"Shaking the Tree" by Peter Gabriel and Youssou N'Dour

I discovered this song because a YouTuber used it as background music for a video shot in Paris. I guess that's because there is some French (I think it's French) in the song. I see in Wikipedia that Youssou N'Dour is from Senegal and his name is French.

Anyway, I really like this song and I like the lyrics. I tried to get official lyrics but couldn't get my hands on them. So I used a lyrics website and supplemented it with my own changes according to what my ears are telling me. I've left out all of the French and the repetition.

"Shaking the Tree" by Peter Gabriel and Youssou N'Dour

Waiting your time, dreaming of a better life
Waiting your time, you're more than just a wife
Don't have to do what your mother has done, she has done
This is your life, this new life that's begun

It's your day, woman's day
It's your day, woman's day

Turning the tide, you are on the incoming wave
Turning the tide, no you are nobody's slave
Find your brothers and sisters who can hear all the truth in what you say
They can support you when you're on your way

It's your day, woman's day
It's your day, woman's day

Changing your ways, changing what's surrounding you
Changing your ways, more than any man can do
Open your heart; show him the anger and pain, so you heal
Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel

You had to be so strong
And you do nothing wrong, nothing wrong at all
We're gonna break it down
We have to shake it down, shake it all around



Do you like it?

I'm a huge fan of Peter Gabriel so I was thrilled to see this pop up .. excellent song! as are most of his songs

Originally posted by Mary Rose
Open your heart; show him the anger and pain, so you heal
Maybe he's looking for his womanly side, let him feel

Those lines bring to my mind a generalization of the need for balance between male and female energies in how we interact in society - in the world - in politics and international politics.

Interpreted in dance:

I too love Peter Gabriel, this song is a wonderful affirmation for women. We do so much, often unacknowledged. I enjoy anything that celebrates the incredibly remarkable creatures we are.