Gimme Hope Jo'anna

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims.
Please improve the article by adding references. See the talk page for details. (January 2008)

“Gimme Hope Jo'anna”

Single by Eddy Grant from the album File Under Rock
B-side	"Say Hello to Fidel"
Released	1988 (1988)
Format	7", 12"
Recorded	Blue Wave Studios, Saint Philip, Barbados
Genre	Reggae
Writer(s)	Eddy Grant
Producer	Eddy Grant

"Gimme Hope Jo'anna" is a song originally by Eddy Grant, a well-known anti-apartheid reggae anthem from the 1980s, during apartheid in South Africa. The song was banned by the South African government when it was released. It reached #7 in the UK Singles Chart, becoming his first Top 10 hit for more than five years.

1 Lyrics
2 Chart performance
3 Cover versions
4 References
5 External link

[edit] Lyrics

"Jo'anna" in the lyrics represents not only the city of Johannesburg, but also the South African Apartheid Government. Soweto is a black township near Johannesburg. The apartheid army was well-known for "sneaking across the neighbours' borders" to fight in other countries. The archbishop is Desmond Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his opposition to apartheid.

"She's got supporters in high places Who turn their heads to the city sun" represents the unwillingness of the international community, at first, to take action against the South African government for using the Apartheid system. It is also a reference to Sun City, the South African luxury resort." She even knows how to swing opinion In every magazine and the journals" represents the propaganda which the media contributed which attributed to the success of the Apartheid system.