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Youssou N'Dour — Chimes of Freedom
Album: The Guide (Wommat)
Avg rating:
5.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 899









Released: 1994
Length: 4:50
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Far between sundown's finish an' midnight's broken toll
We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing
As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds
Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing
Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
An' for each an' ev'ry underdog soldier in the night
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing

In the city's melted furnace, unexpectedly we watched
With faces hidden while the walls were tightening
As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin' rain
Dissolved into the bells of the lightning
Tolling for the rebel, tolling for the rake
Tolling for the luckless, the abandoned an' forsaked
Tolling for the outcast, burnin' constantly at stake
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing

Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail
The sky cracked its poems in naked wonder
That the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze
Leaving only bells of lightning and its thunder
Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind
Striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind
An' the unpawned painter behind beyond his rightful time
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing

Through the wild cathedral evening the rain unraveled tales
For the disrobed faceless forms of no position
Tolling for the tongues with no place to bring their thoughts
All down in taken-for-granted situations
Tolling for the deaf an' blind, tolling for the mute
Tolling for the mistreated, mateless mother, the mistitled prostitute
For the misdemeanor outlaw, chased an' cheated by pursuit
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing

Even though a cloud's white curtain in a far-off corner flashed
An' the hypnotic splattered mist was slowly lifting
Electric light still struck like arrows, fired but for the ones
Condemned to drift or else be kept from drifting
Tolling for the searching ones, on their speechless, seeking trail
For the lonesome-hearted lovers with too personal a tale
An' for each unharmful, gentle soul misplaced inside a jail
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing

Starry-eyed an' laughing as I recall when we were caught
Trapped by no track of hours for they hanged suspended
As we listened one last time an' we watched with one last look
Spellbound an' swallowed 'til the tolling ended
Tolling for the aching ones whose wounds cannot be nursed
For the countless confused, accused, misused, strung-out ones an' worse
An' for every hung-up person in the whole wide universe
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing
Comments (146)add comment
 justin4kick wrote:

He's from Senegal and doesn't sing in French {#Cheesygrin} 
 

It's probably Wolof.
gives me goosebumps
 benhardt57 wrote:

Then I guess the same applies to whatever language they sing in Senegal.

 
same in any language.
 justin4kick wrote:

He's from Senegal and doesn't sing in French {#Cheesygrin} 

 
Then I guess the same applies to whatever language they sing in Senegal.
 benhardt57 wrote:

For some reason, I enjoy hearing French songs sung by females, but I'm not crazy about French male singers.

 
He's from Senegal and doesn't sing in French {#Cheesygrin} 
 thewiseking wrote:
awful vocalist. sounds like he's drawing through his nose and then spitting

 
For some reason, I enjoy hearing French songs sung by females, but I'm not crazy about French male singers.
Nice!
awful vocalist. sounds like he's drawing through his nose and then spitting
Agreed.  

markg063 wrote:
Great cover. Seems to have even more impact coming from Youssou N'Dour.

 


 calispera wrote:
Most of the time I dislike covers. And for this one, I fell under the spell. Youssou'n Dour gives a very nice rythm dimension to this song, opening it at a World dimension when integrating another music culture on it. And this song being a classic, and a full meaning song, I hail this.

 
You mean that this is actually a cover? Well, at least it's eclectic if not aesthetically pleasing.  My 1 cancels someone else's 9.
Oddly enough when I heard this playing from the other room I thought it was the Bee Gees singing nonsense lyrics.
 Ginetta wrote:
Awful!{#Drunk}
 
Bunch of meh
{#Crashcomp} NOW STOP.......

Thank you and I would like to present you with this golden 1
Great cover. Seems to have even more impact coming from Youssou N'Dour.
Most of the time I dislike covers. And for this one, I fell under the spell. Youssou'n Dour gives a very nice rythm dimension to this song, opening it at a World dimension when integrating another music culture on it. And this song being a classic, and a full meaning song, I hail this.
Awful!{#Drunk}
 DigitalJer wrote:
Wow...Can Youssou do no wrong?
Stong 8

 
Correct, but I will raise you a 9
Very nice!
beautiful song !
   good stuff  {#Clap}
 (Banned) wrote:
This kinda reminds me of that song by I think it's Fun?

 
This is true.  Good laugh.  I do not know who is copying whom... the Fun song is "Carry On"...
A 7 on the PC scale. A 4 on the music scale.

Nothing beats the Byrds cover of this song.
Wow...Can Youssou do no wrong?
Stong 8
 TheKing2 wrote:
was there a bit of peter gabriel in this song?

