Song Description
A South African groove with a gospel flavor in the chorus, the song contrasts the economic and political nightmares in Africa with the richness and joy of its music. The song offers hope in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
| Song Length |
5:17 |
Genre |
World - African, World - World Beat |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Cheerful, Outraged |
Subject |
Determination, World |
| Similar Artists |
Paul Simon |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
as i look at your face
i see the burning hunger
and i watch as the children cry for help
i walk through a city
of pain and affliction
and i step over bodies that lie where they fell
i can't turn away
but i can't make it right
all i can do is pray
for a better time
let the people be happy today
let the people be well fed tonight
let the people be let the people be free
let the people be yeah yeah
let the people be healthy tomorrow
let the people be full of love
let the people be let the people be free
let the people be yeah yeah
the birthplace of man
is the birthplace of music
a drum and a song is the only defense
and the enemy comes
with guns and guided missiles
and they leave you with nothin
but memories of violence
i can't turn away
but i can't make it right
all i can do is pray
for the children tonight
in the kingdom of man
is a war of attrition
it's a fight for survival in a crowded world
and all i can do
is stand here with tears in my eyes
i sing my little song and watch africa lose
i can't turn away
but i can't make it right
all i can do is pray
for the children tonight
let the people be happy today
let the people be well fed tonight
let the people be let the people be free
let the people be yeah yeah
let the people be healthy tomorrow
let the people be full of love
let the people be let the people be free
let the people be yeah yeah
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This track is on 1 Member Playlists