Toto's Africa

I only wish I had heard this song before this week. Toto's Africa is a masterpiece. The tune is intriguing and it brings you into the song. I do not totally understand the choice of words, such as "I bless the rains," e.g. However, the words seem to fit perfectly with the melody and the harmonies. One of the coolest parts of this song is the overriding theme that starts from the very beginning. The change of chords in this theme is very catchy and enhances the funk of the song. Here's the music video.



As you saw, the accountant was an African American lady (who could've been African or South American in reality). I don't want to seem like a racist, but I think this has some significance. I think he's talking about his love to this African woman. Obviously, the lyrics such as "wild dogs cry out in the night" and the background music of African marimbas, bongos, the African sounding flute, and the gong all establish that the song has to do with more than just love; it has to do with a primitive and tropical love. If you listen to the song without looking at the video, you may be unsure why he says "I bless the rains down in Africa," but if you see the woman, it all makes sense. He's praising Africa as being itself. He is praising Africa for its beauty and for making way for this young, beautiful woman to be with him. That's what the song is about.