wow. so inspiring. Yosh groban's voice affekts me so deeply. he has such a purafying power. Yosh groban 4 prezident! grobanites of the world unite! love the vid
good points re music as art that should be appreciate in all its forms, BUT this version is so much weaker than the original anti-apartheid anthem that calling it "artistic" is really pushing the boats out a bit far... e.g. original has Nkose Sikelele harmonies interlaced in the theme... this is kind of like a sanitised version of the 1812 Overture with the French and Russian anthems removed. nevertheless, I agree it is good and I'm glad someone took the time to post it. cheers for that!
It's talking about the plight of contries controlled by overbearing rulers. It's not a protest song, but more of a eye opening. "The Monster" is a precived evil as protrayed by a dictator. As the people come around to see what this is, the leader only has to say that it is peaceful, and they should not question it. The weeping is the truth, being repressed from the common people.
This is, without a doubt, my favorite Josh Groban song. Although it may have been written with a specific event in mind, I think it's message is somehwat cryptic to allow us to see ourselves in the song. What better way to transmit a truth than to make it a story in which we see ourselves? Well, that and have Josh Groban sing it! Thanks for bringing this to us here!
U have it wrong. It IS NOT josh grobans song. The message isnt very cryptic either, This song was written by a south african band called bright blue, back in the 80's it was about apartheid!
Thank you, I am quite aware of the story behind the song, which is why I alluded to that fact in my comment. I would hope that you would agree that music, like all art forms, can be changed and appreciated on different levels depending on an artist's interpretation. As this follows "Lullaby" on Awake, it becomes more like a bedtime story used to help us see deep truths in ourselves and this world. Art is more than facts, and art appreciation should allow for many interpretations, thank you!
I am well aware of the story behind the original song, which is why I referred to that above. I would hope that you would agree that music, like all art forms, is always subject to an artist's interpretation. This song follows "Lullaby" on Awake, which makes it more like a bedtime story where we are able to see ourselves and this world more deeply. Art is more than just facts, and art appreciation is something that must allow for many different opinions and interpretations.
He's so beautiful. I love Josh Groban. Too bad he's ten years older than me. But who freakin' cares. I love this song. Its amazing. Josh is my man! He's telling a good story about fear and the man. I wish he'd do a music video for this one. It'd be awsome.
It is a song, by the South African band Bright Blue, about the then president of South Africa (PW Botha) and his declaring a state of emergency during the 80s.
What is the demon he could never face, and what does "seah" mean, if that's what they're saying at the end. I like the song, and I want to understand ALL of it.
I love this song... this is one of the best song of "Awake". What a great idea to mix Josh's voice to south-african music ! really beautiful... thanks !
Not quite right these are the people who have sung weeping: Bright Blue (1987) original Various (1993 'ipi Tombi' movie) Qkumba Zoo (1996) SSQ ft Vusi Mahlasela (1996) Coenie de Villiers (1997) Kearsney College Choir (2000) James Stewart (2002) Jinny Sagorin (2004) Soweto Gospel Choir (2004) Josh Groban (2006)
By the way little Tiger Kitty did you put this video together? If so, it is quite good! The images are very appropriate as they fit the lyrics well. Good job! Thanks once more! I listen to this one often.
This song touches me deeply every time I listen to it. Josh Groban and Ladysmith Mambazo are excellent together...but it's the lyrics that are so touching for me. Thank you for sharing it and thanks to the author of the lyrics who explained them, although I do remember South Africa's apartheid quite well.
These lyrics and this song could easily apply to Zimbabwe today. It would be interesting to see a music video version of that one with the same song and singers.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
This is one of those occasions where the 'cross-over' from classical to contemporary goes horribly wrong. Groban is a great singer, lovely voice etc. but the tone and delivery of Grobans voice remains at its best within the light classics/pop music. If you want to hear this song as it was intended it is sung by Tom Fox for a band call Bright Blue based in Cape Town South Africa. I do like Josh Groban but this is not a song for him it sounds just awful.
"The man" referred to in the Weeping lyrics is the late P. W. Botha, one of the last white leaders of South Africa before the end of the Apartheid regime;
The "demon he could never face" in the Weeping lyrics refers to the aspirations of the oppressed majority,
while the Weeping lyrics also refer to the "neighbors", literally the journalists from other countries who were monitoring the situation in South Africa.
