Gimme Hope Jo'anna

This song is very important in South Africa is probably the most popular song in the country. The meaning is very important and I am surprised it is not discussed here. Jo'anna most certainly refers to Johannesburg, the largest and in many respects capital city of South Africa during Apartheid, a centre of the Apartheid government and legislative headquarters. Apartheid, meaning 'separation' in the South African language Afrikaans, was a period during which many different races were segregated in every respect, with laws favouring the white minority of the country in everything ranging from education to healthcare access (see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid). For example, non-white people could not live in the same areas, go to the same hospitals, study, work, or shop in the same places as whites and were restricted to a poorer quality of life in every respect.

This song is important because it was a message not just to the world about what was happening in South Africa at the time, but also a message of hope to the millions living under segregation during Apartheid. It is for this reason that this song was banned by the Apartheid regime in South Africa. It was part of a worldwide campaign of sanctions against South Africa from the rest of the world that lead to the fall of Apartheid.

The first chorus refers to Jo'anna as the regime that at the time implemented and enforced racist laws to 'run' South Africa. Durban is another major city in South Africa, and Transvaal an area - indicating that these laws effect many but only a few (the white minority) are 'made happy'. The next lines introduce Apartheid, and how it keeps 'a brother' (non white population) in 'subjection'. It is noted that international pressure that has begun (sanctions against South Africa) and condemnation of Apartheid may make the Jo'anna stop these acts and alws.

The chorus, while happy, can be seen as a sincere plea to the government to give an indication that they are willing to change their extreme views and policies so that the non-white population can have a chance at a better life.

The second verse mentions 'golden money'. About 60% of old gold in the world was mined in Johannesburg, and this was the basis of the economy. This was used to arm the government ('shape of guns'). 'Soweto' was the largest township near Johannesburg. This is a poor, informal settlement area where blacks were forced to live. If you've ever seen the movie District 9, the area in which aliens live is a representation of Soweto. Police patrols were fequent and many deaths occured during unrests in Soweto. 'Sneakin across all the neighbours borders...' refers to South Africa invading neighbouring countries like Namibia in response to sanctions and other political action against the Apartheid regime.

'She's got supporters in high up places' may refer to the fact that political support of the Apartheid regieme came from the USA during the cold war for reasons I will not go into. 'Who turn their heads to the city sun' refers to Sun City - an exclusive luxry resorts for whites only in SA. 'She even knows how to swing opinion..' describes how good the Apartheid government were at explaining and arguing that Apartheid was needed in SA and for example, labelling Nelson Mandela as a terrorist etc.

The last verse refers to Archbishop Demond Tutu, an important South African anti revolutionary who, together with Mandela and others, oversaw peaceful protests and won a Nobel prize for this. 'Can't you see that the tide is turning...' refers to the fact that many countries had sanctioned SA and it was struggling to survive.

This is probably Eddy Grant's most serious and content rich songs, hope you learnt something.