Gimme Hope Jo'anna
Eddy Grant
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Well Jo'anna she runs a country She runs in Durban and the Transvaal She makes a few of her people happy, oh She don't care about the rest at all She's got a system they call apartheid It keeps a brother in a subjection But maybe pressure can make Jo'anna see How everybody could a live as one [Chorus:] Gimme hope, Jo'anna Hope, Jo'anna Gimme hope, Jo'anna 'Fore the morning come Gimme hope, Jo'anna Hope, Jo'anna Hope before the morning come I hear she make all the golden money To buy new weapons, any shape of guns While every mother in black Soweto fears The killing of another son Sneakin' across all the neighbors' borders Now and again having little fun She doesn't care if the fun and games she play Is dang'rous to ev'ryone [Chorus:] She's got supporters in high up places Who turn their heads to the city sun Jo'anna give them the fancy money Oh to tempt anyone who'd come She even knows how to swing opinion In every magazine and the journals For every bad move that this Jo'anna makes They got a good explanation [Chorus:] Even the preacher who works for Jesus The Archbishop who's a peaceful man Together say that the freedom fighters Will overcome the very strong I want to know if you're blind Jo'anna If you want to hear the sound of drums Can't you see that the tide is turning Oh don't make me wait till the morning come (Chorus)
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
0 fans
Written by: G Brand, Eddy Grant, Bert Klein
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
9 facts about this song
Background Information"Gimme Hope Jo'anna" is a song by Eddy Grant, a British-Guyanese musician. The song was initially released in 1988 and is one of Eddy Grant's most famous tracks.
|
Political ContextThe song was a protest against the apartheid policy in South Africa. It refers to Johannesburg (Jo'anna) under apartheid rule. The lyrics discuss the struggles and grievances of the people living under this system.
|
Banned in South AfricaDue to its unambiguous anti-apartheid statement, the song was banned by the South African government when it was released. It was seen as a revolutionary song that might fuel anti-apartheid sentiments among the population.
|
Success in the ChartsDespite being banned in South Africa, or possibly because of it, the song achieved significant international success. It reached number seven in the UK Singles Chart, becoming his first top 10 hit in over five years.
|
Combination of Musical StylesEddy Grant is known for his fusion of different music genres such as reggae, R&B, and pop. "Gimme Hope Jo'anna" is a perfect example of this, incorporating catchy hooks and rhythms from these genres.
|
Relevance Over TimeThe song has remained relevant long after the end of apartheid. It is considered a timeless anthem for freedom and has been performed at various political rallies and events across the world.
|
Use in Sport EventsDespite its serious political tone, "Gimme Hope Jo'anna" has also found a place in lighter contexts such as sports. It has been used as a chant by fans at football matches in several countries.
|
Continued PopularityMore than three decades after its release, "Gimme Hope Jo'anna" continues to be one of Eddy Grant's most popular tracks. It is still frequently played on various radio stations and at clubs.
|
Variety of RenditionsNumerous artists have covered "Gimme Hope Jo'anna," bringing their own unique interpretations to the song. These include popular Global bands like Goldfish and the Vengaboys.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Gimme Hope Jo'anna Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/15053957/Eddy+Grant/Gimme+Hope+Jo%27anna>.
Powered by CITE.ME
Discuss the Gimme Hope Jo'anna Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In