Not too bad. But nothing matches the emotion of hearing the great Vusi Mahlasela singing this live in the new South Africa, hand in hand with black and coloured friends. Great hopes for a great future
What an honor to meet ArchBishop Tutu!How I wish the struggle were much easier for all the opressed people in the world.But with all great struggles there comes great victories. I hope South Africa,and all the struggeling nations peace and happiness,and although the struggle is hard and difficult,may the process be worth every bit. The song is very inspiring,and Josh does a great job!
One person, one at a time. Practice it first in your own life, then pass it on. A simple act of Compassion to a friend first is easiest, then to one who has hurt you is more difficult ... the most difficult though ... practice Compassion upon yourself.
As with all great works, each person finds their own meaning, in addition to the meaning that the artist leads us to understand what is in their heart.
These lyrics are absolutely amazing. Before understanding that this was about Aparthied, i heard my life being told ... my own denials of others controlling me. It was amazing.
And now ... i understand ... and agree ... Freedom. For what it's worth, cross reference this song to Garth Brooks "We Shall All Be Free."
God bless all the people who sacrificed their lives in this battle.But the battle rages on,in other locations. There will always be a battle for freedom,no matter where you are in thie world.South Africa is still growing in this fight today. Stay the course,someday there WILL be total freedom for it's people!
This is the first song by Josh Groban I've heard. What an introduction!! A fantastic voice singing a great song. Ladysmith is a great touch. Their voices add to both the message and the music. Maybe there could be more work between the two. Thanks tigerkitty, you've made a new Josh Groban fan!
This is a South African anti-apartheid protest song. Initially sung by Bright Blue (if I'm not mistaken) one of the most famous anti-apartheid songs. They had snuck a few bars of the then-banned Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (God Bless Africa) into the song. I love Bright Blue's version! The Soweto Gospel Choir also did an excellent version recently.
yes, Bright Blue's version was beautiful, and far more powerful because of the context in which it was sung. I think Groban has a lovely voice, but I find it annoying when our South African protest songs are appropriated like this for a new generation who doesn't understand what we went through to achieve democracy.
At first, I didn't know what the song was about and I looked up as much as I could and still couldn't find information. Now that I understand what the song is about, I feel like I did this song some unjustice.
Took the word right out of my mouth, I who is from southern Africa looked at the clip. It does not do justice for what we have had to endure and continue to endure. This song is a pillar of South Africa well respected song.
I've met His Grace ArchBishop Tutu ... he opened my eyes as to what went on. I have learned my lessons first hand to achieve your democracy. Both my wife and i were humbled in his presence. Yet both were aware of what went on in Southern Africa, but to hear it from him was amazing. We would like to visit South Africa some day.
It's actually Ladysmith Black Mambazo singing with Josh. The album is wonderful and this is the best song on it. Good job on the video, I could listen to it all day.
Thank you so much!!! ^__^ I'm glad to meet other Josh Groban fans because I don't really know any here where I live. I'm glad to be able to share this music with everyone! Thanks!
Visu Mahlasela, a black South African, sang this song years ago. His version can be heard on his album "The Voice". These are his words from the booklet in this same album:
I sang this song with passion in my understanding that it is sowing the seed of reconciliation, as it was written by a white South African who was a conscripted soldier during the time when there was much turmoil in the country, and he was deployed with Casspirs (armoured vehicles) in the townships. What he saw in the townships shocked him and he acknowledged that it was wrong and inhuman. The song is also about the architecture of Apartheid (Hendrik Verwoerd).
I know this is some sort of social commentary, but about what? Is it about the Bush and the war? Don't get me wrong, I like the song, I just don't get it.
Thanks. I put this song on here because no one else had and it's such a wonderful song that I had to put it on here. I'll be sure to put more of Josh Groban's songs on here. Anyway, thanks again.
This has been flagged as spam show
Please visit my channel to find a very talented artist with a really amazing voice!
talentlover 4 months ago
wow. so inspiring. Yosh groban's voice affekts me so deeply. he has such a purafying power. Yosh groban 4 prezident! grobanites of the world unite! love the vid
n8obeaf 3 years ago
So beautiful song! This power! aww... ^^
Kaliopesnape 3 years ago
good points re music as art that should be appreciate in all its forms, BUT this version is so much weaker than the original anti-apartheid anthem that calling it "artistic" is really pushing the boats out a bit far... e.g. original has Nkose Sikelele harmonies interlaced in the theme... this is kind of like a sanitised version of the 1812 Overture with the French and Russian anthems removed. nevertheless, I agree it is good and I'm glad someone took the time to post it. cheers for that!
jontyfincham 3 years ago
wow i love this song, and josh groban, SO MUCH
he has an amazingly beautiful voice
thanks for making this vid!
sparrowxx3 3 years ago 2
thanks for that bit of info uChakide..
much appreciated
mavusana32 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
fuck u josh groban. Pete Doherty's better
jimbobreloaded 3 years ago
This is the only 1 I didn't get. Can someone explian it to me????? Please?????????
