Africa
Straightnochaser Lyrics
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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"
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
The lyrics to Straightnochaser's hit song "Africa" are both evocative and thought-provoking, painting a vivid picture of the mysterious and unforgettable continent. The song opens with the singer describing how he hears the drums echoing in the night, yet his companion only hears whispers of quiet conversation. The identity of this companion is never fully revealed, but it's clear that she's coming in on a late-night flight, her moonlit wings reflecting the stars that guide him towards salvation.
As the song progresses, the singer stops an old man to try to find some "old forgotten words or ancient melodies" that will help him understand the beauty and complexity of Africa. The old man urges him to hurry, as there is something waiting there for him. The chorus then comes in, repeating the phrase "It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you," which seems to refer both to his companion and to the continent itself.
The second verse of the song introduces a new element, as the "wild dogs cry out in the night" and the singer realizes he must do what's right, seeking to cure what's deep inside and overcome his own fears. Once again, the chorus repeats, and the song comes to a close with the old man's words ringing in the singer's ears: "Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you."
Overall, "Africa" is a song that captures the mystique and allure of the African continent, with its rich cultural traditions, haunting beauty, and deep spirituality. By painting a picture of the continent through the eyes of a narrator who is both awed and intimidated by it, the song speaks to the aspirations and fears of people all over the world who are drawn to what Africa represents.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear the drums echoing tonight
I can hear the sound of the drums reverberating through the night
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She hears faint talking and not the loud drums
She's coming in twelve-thirty flight
She'll be arriving on a flight that lands at 12:30
Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
The wings of her aircraft reflect the stars that lead me to a better future
I stopped an old man along the way
While traveling, I stopped and spoke to an elderly individual
Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
I was searching for some old knowledge or music that has been long forgotten
He turned to me as if to say: "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you"
The old man responded to me by telling me to hurry because what I was looking for was already there
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
It will require significant effort to separate us from one another
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
Even if hundreds of men were to try, they would be unable to separate us
I bless the rains down in Africa
I celebrate the replenishing rains in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
We need to make time to do things that we have not yet accomplished
The wild dogs cry out in the night
The uncontrollable dogs are howling during the dark hours
As they grow restless longing for some solitary company
They are becoming more anxious and are desiring to be alone
I know that I must do what's right
I am aware that I must take the proper course of action
Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I am certain that Kilimanjaro is as prominent in Africa as Olympus is in Greece
I seek to cure what's deep inside, frightened of this thing that I've become
I am searching for answers to heal my inner self, as I am afraid of the person I have become
Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you
She is eagerly anticipating your arrival, so you need to hurry
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
It will require significant effort to separate us from one another
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
Even if hundreds of men were to try, they would be unable to separate us
I bless the rains down in Africa
I celebrate the replenishing rains in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
We need to make time to do things that we have not yet accomplished
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
blueashke
I've seen 12 Days of Christmas too many times. I had to stop and figure out why I wanted them to end with 'partridge in a big pear treeeeeeeeeeee'. Well done gents, thank you!!!
Tracie
I had Christmas down in Africa!! I had the same thoughts.
Jessica Leffelman
Haha, me too! I sang that phrase at the end lol
Delaney Ball
I was waiting for "five golden rings" lol
Rebekah Mangels
Oh my gosh I read your comment and thought to myself, "I guess I won't do that now that I'm conscious of it" and guess what I STILL DID IT
Lucy Bronkema
Partridge in a big pear tree
Eddie Lopez
My birthday was APRIL 3RD.... going thru a divorce while dealing with this Pandemic, so I was very pleased to see this video. The work you men do is greatly appreciated..... Thank you from the bottom of my heart. When I feel pain in my heart I always turn to music for healing
KaaSerpent
You guys are better in three different time zones than most of the rest of us will ever be. That's totally amazing. Thanks for making it! <3
Gabriel Rodriguez
Guys, this was amazing!! Really put a smile on my face. I’ll be watching it again and again during these challenging times. I really hope you make more of these “quarantine sessions!” They’re brilliant.
Wandering Tito
More of this, please! You guys are scattered all over the US!