John Denver African Sunrise song lyrics

This song was first released on the Dreamland Express Album. It is the only album it has been released on.

African sunrise, shine on a brand new day

African sunrise, show us a brand new way

Give us a brand new morning

Show us forever beginning to stand on our own

African sunrise, smile on my African home

In this hour of quiet contemplation

The stillness of the dawning calms my mind

I face the day with heartfelt exaltation

The light is both a promise and a sign

In the darkness we have lost the son of our sister

Though the beauty of his spirit lingers still

This was a child of love, a child of laughter

Who cannot understand the way I feel

Is it not the sun that gives the seasons

Is it not the sun that brings the rain

Our throats are choled with dust, but we're still singing

Our song will not be silenced by the rain

All around the village I could hear the roosters crowing

There was a time it was like music to my ears

Now all I can hear is the sound of hungry babies crying

I pray for rain to wash away their tears

African sunrise, light of a brand new day

African sunrise, light of a brand new way

With one who will be our brother

And one who will be our partner and teach us to know

African sunrise, smile on my African home

African sunrise...

African sunrise...

Words and music by John Denver