Opreaismylife10692 3 years ago
we were wondering that too - there was website that said it has to do with racism - how we pretend it's not there, and yet, it still is.
Under Our God's Blessings
uogb 3 years ago
That could be it as well. Read above from what I heard from an interview.
Sitiden 3 years ago
It's talking about the plight of contries controlled by overbearing rulers. It's not a protest song, but more of a eye opening. "The Monster" is a precived evil as protrayed by a dictator. As the people come around to see what this is, the leader only has to say that it is peaceful, and they should not question it. The weeping is the truth, being repressed from the common people.
Sitiden 3 years ago
This is, without a doubt, my favorite Josh Groban song. Although it may have been written with a specific event in mind, I think it's message is somehwat cryptic to allow us to see ourselves in the song. What better way to transmit a truth than to make it a story in which we see ourselves? Well, that and have Josh Groban sing it! Thanks for bringing this to us here!
DartBoi77 3 years ago
U have it wrong. It IS NOT josh grobans song. The message isnt very cryptic either, This song was written by a south african band called bright blue, back in the 80's it was about apartheid!
silverfairywing1 3 years ago
Thank you, I am quite aware of the story behind the song, which is why I alluded to that fact in my comment. I would hope that you would agree that music, like all art forms, can be changed and appreciated on different levels depending on an artist's interpretation. As this follows "Lullaby" on Awake, it becomes more like a bedtime story used to help us see deep truths in ourselves and this world. Art is more than facts, and art appreciation should allow for many interpretations, thank you!
DartBoi77 3 years ago
I am well aware of the story behind the original song, which is why I referred to that above. I would hope that you would agree that music, like all art forms, is always subject to an artist's interpretation. This song follows "Lullaby" on Awake, which makes it more like a bedtime story where we are able to see ourselves and this world more deeply. Art is more than just facts, and art appreciation is something that must allow for many different opinions and interpretations.
DartBoi77 3 years ago
Does anyone know why Miriam Makeba didn't record or perform this song? She certainly would have the right to, being exhiled and all.
Just curious.
labeadaloca 3 years ago
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!!!!!!!!!! :D
AFVfan1 4 years ago
He's so beautiful. I love Josh Groban. Too bad he's ten years older than me. But who freakin' cares. I love this song. Its amazing. Josh is my man! He's telling a good story about fear and the man. I wish he'd do a music video for this one. It'd be awsome.
EriksChristine 4 years ago 4
I'm usually good at understanding the message in a song, but this one has got me stumped. I don't get the meaning of this one.
scherrz 4 years ago
It is a song, by the South African band Bright Blue, about the then president of South Africa (PW Botha) and his declaring a state of emergency during the 80s.
bazulu11 4 years ago
and I think also, that FEAR is what should be feared the most
gusia8882 3 years ago
He looks crazy with those glasses on! But nice.
What is the demon he could never face, and what does "seah" mean, if that's what they're saying at the end. I like the song, and I want to understand ALL of it.
Thanks.
God is a God of Wonders
uogb 4 years ago
Such a qute song! Josh Groban is a really amazing artist! <3
Lillejenta92 4 years ago
I love this song... this is one of the best song of "Awake". What a great idea to mix Josh's voice to south-african music ! really beautiful... thanks !
VEROFRENCHIE 4 years ago 2
song originaly sang by vusi mahlasela, josh does give it justice though..
mavusana32 4 years ago
uChakide 4 years ago
Was a reply to Mavusana32
uChakide 4 years ago
Vusi Mahlasela is in this one as well. He is the back vox
ripken3b 3 years ago
i LOVE this song. He had some great pictures of him in Africa when he perfomed this at his concert.
dancefreak1025 4 years ago
This is one of my FAVORITE songs
SashaDaae 4 years ago 2
Oh my god. I finally listened to the lyrics today and I cried. I love it. Josh is mine! *laughs* I love him.
rainbowspotter 4 years ago 2
so perfect!!!! you thought at first that he is just telling a story and he is an african because of the beat of the song. NIce song...
