4 Box Square
Searching for Life in a 4-Box Square: Johnny Clegg's Melancholic Reflection
Lyrics
Nothing on the western front nothing at all
Nothing is happening on the western front; there's a sense of emptiness and desolation.
Nothing on the eastern side nobody to call
Similar to the west, there's nothing happening on the eastern side, and there's no one to reach out to.
Nothing in the northern end nothing to send
No activity or significance in the northern end, and there's nothing to convey or send.
Nothing on the southern bend not a friend
In the southern bend, there are no friends or companions.
This town is nothing but 4-box square
The town is described as a 4-box square, emphasizing its small and uneventful nature.
Oh, I'm looking for someone with
The speaker is searching for someone who has a life to share, indicating a desire for connection.
A life to share
No bird in the tree singing free
No birds are singing freely in the trees, suggesting a lack of natural vitality.
No dog barking at something
No dogs are barking at unseen things, reflecting a quiet and uneventful environment.
That he doesn't see
There's no smile for the speaker when passing by someone, indicating a lack of warmth or recognition.
No smile for me when I pass your way
No clouds are floating on a summer's day, emphasizing a lack of beauty or positivity.
No clouds floating on a summer's day
Ubani Ngahlala Kanjena
"Ubani Ngahlala Kanjena" translates to "Who can live like this?" expressing discontent with the current state of affairs.
Who can live like this
Baze Bakhala Obaba Noma
"Baze Bakhala Obaba Noma" suggests that even older people are questioning the situation, indicating its challenging nature.
Even the old peopel ask this question
Wolala Wolala Bayadlala Bahemu Wema
"Wolala Wolala Bayadlala Bahemu Wema" is a call for action or movement, possibly encouraging the youth to dance.
Wolala, wolala, the young men dance on
No bling-bling, no shining thing
No extravagant or shiny things ("bling-bling"), and there's a lack of money to cover expenses.
No money to pay
No phone ring, no talking, nothing to say
No phone is ringing, and there's nothing to talk about, indicating isolation and silence.
Moon and sun pulling each one
The moon and sun are described as pulling each one, symbolizing a balance or cycle between night and day.
Turns night to day
I'm ready to leave this place
The speaker is prepared to leave the unfulfilling place, and they see a familiar face on their compass, suggesting direction and purpose.
On my compus I see your face
In the morning I will see your smile
In the morning, the speaker anticipates seeing a smile, bringing hope and positivity.
I will save my life
The speaker plans to save their life by making a change or moving on.
Gotta go now, gotta go now
The urgency to leave is reiterated, emphasizing the need for a new beginning.
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