Welcome to my island
But please don't you stay too long
I wouldn't want anyone to think
That something's going on
Toe the line
And you'll be fine
You'll see another day
Don't connect,
Don't reflect,
Just fetch your weekly pay
Oh sister don't you feel
What I know inside my bones
I'll meet you on the underground
And we'll make a call on the telephone
Berlin wall
Can you hear this call
For one world, one nation
Who can it be banging at my door
I can't trust anyone anymore
I drink my beer in a state of fear
Is tyher no salvation
Wire on the gate,
Barbs of hate
To separate one nation
Around your heart
A ring of steel
I can't get out
And I can't get in.
One for all, and all for one
Is the way it should be
Every river I know
Is dreaming of the sea
My body feels like a prison to me
I'd like to fly and touch you
With a sacred dream
Come on, mama, don't delay
I know you think I'm far away
I'm only looking for a sign --
Are you ready to cross the line?
Berlin wall
Can you hear this call
For one world, one nation
Who can it be banging at my door
I can't trust anyone anymore
I drink my beer in a state of fear
Is tyher no salvation
Wire on the gate,
Barbs of hate
To separate one nation
Around your heart
A ring of steel
I can't get out
And I can't get in.
But please don't you stay too long
I wouldn't want anyone to think
That something's going on
Toe the line
And you'll be fine
You'll see another day
Don't connect,
Don't reflect,
Just fetch your weekly pay
Oh sister don't you feel
What I know inside my bones
I'll meet you on the underground
And we'll make a call on the telephone
Berlin wall
Can you hear this call
For one world, one nation
Who can it be banging at my door
I can't trust anyone anymore
I drink my beer in a state of fear
Is tyher no salvation
Wire on the gate,
Barbs of hate
To separate one nation
Around your heart
A ring of steel
I can't get out
And I can't get in.
One for all, and all for one
Is the way it should be
Every river I know
Is dreaming of the sea
My body feels like a prison to me
I'd like to fly and touch you
With a sacred dream
Come on, mama, don't delay
I know you think I'm far away
I'm only looking for a sign --
Are you ready to cross the line?
Berlin wall
Can you hear this call
For one world, one nation
Who can it be banging at my door
I can't trust anyone anymore
I drink my beer in a state of fear
Is tyher no salvation
Wire on the gate,
Barbs of hate
To separate one nation
Around your heart
A ring of steel
I can't get out
And I can't get in.
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On an even more broadly inclusive scale,the song “Berlin Wall” ties the struggle in South Africa to a contemporary struggle in the West. It asks Berlin and its people to take up the call for a global community. The divisions it highlights feel artificial and inappropriate for a nation anywhere,whether it be in Europe or in Africa. The global reach of this song thus helps to connect Johnny Clegg and Savuka with its Western audience. There can be a common goal and a common community,but only if injustices like those in South Africa are mediated.
Erin Swen