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.
She doesn't need to fall
Youssou N'Dour Lyrics
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Like a wife, love her
Just like a woman, the same as the ocean
Where only boats can sail
She doesn't need to fall
Don't make her fall
Whatever you do, make sure you are capable of doing it
Your knowledge and your abilities are dwindling,
Know your limitations
She doesn't need to fall
Don't make her fall
If she tells you to
Will you let her go?
Gives you all you need
Take this advice from me
After serious consideration, you want to change
After serious consideration, you want to change
So you think, and look back
Know what your duties are and respect them
Let it be known, that the survivel of every relationship
Is based upon mutual help and assistance
Let it be known, it's the same as a woman
The same as the ocean where only boats can sail
When you get to a point where your performance is poor
Your knowledge and abilities are dwiling,
Know your limitations
She doesn't need to fall
Don't make her fall
If she tells you to
Will you let her go?
Gives you all you need
Take this advice from me
The lyrics to Youssou N'Dour's song "She doesn't need to fall" present a message of care and protection towards women. The singer asks men to take care of the women in their lives and treat them with love and respect. He suggests that women should be sheltered, fed, protected, and loved just like wives. The ocean is used as a metaphor for women, where boats can sail but not everyone can handle the risks and challenges of the sea. The line "she doesn't need to fall" emphasizes the need to support and uplift women, not bring them down.
The singer advises listeners to be aware of their limitations and be accountable for their actions. He reminds men to provide for women's needs, but not to control or dominate them. The line "if she tells you to, will you let her go?" implies that women have agency and should be given the freedom to pursue their goals and dreams. The song concludes by stating that mutual help and assistance are essential for the survival of any relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Take care of her, shelter her, feed her, protect her
Treat her with the same care and attention you would give to a wife, provide for her basic needs, and keep her safe
Like a wife, love her
Love her as you would a wife or partner
Just like a woman, the same as the ocean
She is complex and unpredictable like the ocean, requiring patience and respect
Where only boats can sail
Navigating her emotions and needs may be difficult, but it is your responsibility to learn how to do so
She doesn't need to fall
She should not be subject to unnecessary danger or harm
Don't make her fall
It is up to you to prevent her from falling
If she tells you to
If she asks for help or wants to leave, respect her wishes
Will you let her go?
Are you willing to let her leave if it is what is best for her?
Gives you all you need
This advice is meant to provide you with the tools necessary to succeed in your relationship
After serious consideration, you want to change
If you recognize the need for change, it is important to act upon it
Know what your duties are and respect them
Understand what is expected of you and fulfill those responsibilities to the best of your ability
Let it be known, that the survivel of every relationship is based upon mutual help and assistance
For a relationship to thrive, both parties must help and support each other
When you get to a point where your performance is poor
If you are struggling to meet your responsibilities, it is important to recognize your limitations
Your knowledge and abilities are dwiling,
If you feel that you lack the skills or knowledge necessary to fulfill your duties, it may be time to seek help or guidance
Take this advice from me
The artist is imparting wisdom gained from his own experiences onto the listener
Contributed by Keira M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ali Lebeko
on Birima
Always soulful and heartthrobing performance