Give me hope Joanna

I heard this old song on the radio this morning and it took me all the way back to my youth. Do you remember 'Give me Hope Joanna' by Eddie Grant. The song was written as an anti-Apartheid song and despite being banned by the government, it still reached millions of people. I was only 15 at the time of the release of this song, but I can clearly remember singing the words over and over again - it's catchy tune had a way of getting the powerful message across.

As I reflect on the prophetic words of the song, I can't help but think about how this song can still speak to our present situation as a country. If you sing the last verses of this song, you will see what I mean. Have a look at this words:

She got supporters in high up places
Who turn their heads to the city sun
Jo'anna give them the fancy money
Oh to tempt anyone who'd come
She even knows how to swing opinion
In every magazine and the journals
For every bad move that this Jo'anna makes
They got a good explanation

Gimme hope, Jo'anna
Gimme hope, Jo'anna
Gimme hope, Jo'anna
'Fore the morning come
Gimme hope, Jo'anna
Gimme hope, Jo'anna
Hope before the morning come

Even the preacher who works for Jesus
The Archbishop who's a peaceful man
Together say that the freedom fighters
Will overcome the very strong
I wanna know if you're blind Jo'anna
If you wanna hear the sound of drum
Can't you see that the tide is turning
Oh don't make me wait till the morning come

Corruption,  injustice, poor leadership, greed, propaganda - they seem to be part and parcel of every government. It is a wonder that we don't learn from the mistakes of the past!
Perhaps, Eddie Grant is right..... we need help! We seem to be blind.

I don't think Joanna can help us, but I know that Jesus can.


Living in Grace
D3LM3