Toto – Africa (Official HD Video)
Inspiration Behind Africa:
David Paich became fascinated with Africa at an early age from articles in National Geographic Magazine. As the front man for Toto and main song writer, watching documentaries conceived a heartfelt desire for the African continent. Growing up in a Catholic school opened the door for David to become a missionary to Africa before his musical career took off. All of these elements help spawn the lyrics to Africa. Recognizing the arid climate and poverty in Africa, David points to any rain that occurs as a blessing from God.
Biblical Application:
Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone, Zechariah 10:1.
Exegesis of Africa:
I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She’s coming in, twelve-thirty flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say, “Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you”
This opening stanza is mixed with past and present life experiences in Africa. David is at an airport, waiting to pick a woman up while talking to strangers. Perhaps, David is simply sorting through his thought process on how to write a song that encapsulates Africa.
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
Either David is referring to a woman or the continent of Africa. Nothing is going to stop him from blessing the rain in Africa. Perhaps, doing missionary work kept David from doing things that he always wanted to do.
The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what’s right
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what’s deep inside, frightened of this thing that I’ve become
David paints the picture of a night living in the wilderness. In a struggle to do what’s right, David is frustrated by the person he has become.
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
Either David doesn’t want to leave his missionary work in Africa, or he has met someone special. David feels called to bless the rain in Africa but also wants to spend time with this individual.
Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you
This is a call to action, seize this day.
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
(I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
(I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa
(Ah, gonna take the time)
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
David has a special connection with Africa. He realizes how important rain is and prays for rain to come. This final line is either about Africa or a relationship that was sacrificed due to his missionary work in Africa.
Final Thoughts:
Human beings are drawn to certain destinations and locations. While some of my friends went on mission trips in college during spring break to tropical islands, I spent my week in inner city Philadelphia with City Team Missions. Growing up 30 minutes from south Philadelphia, God gave me a heart for large cities. Areas filled with crime, drugs and poverty breaks my heart. Unfortunately, not many churches are willing to reach dangerous cities. When other Christians develop hearts for mission work like David, cities can become spiritually transformed.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 