Africa
Toto
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I hear the drums echoing tonight But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation She's coming in, 12:30 flight The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation I stopped an old man along the way Hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies He turned to me as if to say, "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you" It's gonna take a lot to take 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 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 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 Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you 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
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Written by: David F Paich, Jeffrey T Porcaro
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Band Formation"Africa" was released by the American rock band "Toto," which was formed in 1977.
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Album & Release"Africa" was the third single off of their fourth studio album, "Toto IV," and was released in October 1982.
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Chart PerformanceThe song peaked at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1983.
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Songwriting CreditsIt was written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro.
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Inspiration"Africa" was inspired by late-night documentaries about the continent that Paich used to watch.
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RecordingThe song features an uncommon use of a marimba during the instrumental.
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Popularity Over TimeDespite its initial success, "Africa" gained newfound popularity in the late 2010s due to internet memes and a cover version by the rock band Weezer.
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Grammy AwardsThe album "Toto IV," which featured "Africa," won six Grammy Awards including "Album of the Year" in 1983.
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Distinctive ChorusThe memorable chorus is set against an ongoing harmony that maintains one repeated chord.
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Music VideoA music video of "Africa" was produced, featuring an ongoing storyline as well as performance footage of the band.
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Use in Film and TV"Africa" has been used in numerous television shows and movies, including "Fargo," "The Mindy Project," "Stranger Things," "Family Guy," and more.
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Covers and RemakesThe song has been covered by many other artists, including Weezer, Relient K, and Ninja Sex Party, among others.
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Cultural EffectTime magazine named "Africa" one of the top 10 overplayed '80s songs. Despite (or perhaps as a result of) its overplay, the song has a significant cult following and is often regarded as a quintessential '80s pop hit.
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Charity ConnectionIn a fitting association, Toto performed "Africa" at "We are the World," the major charity event for Africa relief in 1985.
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Citation
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"Africa Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/6572050/Toto/Africa>.
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