Remember Me
Lucky Dube
The Heartfelt Plea of a Forgotten Child
The song "Remember Me" by Lucky Dube is a poignant narrative that speaks from the perspective of a child who has been abandoned by their father. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing and a plea for recognition and love from a parent who left to seek a better life in the city but never returned. The repeated chorus, 'Daddy wherever you are remember me, In whatever you do I love you,' underscores the child's enduring love despite the father's absence and the hardships faced as a result.
The song also touches on the consequences of the father's departure, which include the death of the child's mother, presumably from the emotional strain of her husband's abandonment and subsequent remarriage. The child is now alone, wandering the streets of Soweto, a township in South Africa known for its historical significance in the struggle against apartheid. This setting adds a layer of social commentary to the song, as it reflects the struggles of many families who were torn apart by socio-economic pressures.
Lucky Dube, a South African reggae musician, was known for his powerful songs that often addressed social issues. "Remember Me" is a testament to his ability to combine personal and societal narratives, creating a song that resonates with the emotional realities of abandonment and the longing for familial connection. The song's narrative serves as a reminder of the impact of personal choices on others, especially on vulnerable family members like children.