Toumast
Tinariwen Lyrics
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Walking in the winter
The desert
Then I see it
My beloved
Dancing through fire
The ideals of the people have been sold off cheap, my friends
Any peace imposed by force is bound to fail
And give way to hatred
My people, where is that self-confidence
Made of dignity and beauty of spirit
That our ancestors bequeathed to us?
The opening lines of Tinariwen's song 'Toumast' describe a journey through the desert landscape in winter, which lends a feeling of barrenness and isolation. Suddenly, the singer sees his beloved and with her, dances through fire. The image of dancing through fire is a powerful one, symbolizing a willingness to go through hardship in pursuit of something worthwhile. In this case, it could represent the struggle for freedom and the sacrifices made to achieve it.
The second half of the song turns to a more political message, lamenting the loss of ideals and the imposition of peace through force. The singer expresses a longing for the self-confidence and dignity of spirit that their ancestors possessed. The tone is one of yearning for a better future, but also a recognition of challenges that must be overcome.
The overall message of the song seems to be one of hope and resilience. Despite the challenges faced by the singer and his people, whether in personal relationships or in the political sphere, they are determined to keep fighting for a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
Walking through it
Traversing the vast and empty expanse of the desert
Walking in the winter
Braving the harsh and unforgiving climate of the winter season
The desert
The barren and desolate landscape of the Sahara
Then I see it
Suddenly, my eyes behold a sight of great significance
My beloved
The object of my deepest affection and devotion
Dancing through fire
Surviving and thriving in the face of great adversity and danger
Dancing through fire
Continuing to move forward despite the obstacles and challenges that lie ahead
The ideals of the people have been sold off cheap, my friends
The values and principles that our community once held dear have been betrayed and devalued
Any peace imposed by force is bound to fail
Forcing a resolution to conflict will only lead to its eventual collapse and failure
And give way to hatred
The resentment and animosity that such a solution breeds will only breed more discord and hostility
My people, where is that self-confidence
Why have we lost the inherent self-assuredness and self-respect that defines our culture
Made of dignity and beauty of spirit
Born from the inherent worth and inner grace that reside within each of us
That our ancestors bequeathed to us?
The legacy of strength and honor that was passed down to us by those who came before
Writer(s): Abdallah Ag Alhousseini
Contributed by Elena O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@thestealth2448
Lyrics
Walking through it
Walking in the winter
The desert
Then I see it
My beloved
Dancing through fire
Dancing through fire
The ideals of the people have been sold off cheap, my friends
Any peace imposed by force is bound to fail
And give way to hatred
My people, where is that self-confidence
Made of dignity and beauty of spirit
That our ancestors bequeathed to us?
@ashrafaboubaida505
الله ..
من هذا الرفيف .. وما مس
روحى من طرب شفيف ،
وحلق بها في اللانهاية في
أفق أنيق النجم ، صيداح
البساتين ، برغم عدم فهمى
للكلمات إلا أن هذى
الموسيقى أطربت أقاصى
شوارع روحى وأضاءت
كهوفها ،، شكراً جميلا"
ياطوارق على هذا التنغيم
العذب والمغتسل البارد
وشراب للروح .. شكراً ..
@hasibulhasan6810
Reduce anxiety and stress, feel free, must listen this song. Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩❤️
@esamunaeebsaad389
Same bhai
@Jankes1983
I cannot leave my apartment but I feel like my soul flies thanks to your music. Greets from Poland.
@abelkadernegra999
Yes, it is an Algerian band in southern Algeria, the Sahara
@samirrifland9772
@@abelkadernegra999from mali not algeria 😂😂😂
@mariasahli1592
Same feeling
@user-tl9ly3rt5z
There's a big piece of my old brokedown PTSD-ridden heart & soul
in Mali, & hovering over Mama Africa as a whole, thanks to folks like these guys & their wonderful music!!!!!
Shout out also to the late, great Babatunde Olatunji, among others, whose amazing songs I first heard when I was maybe 10 yrs old...& I've been a devoted fan ever since. 67+ years'-worth!!!😍
May they be blessed by the Creator of ALL life!!!
@user-tl9ly3rt5z
You are not alone, my friend. I'm pretty much stuck inside, myself... but grateful to the Creator for the blessings He bestows on me & my family, every minute of my life. Sending prayers, hope, & best wishes to you,
from North Carolina, USA.
🌟🌎🙏🏼🌍🌟
@TheFOUCKOFF
Tinariwen help with my cancer and they make me dance and smile ❤
@MTT664
This band is one of my greatest discoveries. Their songs are captivating, makes me want to close my eyes and get in touch with everything inside and outside. Tinariwen you guys are awesome!