 
Only in that they have collaborated many times.
was there a bit of peter gabriel in this song?
This kinda reminds me of that song by I think it's Fun?
Definitely not the stand-out track in musical inventiveness on this album, but a very nice closing track, and he chose to cover it for a very good reason.
Just stunning - indeed the ultimate compliment to Dylan and proof of the song's universality
This goes out to Sasha..."Babe....I got you babe..."  {#Lol}  {#Arrowd}
 Sasha2001 wrote:



No, it's Forever Young by Bob Dylan.
 
Is this the African version of "I got you babe"??
sounds like it.
  

Uhh, right church, wrong pew.  Glad you're not playing Name That Tune on my team. That particular Dylan nor Sonny and Cher it ain't. 


We gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing. 


I think Youssou can rightly sing a Dylan piece of universal significance (mostly) in his own language.  






The lyrics stopped me in my tracks. Wow. 
 schayler wrote:
Sounds like Kermit the Frog and the Swedish Chef trying to sing Dylan.
 
And here's a clip from the pop video of that song...
 
 sidetrak wrote:
This music definitely gets a WTF?!? from everyone that walks past my desk at work.{#Ask}
 
That should usually be a good thing - not always, though.  At least it may distract them from the porn site on your monitor.
Sounds like Kermit the Frog and the Swedish Chef trying to sing Dylan.
 Byronape wrote:
I thought Bill said that the music was from "You Shall Endure."  After clicking submit, I'm hitting PSD cuz I'd rather not endure this.  

Just not an Afro-pop fan. 
 



Utterly terrible!
I thought Bill said that the music was from "You Shall Endure."  After clicking submit, I'm hitting PSD cuz I'd rather not endure this.  

Just not an Afro-pop fan. 
 boober wrote:
Is this the African version of "I got you babe"??
sounds like it.
 



No, it's Forever Young by Bob Dylan.
digging this! had to give it a 10 hoping to improve the unfair rating...imo ;)
 drewd wrote:

I heard it too, Glad you said it first.........

 

Get outta here - it's Chimes of Freedom guys
 boober wrote:
Is this the African version of "I got you babe"??
sounds like it.
 
I heard it too, Glad you said it first.........

quite likeable
One of the greatest songs ever and this just shows that it crosses all borders.
Oh yes, some good tunes from Africa. Another of my favorites is Wasis Diop, who actually only put out 1 good album, but what an album.
 sidetrak wrote:
This music definitely gets a WTF?!? from everyone that walks past my desk at work.{#Ask}
 
HERE TOO! LOL

This is really inspiring and uplifting music. A breath of fresh air in a oil soaked, stale world. Thanks.
Very cool.
I love this version of this song.

Youssou N'dour - "Immigrés/Bitim Rew" Live
"This song is off the Immigres album.. I am luck to have seen Youssou when he toured with Peter Gabriel in the late 1980's.. Really opened my eyes to music outside of the contemporary rock I was listening to.. I have the Immigres album (cd).. and Love it.. "

"I got the opportunity to see Youssou a few months back at the BAM in Brooklyn, NY in the US. I was not a fan until I saw his performance. It was truly amazing! "

 boober wrote: Classic
Is this the African version of "I got you babe"??
sounds like it.
 


One  of my favorite artists played here, hell, anywhere!{#Clap}
 romeotuma wrote:


I don't know wtf he's saying, but this song sure sounds groovy...
 
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bobdylan/chimesoffreedom.html

one of the weaker songs on an excellent album.  #11 is to die for.
Cool!
 alphachimp wrote:
So where the hell's the cute children's choir ? More reverb. And what about some actual chimes ?
 
Yah, it's a bit precious (with apologies to Zimmerman).


 AdyMiles wrote:
ho hum. can't wait 'til it ends
 
7 seconds from the same author is muuuuuuuch better

ho hum. can't wait 'til it ends
#2   out of everything

So where the hell's the cute children's choir ? More reverb. And what about some actual chimes ?
 calypsus_1 wrote:

 

It seems there are users in RP Station that behave as agitators and destructive; and poor education and lack of respect; frustation repressed? infantis behaviour? Bizarre situations? are a genuine obstacle and nuisance to who frequents the RP Station with interest the positive aspects and seriously; should in future there by the administrator a default filter good habits and customs that avoids this type of abuse.

These situations "gratuitous-pure-exhibitionism" telling should be given warning, and if they are not binding, must be banned.


