Africa

Toto

About Africa

"Africa" is a song recorded by the American rock band Toto in 1981, for their fourth studio album Toto IV, and released as the album's third single on September 30, 1982, through Columbia Records. The song was written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro. The soft rock song lyrically incorporates themes of love and location. Critics praised its composition and Toto's performances. The song reached number one on the United States' Billboard Hot 100 chart and is the band's only Billboard number one. The song remained at the top for a single week (February 5, 1983). "Africa" also peaked in the top ten in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. The song was accompanied by a music video, which premiered in 1983, and was directed by Steve Barron, who collaborated previously with the group for "Rosanna". The video features Toto in a library, as they perform and showcase various aspects of African culture. While popular in the 1980s and 1990s, with the song being certified gold by the RIAA in 1991, "Africa" saw a resurgence in popularity via social media during the mid to late 2010s, including a fan-requested cover by American rock band Weezer which peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has since been certified quadruple platinum. 


Year:
2005
4:20
2,257,183 
#2,135

 Struggling with Africa? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!

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

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Toto

Toto is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1976. The band's current lineup consists of Joseph Williams (lead vocals), David Paich (keyboards), Steve Porcaro (keyboards), Steve Lukather (guitars, vocals), and Simon Phillips (drums). Bass player Nathan East is currently touring with Toto as a guest musician, as Mike Porcaro is too ill to tour. Toto is known for a musical style that combines elements of pop, rock, soul, funk, progressive rock, hard rock, R&B and jazz. more »

15 fans

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.
Album & Release
"Africa" was the third single off of their fourth studio album, "Toto IV," and was released in October 1982.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1983.
Songwriting Credits
It was written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro.
Inspiration
"Africa" was inspired by late-night documentaries about the continent that Paich used to watch.
Recording
The song features an uncommon use of a marimba during the instrumental.
Popularity Over Time
Despite its initial success, "Africa" gained newfound popularity in the late 2010s due to internet memes and a cover version by the rock band Weezer.
Grammy Awards
The album "Toto IV," which featured "Africa," won six Grammy Awards including "Album of the Year" in 1983.
Distinctive Chorus
The memorable chorus is set against an ongoing harmony that maintains one repeated chord.
Music Video
A music video of "Africa" was produced, featuring an ongoing storyline as well as performance footage of the band.
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.
Covers and Remakes
The song has been covered by many other artists, including Weezer, Relient K, and Ninja Sex Party, among others.
Cultural Effect
Time 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.
Charity Connection
In a fitting association, Toto performed "Africa" at "We are the World," the major charity event for Africa relief in 1985.

Discuss the Africa Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Africa Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/9942321/Toto/Africa>.

    Missing lyrics by Toto?

    Know any other songs by Toto? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Africa

    733.9M
    3.7M     0

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #1


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    The following are animals mentioned in the 1944 biggest hit single: "Swinging on a Star" by Bing Crosby, except...
    A A mule
    B A fish
    C A pig
    D A bird

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Toto tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Africa

    »