Song meaning of Africa by Hall & Oates

The song "Africa" by Hall & Oates tells the story of a woman who travels to Africa, leaving her partner behind. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of her journey and the challenges she faces in a foreign land. The refrain of "Ahh-ahh-ahh-ahh" creates a sense of mystery and exoticism, setting the tone for the narrative.

In the first verse, the singer describes how his partner went to Africa with a "dirty lens photographer" and a "make-up man and a love-sick lover." This suggests that she may have gone to Africa for a photoshoot or some kind of work related to beauty and fashion. The mention of her having a "U.S. body and a real light tan" highlights the contrast between her American identity and the African environment she finds herself in.

The chorus repeats the line "My baby went to Africa," emphasizing the distance between the singer and his partner. The urgency in the lyrics is evident when the singer declares, "I packed my bags, I gotta get to her before the lions and tigers try to jump on her bones." This line conveys a sense of protectiveness and a fear of the dangers his partner may face in Africa.

The outro of the song reinforces the theme of cultural exchange and the beauty of Africa, as the singer sings, "Let the folks back home see the native beauty." Overall, "Africa" by Hall & Oates is a poignant tale of love, separation, and the allure of a distant land, with the lyrics capturing the complexities of relationships and the longing for connection across borders.