7 Seconds

Youssou N'Dour

About 7 Seconds

"7 Seconds" is a song composed by Youssou N'Dour, Neneh Cherry, Cameron McVey and Jonathan Sharp. It was released in 1994 as a single performed by Youssou N'Dour and Neneh Cherry and achieved much success, reaching the number-one position in numerous countries; in France it stayed at number one for 16 weeks, a record at the time. "7 Seconds" also won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song of 1994.


Year:
1994
5:06
3,618 
#8

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Boul ma sene, boul ma guiss madi re nga fokni mane
Khamouma li neka thi sama souf ak thi guinaw
Beugouma kouma khol oaldine yaw li neka si yaw
Mo ne si man, li ne si mane moye dilene diapale

Roughneck and rudeness,
We should be using, on the ones who practice wicked charms
For the sword and the stone
Bad to the bone
Battle is not over
Even when it's won
And when a child is born into this world
It has no concept
Of the tone the skin it's living in
It's not a second

7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting
It's not a second
7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting
I'll be waiting
I'll be waiting

J'assume les raisons qui nous poussent de changer tout,
J'aimerais qu'on oublie leur couleur pour qu'ils esperent
Beaucoup de sentiments de race qui font qu'ils desesperent
Je veux les portes grandements ouvertes,
Des amis pour parler de leur peine, de leur joie
Pour qu'ils leur filent des infos qui ne divisent pas
Changer

7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting
It's not a second
7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting
I'll be waiting
I'll be waiting

And when a child is born into this world
It has no concept
Of the tone the skin it's living in
And there's a million voices
And there's a million voices
To tell you what she should be thinking
So you better sober up for just a second

7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting
It's not a second
7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting
It's not a second
7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting

It's not a second
7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting
It's not a second
7 seconds away
Just as long as I stay
I'll be waiting

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Youssou N'Dour

Youssou N'Dour (French pronunciation: ​[jusu nˈduʁ]; born 1 October 1959) is a Senegalese singer, percussionist, songwriter, composer, occasional actor, businessman and a politician. In 2004, Rolling Stone described him as, "perhaps the most famous singer alive" in Senegal and much of Africa. Since April 2012, he has been Senegal's Minister of Tourism and Culture. more »

2 fans

Written by: Cameron Mcvey, Jonathan Sharp, Neneh Cherry, Youssou N'Dour

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Artists
"7 Seconds" is recorded by the iconic Swedish singer Neneh Cherry and Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour.
Release Date
The song was released in 1994 as the first single from Cherry's album "Man," which came out later that year.
Chart performance
"7 Seconds" enjoyed major chart success. It topped the charts in several countries, including France, Finland, and Italy, and reached the Top 20 in the UK and the US.
Language Diversity
The song features lyrics in three languages - English, French, and Wolof (the native language of Senegal), highlighting its multicultural essence.
Award
"7 Seconds" won the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song in 1994.
Song Theme
The white label of the track denotes a period of 7 seconds in which a newborn doesn't distinguish race or color, symbolizing the innocence of childhood.
Iconic Lyrics
The lyrics, "And when a child is born into this world / It has no concept of the tone the skin it's living in," are often cited for their powerful message on race and equality.
Album Success
Although "7 Seconds" was a global hit, Cherry's album "Man" did not gain the same level of attention, except in France, where it achieved platinum status.
Collaborations
Besides Neneh Cherry and Youssou N'Dour, the song also includes contributions from a renowned Senegalese musician, Cheikh Lô.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by various artists around the world, demonstrating its global appeal and enduring popularity.
Music Video
The music video for the song, directed by French production company Guediguian & Ascaride, was filmed in black and white and features clips of children across various cultural backgrounds.

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    7 Seconds

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1994

    Billboard #98


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