Walking With The San (feat. San Bushmen)
Charlie Simpson
Rediscovering Roots: A Journey with the San Bushmen
Charlie Simpson's song "Walking With The San (feat. San Bushmen)" is a poignant exploration of humanity's disconnection from its roots and the natural world. The lyrics invite listeners to open their eyes to the reality that there is no place left to hide from the consequences of this disconnection. The mention of the San Bushmen, one of the oldest indigenous groups in Southern Africa, serves as a powerful metaphor for a way of life that is deeply connected to the earth and its rhythms. By walking with the San, Simpson suggests that modern society has become strangers to the land, yet there remains a longing to reconnect and live in harmony with nature once again.
The recurring plea to "follow the sun" and take it back to where it all began symbolizes a desire to return to a simpler, more sustainable way of living. This journey is not just a physical one but also a spiritual and emotional quest to rediscover the values and practices that have been lost over time. The repetition of the phrase "give it back" underscores a sense of urgency and a call to action, urging society to restore what has been taken from the earth and from indigenous cultures.
The song also touches on themes of legacy and continuity, as seen in the line "Take it as it comes, as it passes from a Mother to a Son." This highlights the importance of preserving traditions and knowledge for future generations. The hope expressed in the lyrics is that we are not alone in this endeavor and that others will join in the effort to leave behind a world that is more in tune with nature. Through its evocative lyrics and collaboration with the San Bushmen, the song serves as a powerful reminder of the need to reconnect with our roots and the natural world.