cutierose10 4 years ago
LMAO! I love the random MIB pics in there!
sillygrrl7 4 years ago
this song rocks
emolicous713 4 years ago 3
this is a awsome song I really like it
emolicous713 4 years ago 2
By the way little Tiger Kitty did you put this video together? If so, it is quite good! The images are very appropriate as they fit the lyrics well. Good job! Thanks once more! I listen to this one often.
auntiemcy 4 years ago
This song touches me deeply every time I listen to it. Josh Groban and Ladysmith Mambazo are excellent together...but it's the lyrics that are so touching for me. Thank you for sharing it and thanks to the author of the lyrics who explained them, although I do remember South Africa's apartheid quite well.
These lyrics and this song could easily apply to Zimbabwe today. It would be interesting to see a music video version of that one with the same song and singers.
auntiemcy 4 years ago 2
beautiful, I think
uogb 4 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This is one of those occasions where the 'cross-over' from classical to contemporary goes horribly wrong. Groban is a great singer, lovely voice etc. but the tone and delivery of Grobans voice remains at its best within the light classics/pop music. If you want to hear this song as it was intended it is sung by Tom Fox for a band call Bright Blue based in Cape Town South Africa. I do like Josh Groban but this is not a song for him it sounds just awful.
je7788 4 years ago
I don't agree but you make a good argument. I'll check out the other version.
toksik34 4 years ago
i love this song
silentshadow1990 4 years ago 2
cont.
"The man" referred to in the Weeping lyrics is the late P. W. Botha, one of the last white leaders of South Africa before the end of the Apartheid regime;
The "demon he could never face" in the Weeping lyrics refers to the aspirations of the oppressed majority,
while the Weeping lyrics also refer to the "neighbors", literally the journalists from other countries who were monitoring the situation in South Africa.
Lilaclion 4 years ago
Very interesting, I never knew that and I often wondered what it was really about.
AmandaV03 4 years ago
Quotes from the website of the man who wrote this song.(I'm unable to post the link)
I'm Dan Heymann, and I wrote the words and music of "Weeping" during the mid-1980's
when I was an unwilling soldier, drafted into the army of South Africa's white-supremacist regime.
I've been asked many times about the symbolism in my Weeping lyrics, so maybe I should say something here.
Actually, there isn't much of a riddle to these Weeping lyrics;
Lilaclion 4 years ago
Not too bad. But nothing matches the emotion of hearing the great Vusi Mahlasela singing this live in the new South Africa, hand in hand with black and coloured friends. Great hopes for a great future
babucurry 4 years ago
Ooh im doing this song in Choir :]
Sazicalia 4 years ago
This song rocks!
youarenuts84 4 years ago
I want the lyrics to this song explained to me too! Help!
JoanMarlene 4 years ago
i love this song but i dont know what its abiout so if anyone can explain 2 me i would greatley appresheate it
777derek777 4 years ago
I've never heard this song but it is a good one! It makes you think.
CoWcLoCk101 4 years ago
Brilliant
rizza816 4 years ago
What an honor to meet ArchBishop Tutu!How I wish the struggle were much easier for all the opressed people in the world.But with all great struggles there comes great victories. I hope South Africa,and all the struggeling nations peace and happiness,and although the struggle is hard and difficult,may the process be worth every bit. The song is very inspiring,and Josh does a great job!
Keep going!
HardcoreHorrorChick 4 years ago
One person, one at a time. Practice it first in your own life, then pass it on. A simple act of Compassion to a friend first is easiest, then to one who has hurt you is more difficult ... the most difficult though ... practice Compassion upon yourself.
labeadaloca 4 years ago
A fervent AMEN to that!!
martita46 4 years ago
As with all great works, each person finds their own meaning, in addition to the meaning that the artist leads us to understand what is in their heart.
These lyrics are absolutely amazing. Before understanding that this was about Aparthied, i heard my life being told ... my own denials of others controlling me. It was amazing.
And now ... i understand ... and agree ... Freedom. For what it's worth, cross reference this song to Garth Brooks "We Shall All Be Free."
labeadaloca 4 years ago
It's a pitty it took so long to obtain freedom.
God bless all the people who sacrificed their lives in this battle.But the battle rages on,in other locations. There will always be a battle for freedom,no matter where you are in thie world.South Africa is still growing in this fight today. Stay the course,someday there WILL be total freedom for it's people!
