Under African Skies

Paul Simon

About Under African Skies

"Under African Skies" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the fifth and final single from his seventh studio album, Graceland (1986), released on Warner Bros. Records. The song features guest vocals from singer Linda Ronstadt, who received top billing on the single release.


Year:
1986
3:37
149 
#1

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Joseph's face was black as night
The pale yellow moon shone in his eyes
His path was marked
By the stars in the Southern Hemisphere
And he walked his days
Under African skies

This is the story of how we begin to remember
This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein
After the dream of falling and calling your name out
These are the roots of rhythm
And the roots of rhythm remain

In early memory
Mission music
Was ringing 'round my nursery door
I said take this child, Lord
From Tucson Arizona
Give her the wings to fly through harmony
And she won't bother you no more

This is the story of how we begin to remember
This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein
After the dream of falling and calling your name out
These are the roots of rhythm
And the roots of rhythm remain

Joseph's face was as black as the night
And the pale yellow moon shone in his eyes
His path was marked
By the stars in the Southern Hemisphere
And he walked the length of his days
Under African skies

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Paul Simon

Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an award-winning musician whose talents in composing, performing, and vocal harmony placed him at the forefront of the singer-songwriters on an international scale. Simon's fame, influence and commercial success began as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, formed in 1964 with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached No. 1 on the U.S. singles charts: "The Sounds of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The duo split up in 1970 at the height of their popularity, and Simon began a successful solo career, recording three highly acclaimed albums over the next five years. In 1986, he released Graceland, an album inspired by South African… more »

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Written by: PAUL SIMON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


21 facts about this song

Release Date
"Under African Skies" is a song from Paul Simon's seventh studio album, Graceland, which was released on August 25, 1986.
Collaboration
The song features vocals from American singer-songwriter Linda Ronstadt.
Controversy
The collaboration with Ronstadt was controversial due to her previous performance in Sun City, South Africa, viewed as an implicit endorsement of the apartheid regime.
Album Success
Graceland won the Album of the Year award at the 29th Annual Grammy Awards in 1987.
Cultural Integration
The album, including "Under African Skies", is notable for its fusion of American and African musical styles, and features many South African performers.
Documentary Appearance
"Under African Skies" is specifically highlighted in the 2012 documentary film about the making of Graceland, also called "Under African Skies".
Song Meaning
The song is a homage to South Africa and reflects on the country's history and culture. It includes lines about the cradle of civilization and the grace inherent in people living under challenging conditions.
Tour
Paul Simon performed the song live during the Graceland tour, often as a duet with vocalists Miriam Makeba, or Thandiswa Mazwai, further highlighting his collaboration with South African musicians.
Connection to Other Songs
In the album version of the song, there is a spoken introduction referring to the track "Homeless" on the same album.
Praise
The song has been widely praised for its poetic lyrics, haunting melody, and blend of diverse musical influences. Robert Christgau, an American essayist and music journalist, considered "Under African Skies" along with "Graceland" as the best tracks from the album.
Album Classification
"Under African Skies" is a song from Paul Simon's 1986 album, "Graceland."
Unique Collaborations
The song features vocals from the American singer Linda Ronstadt, making it a unique blend of Simon's songwriting and Ronstadt's vocals.
African Influence
The title and key themes of the song suggest African influences, which coincide with the general themes of the "Graceland" album, as Simon spent time in South Africa during its creation.
Cultural Recognition
"Under African Skies" is recognized for its hamonious blend of American and African musical styles, demonstrating Simon's groundbreaking world music approach.
Lyrics Description
The song describes the impact that Africa has left on Simon - mentioning "the roots of rhythm" from the South African townships where he found musical inspiration.
Controversial Production
The making of the album took place during the apartheid era, causing a fair amount of controversy as it was seen as Simon breaking the cultural boycott of South Africa.
Criticism Handling
To encounter the initial criticism, the song introduces the political situation subtly in its verses but also celebrates the country's rich musical traditions and potential for unity.
Documentary Recognition
The song and album were later the subject of a documentary, 'Under African Skies,' in 2012, which explored the political and social context at the time of the album's creation.
Award Winning Album
"Graceland" won the 1987 Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making every song on it, including "Under African Skies," part of an award-winning collection.
Song Composition
Like many songs on the Graceland album, "Under African Skies" features a complex structure and sophisticated chord progressions, showcasing Simon's songwriting abilities.
Overcoming Personal Difficulties
Simon wrote the album during a difficult period of his life, and "Under African Skies" reflects his journey to find inspiration and healing through music.

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