SORROW TEARS AND BLOOD 

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screenshot from spotify

Sorrow tears and blood was released in 1977 by the prolific artist and father of afrobeat Fela kuti. The song exposes the mischief of the political class and the predicament of the Nigerian populace.

(Eh-ya!)

Everybody run run run (Eh-ya!)

Everybody scatter scatter (Eh-ya!)

Some people lost some bread (Eh-ya!)

Someone nearly die (Eh-ya!)

Someone just die (Eh-ya!)

Police they come, army they come (Eh-ya!)

Confusion everywhere (Eh-ya!)

The opening chorus captures the chaotic nature of the nation, which interestingly coincides with the current state of the nation. It is ironic that 46 years after this song was released Nigerians are still on the run from their captors–the political elites. It makes me wonder if there will ever be a break from this cycle of doom.

Contrary to what you might think, the song isn't one that fills one with despair. For starters, it is quite melodic. I find myself bumping my head to the soothing melody whilst pondering over the melancholic lyrics of the song.

Them leave sorrow, tears and blood (Them regular trademark)

Nigeria's democracy is sucked in the blood of the innocent to satisfy the greed of the political class, and this song crystalized who the enemy is and their modus operandi. I do not doubt what to expect when interacting with them whether it be on the road protesting or in the queue voting.

One of the many mistakes we Nigerians make when interacting with the political elites is that we somehow convince ourselves that they are willing to play fair, but end up being disappointed when they don't. They are willing to kill, maim, and lie to protect their interest.

Sorrow Tears and Blood is not a song that fills me with hope, but it offers me some level of clarity that displaces my rage and disappointment over our unyielding fight for justice and equity in the state. However, for now, that is enough. Cheers!

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It is extremely sad that this our reality.

When one begins to steal, they gradually pass limits and eventually get to a point where they don't know when to stop. That is the case of our politicians.

They could have all the money and power in the world and still want more.
And this is all done, unfortunately, to the detriment of the people.

Nigeria has so much potential but it is not tapped into because of the selfish interest of the politicians.

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(Edited)

I relate to music on so many levels and I haven't listened to this but I relate with how you feel.

One of the many mistakes we Nigerians make when interacting with the political elites is that we somehow convince ourselves that they are willing to play fair, but end up being disappointed when they don't. They are willing to kill, maim, and lie to protect their interest.

We can be really naive, that is a fact!

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