Mandela Day

Simple Minds

About Mandela Day

"Mandela Day" is a song by the rock band Simple Minds. It was included in the single "Ballad of the Streets" EP which reached No.1 on the British charts in February 1989 and in their album Street Fighting Years. The single highlights the songs "Mandela Day", "Belfast Child", originally its A-side in the full length version, and "Biko". "Mandela Day" was written for the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute (also known as Mandela Day), a concert held at Wembley Stadium, London, on 11 June 1988, as an expression of solidarity with the then-imprisoned Nelson Mandela, and was played live on that day (alongside cover versions of "Sun City" with Little Steven and a cover version of Peter Gabriel's "Biko" on which Gabriel himself took on lead vocals).  


Year:
1990
5:42
93 
#2

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It was 25 years they take that man away
Now the freedom moves in closer every day
Wipe the tears down from your saddened eyes
They say Mandela's free so step outside

Oh oh oh oh Mandela day
Oh oh oh oh Mandela's free

It was 25 years ago this very day
Held behind four walls all through night and day
Still the children know the story of that man
And I know what's going on right through your land

25 years ago
Na na na na Mandela day
Oh oh oh Mandela's free

If the tears are flowing wipe them from your face
I can feel his heartbeat moving deep inside
It was 25 years they took that man away
And now the world come down say Nelson Mandela's free

Oh oh oh oh Mandela's free

The rising suns sets Mandela on his way
It's been 25 years around this very day
From the one outside to the ones inside we say
Oh oh oh oh Mandela's free
Oh oh oh set Mandela free

Na na na na Mandela day
Na na na na Mandela's free

25 years ago
What's going on
And we know what's going on
Cos we know what's going on

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Simple Minds

Simple Minds are a Scottish rock band who achieved worldwide popularity from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. Although experiencing significant personnel changes, it has continued to tour to a cult following through that decade and into the new millennium. more »

1 fan

Written by: JAMES KERR, CHARLES BURCHILL, MICHAEL JOSEPH MACNEIL

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Band Creation
The song "Mandela Day" was composed and performed by Simple Minds, a Scottish rock band that was established in 1977.
Song Background
"Mandela Day" was written in tribute to the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.
Event Inspiration
The song was specially written for the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert. This event was a massive concert held at Wembley Stadium, London, in June 1988 to commemorate Mandela's birthday and raise awareness about Apartheid.
Album Inclusion
"Mandela Day" is also included in the band’s album "Street Fighting Years" which was produced by Trevor Horn and released in 1989.
Song Theme
The lyrics of "Mandela Day" reflect on the struggles of Nelson Mandela during apartheid and his efforts to end racial segregation in South Africa.
Mandela's Incarceration
At the time when Simple Minds performed the song, Mandela was still imprisoned on Robben Island, and he would remain so until 1990.
Concert Impact
The concert and the song played a significant role in arousing international consciousness and pressure for Mandela's release from imprisonment.
Song Reception
"Mandela Day" is one of Simple Minds' highly acclaimed songs due to its political message and powerful melody.
Association with Mandela
After Nelson Mandela's death on 5th December 2013, the song has continued to be a popular tribute and a reminder of Mandela's justice campaign.
Legacy of the Song
Today, "Mandela Day" is still highly relevant, especially on International Mandela Day, which is celebrated each year on Mandela's birthday, July 18.
Live Performances
Simple Minds often include "Mandela Day" in their setlist during live performances, serving as a constant reminder of Mandela's contributions to the world.

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    "Mandela Day Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5426199/Simple+Minds/Mandela+Day>.

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