HardcoreHorrorChick 4 years ago
My favorite from Josh. YAAAAAY! ^__^
shooma311 5 years ago
this is one of my favorite songs from the album! great video!
Lauren7147 5 years ago
bloody good stuff!! beautiful song... lulaby is another good one from the album
EloiseLark 5 years ago
This song is Absolutely BEAUTIFUL. He's the best, Josh Groban.
chorusreb 5 years ago
This is the first song by Josh Groban I've heard. What an introduction!! A fantastic voice singing a great song. Ladysmith is a great touch. Their voices add to both the message and the music. Maybe there could be more work between the two. Thanks tigerkitty, you've made a new Josh Groban fan!
m5keeney 5 years ago
This is a South African anti-apartheid protest song. Initially sung by Bright Blue (if I'm not mistaken) one of the most famous anti-apartheid songs. They had snuck a few bars of the then-banned Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika (God Bless Africa) into the song. I love Bright Blue's version! The Soweto Gospel Choir also did an excellent version recently.
satyne1 5 years ago
ye i also prefer the original, although this version is beautiful
ngiyadela 5 years ago
yes, Bright Blue's version was beautiful, and far more powerful because of the context in which it was sung. I think Groban has a lovely voice, but I find it annoying when our South African protest songs are appropriated like this for a new generation who doesn't understand what we went through to achieve democracy.
lizbetfree 5 years ago
At first, I didn't know what the song was about and I looked up as much as I could and still couldn't find information. Now that I understand what the song is about, I feel like I did this song some unjustice.
tigerkitty2300 5 years ago
Took the word right out of my mouth, I who is from southern Africa looked at the clip. It does not do justice for what we have had to endure and continue to endure. This song is a pillar of South Africa well respected song.
mzemenge 4 years ago
I've met His Grace ArchBishop Tutu ... he opened my eyes as to what went on. I have learned my lessons first hand to achieve your democracy. Both my wife and i were humbled in his presence. Yet both were aware of what went on in Southern Africa, but to hear it from him was amazing. We would like to visit South Africa some day.
labeadaloca 4 years ago
It's actually Ladysmith Black Mambazo singing with Josh. The album is wonderful and this is the best song on it. Good job on the video, I could listen to it all day.
neeners0006 5 years ago
tigerkitty, you are an image wizard. Greatly appreciate your interpretations of Groban's terrific music!
miguelito44 5 years ago
Thank you so much!!! ^__^ I'm glad to meet other Josh Groban fans because I don't really know any here where I live. I'm glad to be able to share this music with everyone! Thanks!
tigerkitty2300 5 years ago
why hasn't anyone created the invetiable anti-war song with this song?
greg2230 5 years ago
I'm in absolute agreement. That's what I'm watching for.
Gaddian 5 years ago
Visu Mahlasela, a black South African, sang this song years ago. His version can be heard on his album "The Voice". These are his words from the booklet in this same album:
keithidiot77 5 years ago
I sang this song with passion in my understanding that it is sowing the seed of reconciliation, as it was written by a white South African who was a conscripted soldier during the time when there was much turmoil in the country, and he was deployed with Casspirs (armoured vehicles) in the townships. What he saw in the townships shocked him and he acknowledged that it was wrong and inhuman. The song is also about the architecture of Apartheid (Hendrik Verwoerd).
keithidiot77 5 years ago
that's what i first thought,but no,it's actually about the south africa apartheid.
greg2230 5 years ago
Thanks for the info.
elgcpa 5 years ago
I know this is some sort of social commentary, but about what? Is it about the Bush and the war? Don't get me wrong, I like the song, I just don't get it.
elgcpa 5 years ago
Great song, and as I haven't been able to afford the album yet, this is really a life-saver!
SarahsChanson 5 years ago
I hope you'll get the album soon! It's really wonderful!
tigerkitty2300 5 years ago
greate song, I love it:)keepin it up
mrjingels 5 years ago
I love this song, this album, and most of all i love JOSH GROBAN!
supertwilight 5 years ago
you're not the only one.
tigerkitty2300 5 years ago
i love this song so much!
icblue21 5 years ago
Thanks. I put this song on here because no one else had and it's such a wonderful song that I had to put it on here. I'll be sure to put more of Josh Groban's songs on here. Anyway, thanks again.
tigerkitty2300 5 years ago
Good job. Beautiful song and great video :)
Lilian00 5 years ago
thank you. this is such an important song,in needs a broader audience.
greg2230 5 years ago