Talking Thoughts
Journey of Nostalgia: Hugh Masekela's Talking Thoughts Unveiled
Lyrics
It was lonely in the ark
Feeling isolated or desolate within a confined space, possibly a metaphorical "ark."
We used to listen to back city sisters
Listening to music from "back city sisters," suggesting a connection to urban life and culture.
To think about the gumboot dancers and the penny whistlers
Reflecting on traditional South African performers like gumboot dancers and penny whistlers.
We would try and walk and talk like the guys and the girls back home
Attempting to emulate the behaviors and language of people from their hometown.
We would long for all the different languages
Expressing a desire for the richness of diverse languages.
Only the body was gone but soul remained
Emphasizing the enduring nature of the soul even when the physical body is absent.
Everybody asked us when we came back
Encountering inquiries upon returning, possibly about their experiences away.
They said you going back there
Responding to questions about going back, asserting a continuous connection to their origin.
We said well we never really left
Claiming they never truly left, suggesting a lasting impact of their experiences.
Because everything that happened to the folks
Highlighting a shared human experience with their hometown people.
Happened to us it's good to be back home
Expressing a positive sentiment about returning home despite shared challenges.
Lalala lalala iyeho (peace he peace)
Singing "peace he peace," suggesting a longing for harmony and tranquility.
Lalala lalala iyeho (peace he peace)
Repeating the call for peace, reinforcing the importance of this theme.
Omama uyajabula ma
Celebrating joyful mothers ("Omama") who are pleased.
Mangibuy' ekhaya ehe umama uyajabula
Expressing happiness and excitement about returning home, especially for mothers.
Habari mangwan waidumela hakebuyela hae
Greeting and acknowledging a welcoming atmosphere upon returning.
Hae bare mama uyajabula
Affirming the joy of mothers, completing the expression of happiness and contentment.
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