Formed in 1982, in strikingly unusual circumstances for a musical ensemble, Tinariwen blend ancient musical traditions with radical contemporary politics. Despite severe natural and man-made hardships, young Kel Tamashek exiles continued performing the traditional music of their Tuareg forebears in the southern Sahara while simultaneously fighting against the government of Mali.
Forced to seek an alternative to starvation and repression in drought-stricken Mali, many of these young nomads hoped to attain a better life by striking up what proved to be an uneasy alliance with Libya. The hoped-for aid in their struggle with the Mali government failed to materialize, but in the meantime some of the rebels had evolved a form of music that kept alive the music of their forefathers while simultaneously communicating radical political messages. This music is known as tishoumaren, music of the ishumar (the unemployed). Usually performed by groups of 30 and more instrumentalists and singers, tishoumaren acknowledges contemporary western music, especially rock, as well as other music forms prevalent in the Middle East, while never losing touch with the original ancient form. In some instances, players not only adapt traditional forms but also substitute modern instruments for the traditional lutes, flutes and one-string violins. The electric guitar in particular has become popular, even though circumstances demand the availability of portable generators.
The name chosen by this band, Tinariwen, means empty places, thus maintaining a further link to the vast desert regions of the southern Sahara. The musicians include Said Ag Ayad, Alhassane Ag Touhami, Eyadou Ag Leche, Ibrahim Ag Alhabib, Abdallah Ag Lamida, Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni and Bassa Walet Abdoumou.
The music itself is spare and haunting, an aural reflection of those same open spaces. The lyrics of their songs, perhaps more accurately termed sung poetry, carry outspoken political thought that draws attention not only to repression in Mali, but also to the enforced exile of many and the continuing struggle for self-determination of the Tuareg nomads. Song structures are many and varied and include elemental call-and-response patterns as well as (to western ears) discordant notes that call to mind the blue notes favoured by western blues and jazz players overlaid upon a solid four-beat rhythmic foundation that is itself uncommon to the region although compatible with much western popular music.
Tinariwen's first recordings were to cassette, sales and even possession of which carried harsh penalties in Mali and Algeria. In the early 00s, availability of albums encouraged more widespread awareness of the music and its underlying political messages.
Tenhert
Tinariwen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Interesting Facts ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or down in London town to go-go
With the record selection
And the mirror's reflection
I'm a-dancing with myself
When there's no one else in sight
In the crowded lonely night
For my love vibration
And I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Well, there's nothing to lose
And there's nothing to prove
When I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh oh-oh
If I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Well, there's nothing to lose
So there's nothing to prove
When I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh, oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had a chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had a chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
The iconic song "Dancing with Myself" by Billy Idol, released in 1980, is a reflection on the joys of dancing alone. The song begins with a list of cities and locations, from Tokyo to London, before jumping into the singer's reflection in a mirror. Idol sings about waiting for a "love vibration," but ultimately embraces the freedom of being alone and dancing with oneself. He also laments the lack of connection he feels with those around him, particularly someone whose "empty eyes" refuse to engage with him.
The repetition of the chorus, with its catchy "oh-oh" refrain, emphasizes the singer's independence and self-reliance. The lyrics are a celebration of individuality, and the joy that comes with self-expression, even if it means dancing alone. The song has become something of an anthem for the solitary club-goer, the person who is content to be alone in a crowd as long as they can dance.
Overall, "Dancing with Myself" is a bittersweet ode to independence and self-discovery. It speaks to the power of music to connect with oneself, as well as the emotional distance that people often experience in crowded spaces.
Interesting facts about the song include:
Interesting Facts
Note: This section uses generative AI, which can be inaccurate.
Line by Line Meaning
On the floors of Tokyo
The singer finds themselves dancing alone in an unfamiliar city.
Or down in London town to go-go
The singer is also dancing alone in London.
With the record selection
The singer has control over the music they're dancing to.
And the mirror's reflection
The artist is the only one dancing, so the mirror reflects back at them.
I'm a-dancing with myself
The artist is dancing alone, without a partner.
When there's no one else in sight
The singer is truly alone, with no other dancers around them.
In the crowded lonely night
Although there are people around, the singer still feels lonely.
Well, I wait so long
The artist has been waiting for their love vibration, or for someone to dance with.
For my love vibration
The artist wants to feel connected with someone else.
And I'm dancing with myself
Again, the artist is dancing alone.
Oh oh, dancing with myself
The singer emphasizes the loneliness and solitude of their dance.