Youssou N'dour - Chimes of Freedom-  ** 7 **



 Maybe we'll ban you next for the incredibly hard to read bad grammer.  Maybe while we're at it we can ban everyone that doesn't agree with the hippie, grass smoking, bunny hugging, baby murdering, anti-gun, anti-Christian, anti-USA, one-world peace and harmony, anti-capitilist, anti-white, pro gay marriage, anti-male, left-wing liberal media agenda.  Maybe we'll just ban them straight to the gas chambers so we can all hold hands, eat vegetables, hug bunnies, kill our unborn, and love our mother Earth in peace and harmony.  We better hurry before they decide to do the same thing to us.

And no, the irony of talking about banning people of any sort from anything in a comment for a song called "Chimes of Freedom" is not lost on me.

I can't tell if you're legit or just pulling our leg, but wow dude, if you're legit, you need a new translator.


This music definitely gets a WTF?!? from everyone that walks past my desk at work.{#Ask}
Is this the African version of "I got you babe"??
sounds like it.
Oh so this is the guy who sings with Sting sometimes.  Cool


 
dmax wrote:
Saw this on the Amnesty Tour as well. How moving to see Tracy Chapman, Sting, Gabriel, Youssou, Lou Reed, and Bruce Springsteen come to the front and do verses of this. (Yes, I know they didn't all do it on the same tour - I saw at least two tours)
 


 Grizzly_old_man wrote:

I don't necessarily hate this tune but I can tell you it definitely in not on my top ten list of tunes I would want to hear if I were on a deserted island.

Ain't what I call rock'n roll.

 

  R P ain't just about R & R.

Bill must be on holidays!!!  This set is same four plays as on January 27.



Knowing a little more about Youssou N'dour and his selfless contributions to peace and freedom helps put this Dylan cover in better perspective.

Love and respect the man. Still, my preference is the live Springsteen version.

I don't necessarily hate this tune but I can tell you it definitely in not on my top ten list of tunes I would want to hear if I were on a deserted island.

It may well be the number one top smash hit in Africa {and other countries, though doubt it} but it is not for me.

Ain't what I call rock'n roll.

There are plenty of tunes produced right here in the USA that I feel the same way about, not just this one, or even this genre.

It seems to me even the artist was bored with it as he was recording it. The musicians just sorta plod along, not like it was even enjoyable to them, more like it was just a job they had to do to make a few bucks, no matter what.

You might guess I'm pretty bored with a lot of music and I guess you'd be right. The ones I really like probably would not be on your top ten list for deserted islands either.


You haters. Get a life!
 calypsus_1 wrote:

 

It seems there are users in RP Station that behave as agitators and destructive; and poor education and lack of respect; frustation repressed? infantis behaviour? Bizarre situations? are a genuine obstacle and nuisance to who frequents the RP Station with interest the positive aspects and seriously; should in future there by the administrator a default filter good habits and customs that avoids this type of abuse.

 
Yes they MUST be banned!!!!{#Stop}
Great segue to
Peter Gabriel - Don't Give Up
;Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Coldplay - Viva la Vida
 
Bill's on a roll this morning. As always!!!

 

It seems there are users in RP Station that behave as agitators and destructive; and poor education and lack of respect; frustation repressed? infantis behaviour? Bizarre situations? are a genuine obstacle and nuisance to who frequents the RP Station with interest the positive aspects and seriously; should in future there by the administrator a default filter good habits and customs that avoids this type of abuse.

These situations "gratuitous-pure-exhibitionism" telling should be given warning, and if they are not binding, must be banned.


Youssou N'dour - Chimes of Freedom-  ** 7 **


Much rather hear the original (didn't the Byrds cover this?)!


 justlistening wrote:
Quite a few years ago I posted that I didn't like this guys voice and I just noticed that I got slammed for being a snobby American who doesn't understand the African way of singing. I still don't like his voice. I don't like everything that Elvis did either. What does that make me? Not liking something from a particular genre is not a condemnation of the entire genre.
 
It makes you a Bad American.{#Nyah}

Seriously tho', these boards do denigrate at times and some folks on the Internet have bad manners.  You can't let it get to you.  

If 95% of everything (incl. American and African music) is crap, I like to think that we're sifting for the top 5% and that's what should get played here.  

Of course there's going to be disagreement over what that 5% is but suggesting that 100% of African music (or anyone's music) makes the cut?

Sorry, we just want the top 5% here. 

Yeah, he is just awesome! But 7 seconds is absolutely the best of him for now! I just Love that song!!!
Despite not understanding any of the words — apart from the refrain in English — I still love to hear this song. It would be on my top ten Dylan covers without a doubt.
This guy is really overrated and also managed to lower the quality of every Peter Gabriel song he ever appeared in.

