Johannesburg
with LOVE and a GOOD EXAMPLEJo’burg came into existence around its massive gold mines. It is now S.Africa’s largest city, and the financial hub of Africa.
Ambition, hunger and oblivion
Intermingle with the teeming crowds
While the Golden City lies, lies sprawling
In a sunrise of rose-apple clouds
Clickety-clack and the rush is on
In its mad commuter, step up and shoot her, endless pursuit of a rage
Here the Highveld throbs – it’s where it’s at
Thankful if we get a daily wage
Higher and higher young Africa sprouts
- The workers toil on and on
With strong broad shoulders, kept going with a song
Shosholoza, Shosholoza*
Clickety-clack and the rush is on
In its mad commuter, step up and shoot her, endless pursuit of a rage
Here the Highveld throbs – it’s where it’s at
Thankful if we get a daily wage
Mine dumps - symbols of Jo’burg’s eternal quest
The hope and hell of her great glittering goal
Their story tells of young Africa blessed
With Golden Dreams for her indigent soul
Clickety-clack and the rush is on
In its mad commuter, step up and shoot her, endless pursuit of a rage
Here the Highveld throbs – it’s where it’s at
Thankful if we get a daily wage
Hate it or join it you can’t fight the flames
This colossus remains number one
Departing thunderstorms, sweet smells from the rains
She glistens and she basks in the evening sun
Clickety-clack and the rush is on
In its mad commuter, step up and shoot her, endless pursuit of a rage
Here the Highveld throbs – it’s where it’s at
Hopes and dreams hallmark her Golden Age
Copyright © 1971-2023 JMD Meyer + Cello part: Copyright © 2023 CJP Meyer
Cellos played by Carmella, all other instruments & voices by Daniel
- The song ‘Shosholoza’ was originally introduced by the big strong Matabele who came from Zimbabwe to work on the mines. ‘Shosholoza’ means go forward or make way for the next man, in Ndebele. It is sung by all working miners in time with the rhythm of swinging their axes to dig. The workers use it as a term of encouragement for each other.