"Paradise Road" is a song written in 1979 by Patric van Blerk and Fransua Roos.[1][2] Recorded in 1980 by the South African female vocal group Joy, which comprised Felicia Marion, Thoko Ndlozi and Anneline Malebo, the song topped the hit parade for nine weeks.[3] "Paradise Road" went on to become an unofficial South African anthem: "The lyrics resonated with the country at that time, the chorus being: There are better days before us and a burning bridge behind, fire smoking, the sky is blazing. There’s a woman waiting, weeping and a young man nearly beaten, all for love. Paradise was almost closing down."[4]

Interviewed in 2014 as the last surviving member of the group, Felicia Marion when asked about her fondest memory of performing the song with Joy said: "There were so many. I think it was the first night we performed Paradise Road. I think it was in Sharpeville. It had never been heard before. As the first three chords were strummed the crowd went crazy. I was so surprised because the first time I heard the song I thought it was boring.... Paradise Road was a song of hope and a lot of people received it as a prophetic word."[4]

A cover version of the song was made by Ladysmith Black Mambazo with Timothy Moloi.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "Paradise Road – Joy", 1001 South African Songs You Must Hear Before You Go Deaf, 12 February 2014.
  2. ↑ Jackie Pienaar, "Paradise Road singer dies", 'News24, 15 August 2002.
  3. ↑ "Classic South African Pop And Rock Songs".
  4. 1 2 Therese Owen, "Joy of Jazz pays tribute to SA pioneers", IOL, 5 September 2014.
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