I dunno. Has some appeal for me and rhythmically works beautifully following Pink Floyd and Peter Gabriel.
Quite a few years ago I posted that I didn't like this guys voice and I just noticed that I got slammed for being a snobby American who doesn't understand the African way of singing. I still don't like his voice. I don't like everything that Elvis did either. What does that make me? Not liking something from a particular genre is not a condemnation of the entire genre.
CCinSB wrote:
IS this what he is singing? Far between sundowns finish an midnights broken toll We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight An for each an evry underdog soldier in the night An we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing. In the citys melted furnace, unexpectedly we watched With faces hidden while the walls were tightening As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin rain Dissolved into the bells of the lightning Tolling for the rebel, tolling for the rake Tolling for the luckless, the abandoned an forsaked Tolling for the outcast, burnin constantly at stake An we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing. Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail The sky cracked its poems in naked wonder That the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze Leaving only bells of lightning and its thunder Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind Striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind An the unpawned painter behind beyond his rightful time An we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing. etc etc
Yes, the original is by Bob Dylan and in my opinion far far superior, lyrically one of his best songs ever.
for me anyway.....
Not bad, but.... It wasn't until I heard Bruce do a cover that I finally "got" Bruce. His cover is better.
I have no idea what that song is about, but it is very pleasant to the ear.
margharite wrote:
BEST BEST BEST I adore Youssou N'Dour since I heard 7 seconds...
7 seconds....that's a great song!
I don\'t hate it, but it\'s starting to irritate me sort of. So-so.
Nice Dylan cover... cool take on an old tune.
Thanks so much, RP, for introducing me to this great artist! I've loved everything I've heard.
Ring the bells of Freedom, good one Youssou!
I'd like to hear more 'world music', or music with non-English lyrics, if it's good. Frankly, I don't enjoy this. But please continue to challenge our ethnocentric views by exposing us to different cultures' music.
xkolibuul wrote:
Sorry, that's not even CLOSE to adequate. Youssou has an impressive body of work all on his own. He has been an innovator and pathbreaker in Senegalese and "world" music and deserves to be heard on RP even more than he is. As for his voice...I like it, but to each their own. He is certainly unconventional, but no less tuneful than Bob Dylan, Kate Bush, or many other unconventional voices heard here.
"Adequate"? The thought expressed was an opinion and as such is not subject to judgments of adequacy. Maybe it doesn't agree with yours. That's a different matter. It doesn't agree with mine, either--I find the voice just fine. It's the whole style of music that makes me want to break things, and to wish he were played much, much less here. N'dour's contributions to his genre may indeed be pathbreaking; good for him. That earns him respect, but doesn't begin to imply that it's somehow "inadequate" to dislike his voice, or his style of music. He won't be played less. I'll continue to contribute anyway. And to post utterly adequate opinions.
Sorry, that's not even CLOSE to adequate. Youssou has an impressive body of work all on his own. He has been an innovator and pathbreaker in Senegalese and "world" music and deserves to be heard on RP even more than he is. As for his voice...I like it, but to each their own. He is certainly unconventional, but no less tuneful than Bob Dylan, Kate Bush, or many other unconventional voices heard here. mamerjamer wrote:
I rarely "change the channel" when listening to Radio Paradise, but I have just had enough of this guy. Thank you Peter Gabriel for introducing us to him (at least it sounds like the same guy), but a little goes a very long way with his voice, which tends to have the same effect on my ears as fingernails on a blackboard after a while. In my opinion, hearing this guy on Peter Gabriel's music is more than adequate.
IS this what he is singing? Far between sundowns finish an midnights broken toll We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight An for each an evry underdog soldier in the night An we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing. In the citys melted furnace, unexpectedly we watched With faces hidden while the walls were tightening As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin rain Dissolved into the bells of the lightning Tolling for the rebel, tolling for the rake Tolling for the luckless, the abandoned an forsaked Tolling for the outcast, burnin constantly at stake An we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing. Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail The sky cracked its poems in naked wonder That the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze Leaving only bells of lightning and its thunder Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind Striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind An the unpawned painter behind beyond his rightful time An we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing. etc etc
mamerjamer wrote:
