Africa
The Meters Lyrics
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Can't Complain
Light The Way
Written by kevin bacon
"it's about having the strength to re-define your life's work. a follow-up to 'guess again.'" kb
Emma rae's riding on a north-bound train
On the plains of dover
Emma rae's crying from a hot cell phone
She said she never felt so alone
This time the dream is over
Surely this is her darkest hour
I've even heard her talk about a higher power
Deep in her heart comes a tiny voice
And it says "hold on momma,
'cause you've got one last choice"
Bring your dreams down to the river
And let the water wash all your dreams away
When the night comes, it will deliver
Through the darkness, your heart is gonna light the way
Old man standing on a soap box
He's wearing wool socks
On the hottest day all year
Old man preachin' to the handful
With a head full
He says "the end is surely near"
Now, who among you even cares?
They're turnin' circles into squares
But deep in his heart comes a tired voice
And it says "hold on daddy,
You've got one last choice"
Bring your dreams down to the river
And let the water wash all your dreams away
When the night comes, it will deliver
Through the darkness, your heart is gonna light the way
Light the way, light the way
Through the darkness, your heart is gonna light the way
Light the way, oh light the way
Through the darkness, your heart is gonna light the way
The Meters's song "Africa" tells a story through its lyrics. It starts with Emma Rae, who's going through a tough time, feeling alone and hopeless. However, she hears a voice that tells her to hold on, and she decides to let go of her dreams and start anew. The chorus advises her to "bring your dreams down to the river" and let the "water wash all your dreams away," and promises that "through the darkness, your heart is gonna light the way." The song then switches to an old man who's preaching on a street corner, warning people that the end is near. But the people around him aren't paying attention, and he's tired of it. However, he hears the same voice as Emma Rae, telling him to hold on and giving him hope.
Overall, "Africa" is a song about hope and the power of a small voice inside our hearts that tells us to keep going. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's a light that can guide us through.
Line by Line Meaning
Emma rae's riding on a north-bound train
Emma Rae is traveling towards a new direction of life
Spilling all that pain
She is releasing all the emotional baggage she's been carrying
On the plains of dover
She is on an open journey with a sense of uncertainty ahead
Emma rae's crying from a hot cell phone
Emma Rae is feeling hopeless and distant from her loved ones
She said she never felt so alone
Emma Rae is feeling isolated and abandoned
This time the dream is over
She has come to a realization that her previous aspirations cannot be fulfilled
Bring your dreams down to the river
Find a source of cleansing and renewal for your goals
And let the water wash all your dreams away
Let go of past expectations and allow new ones to take root
When the night comes, it will deliver
In the midst of darkness, there will be moments of revelation and hope
Through the darkness, your heart is gonna light the way
Your own passion and conviction will guide you towards a better future
Old man standing on a soap box
The man is trying to make his voice heard despite being overlooked
He's wearing wool socks
Even in the heat of oppression, he is standing his ground
On the hottest day all year
The situation is at its most difficult and uncomfortable
Old man preachin' to the handful
He is reaching out to those who are open to his message
With a head full
His mind is filled with the weight of his message
He says 'the end is surely near'
He sees the consequences of inaction or ignorance looming over society
Now, who among you even cares?
He is questioning the empathy and compassion of his listeners
They're turnin' circles into squares
People are blindly following convention, losing sight of their own purpose
But deep in his heart comes a tired voice
Despite his passion, he is growing weary
And it says 'hold on daddy, you've got one last choice'
Even in the face of adversity, there is still a chance to make a difference and inspire change
Light the way, light the way
The repetition emphasizes the importance of finding a path forward
Through the darkness, your heart is gonna light the way
You have the strength within you to overcome obstacles and find hope
Light the way, oh light the way
The encouragement continues, urging listeners to keep moving forward
Through the darkness, your heart is gonna light the way
Your own inner compass will guide you towards a better future
Contributed by Jordan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@79steelymatt
THE METERS are so awesome-(one of the best bands ever) very,very underrated talents these guys were-
@JamesSpeiser
underrated by whom lol
@79steelymatt
Most average music fans(the majority) have no clue who they are that comment was eleven or twelve years ago by the way I just realised Wow time goes by fast!!
@ramirezz4278
Its so good
@RobertoGinsburg
0:12 splitted the part, is the sample from the Bassline for "Brothers Gonna Work it Out" by Public Enemy (1990, Fear Of A Black Planet album).
@sirblue1705
Minimal raw funk I love it
@pietromalune2026
Very good!
@VladislavKobzarev
Damn, I never thought that RHCP's song "Hollywood" was a cover
@elblopex
Hollywood, if you want me to stay, subterranean homesick blues, higher ground, fire, they're red hot. These are all covers. Im sure im missing one or two. They also played a bunch more when they performed live. Especially in the late 80s and early 90s
@MarianaFrancobr
@@elblopex fox lady