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Does anyone out there know what the lyrics Youssou N'Dour sings on In Your Eyes? I have always wondered what language they are and what they mean but I can find no answers.

Hello Bethanne, saw this on the web which might help. Welcome to the Moon btw. Scroll down a bit. . . http://en.allexperts.com/q/Gabriel-Peter-464/2009/2/Peter-Gabriel-Eyes.htm

Hey, thatnks a lot Duddy, I was wondering was these lyrivs meant too!

That's an interesting question. I had always just assumed that Youssou was singing the chorus in his language, but certainly couldn't be sure without the translation. Fun question/answer.

I know it's Wolof, but to my Italian ears a part of the lyrics sound like "qui si balla e si mangia" ( = we are dancing and eating in here) and given the joyful allure of the song, it always seemed funnily appropriate to me.

You are also right, Caste! My expert-Wolof-knowledge says: there are always more than one significations. And yours is one of the best.

Thanks for the replies. I always had a feeling he was singing the chorus in his own language, but wasn't sure at all. For me, his singing at the end is one of the most moving and inspirational parts of a moving and inspirational song. Brings tears to my eyes! Thanks again!

That part has been the hardest to "do" properly live "after" that. The single, or what I shall call it, is as good as it can be, so the live efforts after that with others than N´Dour have been, . to be polite. not really the same.