I rarely "change the channel" when listening to Radio Paradise, but I have just had enough of this guy. Thank you Peter Gabriel for introducing us to him (at least it sounds like the same guy), but a little goes a very long way with his voice, which tends to have the same effect on my ears as fingernails on a blackboard after a while. In my opinion, hearing this guy on Peter Gabriel's music is more than adequate.
I'm with you on this one. Outside of Kurt Cobain's lousy guitar playing, not too much irritates my ears.
I rarely "change the channel" when listening to Radio Paradise, but I have just had enough of this guy. Thank you Peter Gabriel for introducing us to him (at least it sounds like the same guy), but a little goes a very long way with his voice, which tends to have the same effect on my ears as fingernails on a blackboard after a while. In my opinion, hearing this guy on Peter Gabriel's music is more than adequate.
I really like the drumming on this one. It gets me.
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
The accordian doesn't suit - sounds too American southern cajun or something.
The accordian is actually a very prominent instument in contemporary african music.
I'm getting kind of tired of this one.
lester wrote:
Ah, the uneducated -- where would we be without them?
Wouldn't it be nice to find out?
I think this sh*t is awesome. Definitely hits me in both the heart and the head. More of this kind of World Music..... an' yeah, I'm just another 6th generation ignorant Texican myself.
this sounds like a wolof version of "i got you babe". not diggin' it...BEAR in mind, i'm just an uneducated 'texican'
Shesdifferent wrote:
No, I actually hear "Lion King"
For sure...
annanyc wrote:
Just to help you out, it isn't Swahili, it's Wolof, one of the languages of Senegal where he is from. In other news, I saw him in concert at Carnegie Hall this past Wednesday, and I tell you people, it was BREATHTAKING...he is an amazing person, a talented musician, and wise as well. I was overwhelmed. I was thinking of posting more infor about it in the forums section.
I completely can't stand the music. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't be fascinated to hear more about the show and the culture. Post on!
The accordian doesn't suit - sounds too American southern cajun or something.
Essbee wrote:
Music for the politically correct.
As a fellow Texan, I have to say...huh? I just want to remind all the non-Texans out there not to despise the entire state. We aren't all ignorant!
Essbee wrote:
Music for the politically correct.
Geez... This is just a guy who makes music who isn't from the United States. I don't understand your comment.
Essbee wrote:
Music for the politically correct.
Ah, the arrogant Texicans.... Where would we be without them?
tony620d wrote:
press 4 for swaheelie!
Just to help you out, it isn't Swahili, it's Wolof, one of the languages of Senegal where he is from. In other news, I saw him in concert at Carnegie Hall this past Wednesday, and I tell you people, it was BREATHTAKING...he is an amazing person, a talented musician, and wise as well. I was overwhelmed. I was thinking of posting more infor about it in the forums section.
Music for the politically correct.
tony620d wrote:
press 4 for swaheelie!
Ah, the uneducated -- where would we be without them?
I like his music: 9
Sequoyah wrote:
Love this song!! I saw him do this song at the end of a concert during the Wommat tour and it gave me chills. He came on stage, with his band all in white robes and the sat in a circle with senegalese drums and played this song, it was awesome.
Definitely the highlight of WOMAD many moons ago. Saw it up in Saratoga in '92 or '93...incredible show. Of course, PG didn't hurt... ;-) Excellent tune.
press 4 for swaheelie!
madtowner11 wrote:
There are several parts of this song that make me think of "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher. Superfreakymegamondo bonus points for you if you hear it, too.
Yup. It's certainly in there... "I got you babe... I got you babe..." Still, it's rather soothing no?
LPCity wrote:
No, they'll just say you're from Nebraska.
The Accordions of Freedom, what?
I am all for Chimes of Freedom in any language or time signature. In this case, the message is more valuable than any musical consideration.
KohlDaddy wrote:
Yup. I hear that, now that you mention it. Quite funny really. One of the many reasons this tune is so lame and annoying. Killed my buzz. Of course, I shouldn't say that about world music. Somebody will call me ignorant and uncultered. So be it. Bad track. Ehhh. #-o
No, they'll just say you're from Nebraska.
Johray63 wrote:
Fascinating how such a typical Dylan song holds up, just the same, in such a different style of music and language. I once heard a very much respected Argentinian artist do a beautiful version of Dylan's Jokerman in a sort of modern latin style. It proofs, once more, how strong lots of his songs are.
I'm biased for Mr. "D", and that may explain why I've tended to like most of the many covers of his tunes. This one is no exception.
madtowner11 wrote:
There are several parts of this song that make me think of "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher. Superfreakymegamondo bonus points for you if you hear it, too.
Yup. I hear that, now that you mention it. Quite funny really. One of the many reasons this tune is so lame and annoying. Killed my buzz. Of course, I shouldn't say that about world music. Somebody will call me ignorant and uncultered. So be it. Bad track. Ehhh. #-o
No, I actually hear "Lion King"
radiojunkie wrote:
I do! I hear it! I really do! Do you think if Cher sang this in her native Armenian, it would sound even more like "I Got You Babe"?
Woah; me too. *twitches*