The group notion started in 1976, when the four brothers of the Neville family, Art (1937-2019), Charles (1938–2018), Aaron (b. 1941), and Cyril (b. 1948) got together to take part in the recording session of The Wild Tchoupitoulas, a Mardi Gras Indian group led by the Nevilles' uncle, George Landry ("Big Chief Jolly").
Art Neville reached out to Paul Howrilla (personal manager for Dr. John) and told him that he always wanted to do something with his brothers. Paul Howrilla created Neville Productions, Inc., serving as president and CEO with all four Neville brothers as members of the board of directors. The newly formed business covered the entire Neville family, designed to protect them from the music business abuse they had previously endured in their individual careers.
This experience led them to form the group the following year. Their debut album was released from Capitol Records in 1978.
In 1988, the group released Uptown from EMI featuring guests including Branford Marsalis, Keith Richards, and Carlos Santana. The following year saw the release of Yellow Moon from A&M Records produced by Daniel Lanois. The track "Healing Chant" from that album won best pop instrumental performance of the Grammy Awards.
In 1990, the Neville Brothers contributed "In the Still of the Night" to the AIDS benefit album Red Hot + Blue produced by the Red Hot Organization. Also in 1990, they appeared on the bill at that year's Glastonbury Festival. This also was the year they recorded "Sons and Daughters" on their Brother's Keeper album.
Their version of "Bird on the Wire" was played over the closing credits of the 1990 film, Bird on a Wire.
Due to the health problems of Art Neville, the band kept a low profile in the late 1990s onto the early 2000s. They made a comeback in 2004, however, with the album, Walkin' In The Shadow Of Life, from Back Porch Records, their first newly recorded effort in five years.
All brothers except Charles, a Massachusetts resident, had been living in New Orleans, but following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 Cyril and Aaron moved out of the city. They had not been performing in New Orleans since Katrina hit the city, however, they finally returned to perform there at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2008, being given the closing spot which had been reserved for them for years.
Infrequently, Ivan Neville, Aaron's son (keyboards) and Ian Neville, Art's son (electric guitar), both of the band Dumpstaphunk, have played with the band in recent years.
The group formally disbanded in 2012 but reunited in 2015 for a farewell concert in New Orleans.
Charles Neville died of pancreatic cancer on April 26, 2018, at the age of 79.
Art Neville died at age 81 on July 22, 2019, after years of declining health.
Over Africa
The Neville Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Speaks to the darkness in the mother tongue
She waits and she watches all night long
Calls to her lover then she sings this song
I will be there for you, whatever comes
I am as constant as the beat of a drum
My love is stronger than the noon day sun
It's a force of nature, it's the power of need
It'll heal your baby, then make you bleed
I will be patient, I will bide my time
I will be waiting like a mama lion, mama lion
I will be there for you, whatever comes
I am as constant as the beat of a drum
My love is stronger than the noon day sun
Over Africa, over Africa, over Africa
See that love and money
Between quiet and sin
We are just wild things
Underneath the skin
In the cradle of creation
We were made this way
Run together
To our dying day
(Change rope)
It's the law of the jungle
It's the angst in trees
Built by your census baby
Die by the tomb
I'd walk through fire
I would swim the seas
As long as I live and breathe
You belong to me
I will be there for you, whatever comes
I am as constant as the beat of a drum
My love is stronger than the noon day sun
Over Africa, over Africa
The Neville Brothers' song "Over Africa" is a stunning tribute to the power of love in the cradle of creation. It speaks of a love that is deeper than the oceans and stronger than the noonday sun. The song opens up with the image of a mother lion watching over her cubs and calling out to her lover before breaking into the chorus, "I will be there for you, whatever comes. I am as constant as the beat of a drum. My love is stronger than the noonday sun." The lyrics provide a glimpse into the wild and untamed nature of Africa, where love and survival go hand in hand.
The song is an ode to the majestic beauty of Africa, and the intricate web of life that sustains it. The lyrics talk about the power of love as a force of nature that can heal like a balm, but also hurt with the intensity of a wound. The song speaks of the law of the jungle and the angst that lies hidden in the trees, alluding to the harsh realities of life where only the strongest survive. However, the chorus remains a constant reminder that love can triumph over all, no matter how brutal the circumstances may be.
In conclusion, "Over Africa" is a song that celebrates the magnificence of Africa and the primal instincts that make us human. It speaks of the deep-seated connection between love and life, and the untamed beauty that lies within.
Line by Line Meaning
Over Kilimanjaro, she guards her young
A mother watches over her children and protects them from harm in her language.
Speaks to the darkness in the mother tongue
She uses her native language to communicate her love for her children to the world at large.
She waits and she watches all night long
She keeps a watchful eye over her little ones, staying awake all through the night to make sure they remain safe.
Calls to her lover then she sings this song
In the midst of her mothering duties, she reaches out to her partner and sings a love song for him to hear.
I will be there for you, whatever comes
I will support you through every situation and challenge that life throws our way.
I am as constant as the beat of a drum
My love and commitment to you are unwavering, like the steady rhythm of a drum.
My love is stronger than the noon day sun
My love burns passionately, more intense and hot than the blazing sun at its highest peak.
Over Africa, over Africa
My love and dedication extend over all of Africa.
It's a force of nature, it's the power of need
Love is a fundamental and powerful human emotion and necessity.
It'll heal your baby, then make you bleed
Love can soothe pain and heal wounds, but it can also cause heartbreak and suffering.
I will be patient, I will bide my time
I am willing to wait for what I desire, and I am able to exhibit self-control in the face of difficulty.
I will be waiting like a mama lion, mama lion
I will be waiting eagerly and fiercely, like a lioness waiting to pounce and protect her cubs.
See that love and money
This line is unclear and difficult to interpret due to its fragmented nature and lack of context.
Between quiet and sin
This line is unclear and difficult to interpret due to its fragmented nature and lack of context.
We are just wild things
As human beings, we are capable of great passion and primal desire.
Underneath the skin
Our wildness lies just beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
In the cradle of creation
In the beginning of life, when everything was first formed and created.
We were made this way
Human beings were created with both love and wildness in their hearts.
Run together
This line is unclear and difficult to interpret due to its fragmented nature and lack of context.
To our dying day
We will continue to run together and live our lives fully until the end of our days.
It's the law of the jungle
Life is harsh and unforgiving, and only the strongest survive in the face of adversity.
It's the angst in trees
This line is unclear and difficult to interpret due to its fragmented nature and lack of context.
Built by your census baby
This line is unclear and difficult to interpret due to its fragmented nature and lack of context.
Die by the tomb
This line is unclear and difficult to interpret due to its fragmented nature and lack of context.
I'd walk through fire
I am willing to endure great suffering and pain for the sake of my love.
I would swim the seas
I am willing to take on great challenges and obstacles to demonstrate my love and commitment.
As long as I live and breathe
For as long as I continue to exist, I will love and care for you.
You belong to me
You are my partner and I cherish you deeply.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind