Biko
Juan Gabriel, Peter Gabriel
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
September '77 Port Elizabeth weather fine It was business as usual In police room 619 Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja The man is dead The man is dead When I try to sleep at night I can only dream in red The outside world is black and white With only one colour dead Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja The man is dead The man is dead You can blow out a candle But you can't blow out a fire Once the flames begin to catch The wind will blow it higher Oh Biko, Biko, because Biko Yihla Moja, Yihla Moja The man is dead The man is dead And the eyes of the world are watching now, watching now
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: PETER GABRIEL
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Category - Artist Information"Biko" is a song written and performed by British rocker Peter Gabriel, who formerly served as the lead vocalist for the progressive rock band Genesis.
|
Category - Song InspirationThe song "Biko" was inspired by the life and death of South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, who died in police custody in 1977.
|
Category - Release"Biko" was first released in 1980 on Gabriel's third solo album, also named "Peter Gabriel".
|
Category - GenreIt is considered a part of both the art rock and worldbeat genres, integrating both Western and African musical influences.
|
Category - Music VideoThe music video for "Biko" includes footage of Gabriel's performances, mixed with clips showcasing various political and social struggles around the world.
|
Category - ReceptionThe song has been praised for its emotional power and its stirring call to action against injustice. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in several films and television programs.
|
Category - Live PerformancesPeter Gabriel often ends his live performances with the song "Biko". During the performance, Gabriel invites the audience to participate in singing along.
|
Category - Significance"Biko" eventually became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and remains one of Gabriel's most well-known and politically charged songs.
|
Category - Cover VersionsNotable cover versions of the song include renditions by Joan Baez, Simple Minds, Manu Dibango, and Robert Wyatt.
|
Category - AwardIn 1987, Gabriel and "Biko" were honored at the second annual "Freedom Beat" benefit concert for Amnesty International in London.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Biko Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31200243/Peter+Gabriel/Biko>.
Discuss the Biko 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