them in concert was incredible!!

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