Youssou N'Dour (born 1 October 1959 in Dakar, Senegal) is a singer, percuss… Read Full Bio ↴Youssou N'Dour (born 1 October 1959 in Dakar, Senegal) is a singer, percussionist and occasional actor. N'Dour is one of the most celebrated African musicians in history, his mix of traditional Senegalese mbalax with eclectic influences ranging from Cuban rumba to hip hop, jazz, and soul has won him an international fan base of millions.

N'Dour was born in Medina in Dakar, Senegal, in 1959 and started his music career singing in small clubs in Dakar in the Wolof language, which is predominantly spoken in Senegal and Gambia. He's most popular for his mbalax beat which gave him the title "Roi de Mbalax" (King of Mbalax), and is a household name in Senegal, Gambia and neighbouring countries in West Africa with a long list of hits from the early days in the 70s to date.

In 1979, he formed his own ensemble, the Etoile de Dakar. His early work with Etoile de Dakar was in the typical Latin style popular all over Africa during that time, but in the 1980s he developed a unique sound when he started his current group, Super Etoile de Dakar, featuring Jimi Mbaye on guitar, bassist Habib Faye, and tama (talking drum) player Assane Thiam.

N'Dour was introduced to the Western audience when Peter Gabriel had him appear on his 'So' album (in 1986) and theb took N'Dour and The Super Etoile de Dakar on the road with him in a subsequent world tour. N'Dour has also collaborated with a lengthy list of influential artists including Paul Simon, Neneh Cherry, and Branford Marsalis.

He is endowed with remarkable range and poise, a composer, bandleader, and producer with a prodigious musical intelligence. The New York Times most recently described his voice as an "arresting tenor, a supple weapon deployed with prophetic authority". N'Dour absorbs the entire Senegalese musical spectrum in his work, often filtering this through the lens of genre-defying rock or pop music from outside Senegalese culture.

Youssou N´Dour is currently the new minister of Culture of Senegal as a reward for his campaign against the former president of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade who was defeated by Macky Sall in February 2012.

No More
Youssou N'Dour Lyrics

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11-BOB DRIVES A HARD BARGAIN
Carol from the Village Market calls Bob to discuss Susan's Scrumptious Cookies. Carol and Bob discuss how much Bob will receive for each cookie.
Carol: Hi Bob. How's it going?
Bob: Fine thanks, Carol. How are you?
Carol: Can't complain. Bob, I've had a chance to crunch some numbers. I can pay you 50c per cookie.
Bob: That's out of the question. At that price, it's not worth our while. The ingredients alone cost us 30c per cookie.
Carol: Okay, let me sweeten the deal — 60c per cookie?
Bob: Carol, my wife and I need to make a living from this business.

Carol: Okay, okay, you've twisted my arm. I'll pay you 75c per cookie. Take it or leave it!
Bob: Now you're talking! We'll take it.
Carol: You drive a hard bargain, Bob.

Bob: Yes, but we make a good cookie.
Carol: Let's get the ball rolling. Bring me 2, 000 cookies on Monday morning by 9 a.m.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Youssou N'Dour's song "No More" are a powerful commentary on the struggles of everyday life and the longing for a better future. The opening line, "No more crying, no more sighing," sets the tone for the rest of the song, which speaks to the hardships that people face in their daily lives, from poverty and inequality to political corruption and social injustice. The lyrics are poignant and poetic, painting vivid pictures of the struggles and aspirations of people from all walks of life.

Throughout the song, N'Dour sings about the need for change and progress, but also the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. He speaks to the universal human desire for a better life, and the importance of coming together to create a better future for all. The lyrics are uplifting and inspiring, urging listeners to keep pushing forward even in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Overall, "No More" is a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever struggled or faced hardship in their lives. It speaks to the universal human experience of hope and resilience, and encourages listeners to never give up on their dreams and aspirations.

Line by Line Meaning

No more waiting, no more pain
The singer is conveying the message that they do not want to wait anymore or endure any further pain.

No more talking track and field
The singer indicates that they no longer want to have a discussion about trivial matters.

No more missing what should be real
The singer expresses that they do not want to overlook things that are potentially meaningful or important.

I'm heading out into the world unknown
The singer is embarking on a journey to uncharted territories outside of their comfort zone.

Letting go of all I've ever known
The singer is leaving behind everything familiar and familiar associations to embrace the unknown.

I won't be back till I find my way
The singer is determined to find their path, and they will not return until they find it.

Find the truth that's buried in my soul
The singer desires to uncover an essential truth about themselves that is hidden deep within their being.

I'm standing out in the rain
The singer is exposing themselves to the elements, symbolically representing their vulnerability.

I'm calling out, can you hear me calling out?
The singer is reaching out to anyone who may hear them and is asking for help, support, or guidance in their journey.

I'm searching for a sign
The singer is searching for a clue, an indication, or an omen to point them in the right direction.

What I'm looking for I hope to find
The singer hopes to find what they are searching for, although they are not entirely sure what that may be.

I'm standing out in the rain
The singer repeats this line to emphasize their vulnerability and the challenges they are facing on their quest.

I'm calling out, can you hear me calling out?
The singer repeats this line to reinforce their plea for help and support during their journey.

I'm searching for a sign
The singer repeats this line to highlight the importance of finding a sign to give them guidance or direction.

Surrender, I'm heading out again
The singer has given themselves completely to their quest and is embarking on their journey once more.

I'm done with ego, I'm done with hate
The singer renounces egotism and animosity, indicating that they have evolved spiritually.

I'm done with all the negativity in my life
The singer has relinquished all negative thoughts or emotions and has left them behind.

I'm climbing higher than I've ever been
The singer is on an ascending trajectory, symbolizing personal growth and an elevated viewpoint.

I'm standing strong, I'm standing tall
The singer is resolute in their mission and is standing firm, steadfast and unwavering in their convictions.

I've come too far to fall
The singer has surmounted significant obstacles and will not allow anything to deter them from their goal.

Now I'm standing out in the rain
The singer repeats standing in the rain as a symbol of their vulnerability and strength.

I'm calling out, can you hear me calling out?
The singer repeats the plea for help and support to emphasize the importance of not giving up on their journey.

I'm searching for a way
The singer is looking for a pathway, direction or solution to lead them to the truth they seek.

Help me find my way
The singer repeats their call for assistance, emphasizing the intensity of their need for help.

Writer(s): Habib Faye, Jean Philippe Rykiel, Lamine Faye, Youssou N. Dour, Thomas Rome

Contributed by Adam P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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