The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Makeshift Swahili" by the artist "This Heat"

The lyrics of "Makeshift Swahili" by This Heat are a reflection on misunderstanding and its consequences, particularly in the context of colonialism and cultural exchange.

The song opens with a personal experience: the narrator is listening to someone singing in German, a language they don't understand. This situation becomes a metaphor for the broader issue of communication and misunderstanding between people from different cultures. The line "You're only as good as your ability to understand what you're hearing" emphasizes the importance of comprehension in establishing meaningful connections.

The lyrics then shift to imagery associated with the history of colonialism: "Tower of Babel," "Swahili"—all symbolizing the mixture of languages and cultures, as well as the difficulties arising from the clash of different worldviews.

The lines "We gave you firewater, you gave us your land," "The white man speaks with a forked tongue" are direct references to the deception and exploitation that often accompanied colonization. "Firewater" is a metaphor for alcohol, which was used to subdue indigenous populations, while "forked tongue" symbolizes lies and deceit.

The repetition of the word "rhubarb" reinforces the sense of chaos and incomprehension that reigns in the relationship between colonizers and colonized peoples.

Overall, "Makeshift Swahili" is a powerful commentary on how the lack of communication and understanding can lead to exploitation and injustice. The song urges the listener to reflect on the importance of intercultural dialogue and the consequences of misunderstanding.