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.
Shakin' The Tree
Youssou N'Dour Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree
Waiting your time, dreaming of a better life
Waiting your time, you're more than just a wife
You don't want to do what your mother has done
She has done
This is your life, this new life has begun
It's your day - a woman's day
Turning the tide, you are on the incoming wave
Turning the tide, you know you are nobody's slave
[ 1989 version - Find your Brothers and sisters ]
[ 1990 version - Find your sisters and brothers ]
Who can hear all the truth in what you say
They can support you when you're on your way
It's your day - a woman's day
It's your day - a woman's day
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree
[ extra lyrics from 1989 12" remix ]
There's nothing to gain when there's nothing to be lost
There's nothing to gain if you stay behind and count the cost
Make the decision that you can be who you can be
You can be
Tasting the fruit come to the Liberty Tree
It's your day - a woman's day
It's your day - a woman's day
[ end of extra lyrics from 12" remix ]
Changing your ways, changing those surrounding you
Changing your ways, more than any man can do
Open your heart, show him the anger and pain, so you heal
Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel
You had to be so strong
And you do nothing wrong
Nothing wrong at all
We're gonna to break it down
We have to shake it down
Shake it all around
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree
The song "Shakin' The Tree" by Youssou N'dour is a powerful anthem that celebrates women's liberation and breaking free from societal expectations. The lyrics describe a woman who is tired of waiting for a better life and wants to pave her own way. She refuses to do what her mother has done and chooses to start a new life. The song encourages all women to take charge of their lives and not to be limited by societal roles or expectations.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of empowerment and unity among women. The lyrics urge women to find their sisters and brothers and support one another in their quest for freedom. This is exemplified in the repeated phrase "Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree," which means "We are shaking the tree" in Wolof, a language spoken in Senegal.
The song also acknowledges the struggles and pain that women face in society. The lyrics encourage women to open their hearts and express their anger and pain so that they can heal. The song celebrates the strength and resilience of women and encourages them to break down societal barriers and shake things up.
Overall, "Shakin' The Tree" is a powerful message of empowerment and liberation for women. The song celebrates the strength of women and encourages them to support one another in their quest for freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Souma Yergon, Sou Nou Yergon, We are shakin' the tree
We are making changes and shaking things up.
Waiting your time, dreaming of a better life
Spending time waiting and dreaming about improving your life.
Waiting your time, you're more than just a wife
Don't limit yourself to just being defined as someone's wife.
You don't want to do what your mother has done
You want to create your own path and not live the same life as your mother.
This is your life, this new life has begun
Take control of your life and embrace this new chapter.
It's your day - a woman's day
Celebrate being a woman and taking charge of your life.
Turning the tide, you are on the incoming wave
You are taking control and changing the direction of your life.
Turning the tide, you know you are nobody's slave
You are no longer willing to be a slave to societal expectations or stereotypes.
Who can hear all the truth in what you say
Surround yourself with people who will listen to and support your truth.
They can support you when you're on your way
These supportive people will be there to help you along your journey.
There's nothing to gain when there's nothing to be lost
Taking risks is necessary to gain something in life.
There's nothing to gain if you stay behind and count the cost
Playing it safe and not taking risks will not lead to personal growth or gain.
Make the decision that you can be who you can be
Decide to be true to yourself and who you want to be.
Tasting the fruit come to the Liberty Tree
Enjoy the fruits of your labor and the freedom that comes with being true to yourself.
Changing your ways, changing those surrounding you
Changing your behavior and those around you for the better.
Open your heart, show him the anger and pain, so you heal
Be vulnerable and share your emotions to heal yourself and your relationships.
Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel
Men can also embrace their feminine qualities and emotions.
You had to be so strong
You have had to be resilient and powerful in overcoming obstacles.
And you do nothing wrong
Don't doubt yourself or your choices.
We're gonna to break it down
We are going to dismantle and break down societal norms and expectations.
We have to shake it down
We need to shake things up and create change in order to achieve progress.
Shake it all around
Continuing to pursue change and progress in every area of life.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER GABRIEL, YOUSSOU N'DOUR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@AlexisDouFlo
This song is so powerful, it should be known and appreciated worldwide ❤🔥🌎
@brandonmoore731
@Alexis DouFlo I agree with you
@uncleiroh7910
I was at the concert from Youssou N’Dour yesterday and he sang this song for us women. I love his voice!
@lulassong6524
Peter Gabriel my favourite artist ever. Embraces the world.
African voices are the most beautiful voices on the planet and blend perfectly with his own voice.
@miguelbranquinho7235
All voices are beautiful, c'mon.
@mrsvm6221
He’s my favorite artist,too.
@brandonmoore7497
@@mrsvm6221 Peter Gabriel Shaking The Tree is one of my favorite song! Happy New Year's Eve!!!!!
@leilakeane8781
My mum adores him xx
@xollotlome4186
A masterpiece from Peter Gabriel, based on Senegal folklore. Great performing of Yousuf Ndour
@supahdupahplayahmacknumbah7791
What a powerful, uplifting song. Thank GOD for good music. Much love to all of you