Africa
Urban Myth Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

CHORUS 2x:
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
I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She's coming in 12: 30 flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancinet melodies
He turned to me as if to say
Hurry boy it's waiting there for you
CHORUS 4x:
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Urban Myth's "Africa" are rich with symbolism and metaphorical language that point towards exploring the elusive continent's mystique. The song starts with a catchy and memorable chorus, "It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you" that sets the mood of the song. Interestingly, the lyrics are not necessarily about a romantic partner, as the pronoun "you" may suggest, but more likely refer to the vast and mesmerizing African landscape whose beauty and bewildering allure leave an indelible impression on the singer's mind.


The first verse sets the scene of a person traveling to Africa, looking to explore the unknown, and finding an ancient man whose words of wisdom and sage advice offer guidance and direction. The imagery of drums echoing in the dark, starry night creates a sense of reverence and wonder, as if the drumbeat carries messages from a bygone era or mystical realm. The singer's connection to the land and its people runs deep, and the titular line of "blessing the rains down in Africa" suggests a reverential attitude that borders on the spiritual.


The second verse introduces a female character whose presence in the song remains somewhat vague and elusive. The moonlit wings reflect the stars suggest that she might be a traveler as well, perhaps an expat or tourist who is equally captivated by the continent's charm. Her whispers of some quiet conversation imply a sense of hidden knowledge or secrets that only those who immerse themselves in African culture can hope to fathom. Overall, the lyrics evoke the sense of a mythical, enigmatic place of endless possibilities and profound experiences that "gonna take some time to do the things we never had."


Line by Line Meaning

It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
I am deeply committed to you, and it will not be easy for anything or anyone to separate us


There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
No matter how many people come between us, my love for you cannot be shaken


I bless the rains down in Africa
I find peace and solace in the natural world, specifically the rainy season in Africa


Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
We have much to explore and experience together, and it will take time to do so


I hear the drums echoing tonight
I am attuned to the rhythms and sounds of the environment around me, and I feel energized by it


But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
My partner is not as connected to the environment as I am, and sometimes finds it difficult to understand my perspective


She's coming in 12: 30 flight
My partner is arriving soon, and I am excited to see her


The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
The natural world provides me with a sense of guidance and redemption


I stopped an old man along the way
I am seeking wisdom and insight from those who have more experience than I do


Hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies
I am searching for a deeper connection to the history and culture of the places I am visiting


He turned to me as if to say
The old man I spoke to offered me advice, though he did not actually speak aloud


Hurry boy it's waiting there for you
The opportunities and experiences I am seeking are available to me, but I must act quickly and decisively to seize them




Writer(s): Desmond Child, David Paich, Jeff Porcaro, John M. Mccurry, Cyndi Lauper Copyright: Kat And Mouse Music, Music Corp. Of America Inc., Universal Polygram Int. Publishing Inc., Rising Storm Music, Hudmar Publishing CO.INC. (Re'Toto'), Rellla Music Corp.

Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Matthias Hoffmann

Well, - in my opinion - this video is extraordinary in fact. Brilliant dancers. Wonderful choreography. Powerfull song - and thats just what this video is all about! What was that word again...?. Modern Dance! I have to admit: The dresses are "a bit '80-style". But - I doubt that the posters before thought about the fit between the song and the video... Its kind of sad, that music videos always HAVE TO take place in fancy settings, obviously.

Stephen Baker

I like this, good job

Stuntgirl123

OOOOMG! i work in a night club and heard this song and iv been searching for it for AAAAGES! (Because the mean dj would give me the song) ahhh im so happy quality remix! x

BigBrother

Hot and a great track!

snubixxx

Love it :D

Nicole Green

Woohooo... the lead girl is my old dance teacher!! Wooo go Beki!! =D Love this tuune!! <3

Thomas Honniball

First good vid in a VERY long time, Steve. Good job finally lol

Hywel Price-Evans

If I attempted to imitate 'Call On Me' during a music video making course, this is what it would look like.

Scott Page

Someone pass Lee some tissues please, he's taking all Ste's succcess *REALLY* badly. I'm gonna go now, i'm still tring to figure out how to switch this bloody synth on...

Megan Farrer

like the song and dancing in this :)

More Comments

More Versions