Well, there's nothing to lose
The artist has nothing to gain by dancing alone, but nothing to lose either.
And there's nothing to prove
The singer is dancing for their own satisfaction, not to impress anyone else.
If I looked all over the world
The singer has searched everywhere for someone to dance with.
And there's every type of girl
The singer has encountered many types of people on their search.
But your empty eyes
Despite all this, the artist is still alone.
Seem to pass me by
No one seems interested in connecting with the artist.
Leave me dancing with myself
The singer is left alone once again.
So let's sink another drink
The singer turns to alcohol to cope with their loneliness.
'Cause it'll give me time to think
The artist hopes that drinking will help them reflect on their situation.
If I had the chance
The artist still longs for human connection.
I'd ask the world to dance
The artist would take any opportunity to dance with someone else.
And I'll be dancing with myself
The singer is still alone and dancing.
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
The artist repeats this line to emphasize the solitude of their dance.
Writer(s): Abdallah Ag Alhousseini Copyright: Emma Productions S.a.r.l.
Contributed by Cole M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
escadrille
Lyrics: Tenhert ~ The Doe
The doe of Azuzawa is so radiant
She was leaving Tin Ardjan before the rains
Following the Tashalghe river westwards, towards some striking camels
Who came from the Awaji family, more beautiful than nine fawns
Bolting to the top of the hill where the rock pools are green
Accept my salutation, and plenty of questions
In the name of the truth which is in God
Did you hear about the day of the confrontation?
Which deserves bravery, praises and universal recognition
There where there is a coward, find him among the men
With your eyes, let him known how little you respect him
As for the brave, they are marked with and indelible seal
321seb
sorry, sadly these lyrics are incorrect. here are the correct lyrics: On the floors of Tokyo
Or down in London town to go-go
With the record selection
And the mirror's reflection
I'm a-dancing with myself
When there's no one else in sight
In the crowded lonely night
Well, I wait so long
For my love vibration
And I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Well, there's nothing to lose
And there's nothing to prove
When I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh oh-oh
If I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Well, there's nothing to lose
So there's nothing to prove
When I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh, oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had a chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had a chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
escadrille
Lyrics: Tenhert ~ The Doe
The doe of Azuzawa is so radiant
She was leaving Tin Ardjan before the rains
Following the Tashalghe river westwards, towards some striking camels
Who came from the Awaji family, more beautiful than nine fawns
Bolting to the top of the hill where the rock pools are green
Accept my salutation, and plenty of questions
In the name of the truth which is in God
Did you hear about the day of the confrontation?
Which deserves bravery, praises and universal recognition
There where there is a coward, find him among the men
With your eyes, let him known how little you respect him
As for the brave, they are marked with and indelible seal
321seb
sorry, sadly these lyrics are incorrect. here are the correct lyrics: On the floors of Tokyo
Or down in London town to go-go
With the record selection
And the mirror's reflection
I'm a-dancing with myself
When there's no one else in sight
In the crowded lonely night
Well, I wait so long
For my love vibration
And I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Well, there's nothing to lose
And there's nothing to prove
When I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh oh-oh
If I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Well, there's nothing to lose
So there's nothing to prove
When I'm dancing with myself
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh, oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Dancing with myself (oh oh)
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had a chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Well, if I looked all over the world
And there's every type of girl
But your empty eyes
Seem to pass me by
Leave me dancing with myself
So let's sink another drink
'Cause it'll give me time to think
If I had a chance
I'd ask the world to dance
And I'll be dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
Oh oh, dancing with myself
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
If I had the chance
I'd ask the world to dance
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh oh-oh
Oh oh
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Dancing with myself (Oh oh)
Alon Kagan
@321seb I am sorry but these are not the lyrics... it is the lyrics of the song "Billy Idol - Dancing with myself". Google agrees with you somehow though. I don not know what is escadrille's source but the one you gave isn't right :)
Paola Galaz
Es
No selseee
Allá
Az
BMW FAN
Beautiful Algerian Sahara music, love from Oued Souf! 🇩🇿❤️
sdiri nabil
The Video Image is just perfect.. Simplicity ! I love it..
About the music.. Tinariwen No Comment ! They are unbelievable
Khalid Senhaji
La photo de cet album est une piece d art elle reflette cette tres belle musique qui rend la joie au coeur et a l ame
dido Barca
Greatest hit from the big Sahara of algeria
Contragolpe Nazgul
Maravillosamente conmovedor 🌍
RamG
Oh man!! This is just AWESOME!! I'm crying!! :O