Meaning of Dig Up The Conjo by Blondie

Blondie, the iconic American rock band fronted by the charismatic Debbie Harry, has never shied away from experimenting with diverse musical styles and pushing the boundaries of their sound. One such example is their lesser-known song titled 'Dig Up The Conjo'. Released on their album "Autoamerican" in 1980, this track takes listeners on a mesmerizing journey through the depths of their imagination, with its captivating lyrics and infectious rhythm. While the song's meaning may initially seem elusive, a closer examination reveals a rich tapestry of themes that explore the depths of human emotions and the power of the subconscious mind.One of the standout lyrics of 'Dig Up The Conjo' is the repetition of the phrase "Dig up the Congo, Breaking the mojo." Here, Blondie delves into the idea of unearthing buried emotions and breaking free from the constraints of the past. The Congo, often associated with mystery and untamed wilderness, symbolizes the deep recesses of the mind where we store forgotten memories and untapped potential. By urging us to "dig up" the Congo, Blondie encourages us to confront our past traumas and unleash the hidden resilience within ourselves.Another notable lyric that adds depth to the overall theme is "You're a mess, Got a gun to your head, And drums in the night, Going blind, Hypnotized." These lines vividly convey the struggles of an individual on the brink of collapse, overwhelmed by internal conflicts. The mention of the gun emphasizes the urgency and high stakes involved in confronting one's inner demons. The "drums in the night" represent the noise and chaos that surround us, distracting us from our own introspection. By acknowledging the blindness and hypnotic nature of external distractions, the song urges us to find clarity despite the chaos.Blondie's poetic exploration of the Congo continues with the lyric "Lost in the Congo, Holding the bongo, Kilimanjaro, Dig up the conjo." Here, the Congo is not just a physical place but also an allegory for the mystery and spiritual awakening that comes with self-discovery. Holding the bongo, a musical instrument with its roots deep in African culture, becomes a metaphor for holding onto the rhythm of life amidst adversity. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, represents the pinnacle of personal growth and the challenges one must conquer to reach it. The call to "dig up the conjo" in this context suggests that true self-understanding can only be achieved by unearthing the deepest layers of our psyche.Blondie's lyrical prowess shines again in the line "Listen to drums for the name, Little hearts beat like saints come marching in." Here, the song delves into notions of spirituality and the power of music to transcend ordinary existence. Drums, often associated with primal and elemental rhythms, become a conduit for connecting with something greater than ourselves. The reference to "little hearts beat like saints come marching in" adds a touch of mysticism, suggesting that when we listen deeply, we can tap into the divine energy around us.Delving deeper into the enchanting world of 'Dig Up The Conjo', Blondie takes us to the bayou, a primal and mystical landscape, with the lyric "Deep in the bayou, Demon inside you, Put on the hoo doo." The bayou represents a place of transformation and healing, where the natural world merges with the supernatural. The mention of the "demon inside you" alludes to the darker aspects of our own psyche that we must confront in order to find inner peace. The "hoo doo," a synonym for hoodoo or folk magic, hints at the possibility of channeling and harnessing these primal energies for personal growth and empowerment.The most intriguing moment in 'Dig Up The Conjo' occurs with the lyric exchange between a child and their mother in the bridge of the song. The child exclaims, "Hey mommy, do you see that man? Hey mommy, I don't understand." The mother's response, "It's only a zombie, honey, hailing a cab. Just hold my hand and don't look in his face," introduces the motif of confronting fears and accepting the unknown. The zombie metaphorically represents our inner fears and insecurities, which we must acknowledge and accept as part of our own humanity. The mother's reassuring words emphasize the importance of embracing the unknown, holding onto loved ones for support, and resisting the temptation to hide from our fears.As the song reaches its climax, Blondie sings "Jungle inside you, Something's beside you, Doing the mambo, Dig up the conjo." Here, the jungle serves as a metaphorical representation of the untamed, wild aspect of the human psyche. The presence of "something" beside us suggests the constant companion of our subconscious mind, guiding our actions and emotions. The mention of the mambo, a lively and passionate dance, symbolizes the need to embrace the unpredictable and live life with zest. By encouraging us to dig up the conjo once again, the song reminds us that true liberation lies in reconciling the complexities within ourselves.In the final lines of 'Dig Up The Conjo', Blondie repeats the chorus, reiterating the themes of self-discovery, rhythm, and breaking free from the past. The abrupt shift to the lyric "Deep in the bayou, Beating my bongo, Holding the mojo, Making me well" ties the narrative threads together, emphasizing the transformative power of reconnecting with one's inner essence. The bayou becomes a place of healing and rejuvenation, where the beating of the bongo signifies a reawakening of the soul. As the song comes to a close, the final chorus echoes the call to embrace personal growth and reaffirms the importance of unearthing our raw emotions.In conclusion, 'Dig Up The Conjo' is a mesmerizing song that invites listeners on a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Blondie masterfully weaves together elements of spirituality, personal transformation, and the power of the subconscious to create a captivating narrative. Through their imaginative and unexpected lyrical themes, Blondie encourages listeners to delve into the depths of their own minds, confront their fears, and embrace the wild and untamed aspects of their existence. The song serves as a reminder that true liberation comes from unearthing and accepting our hidden selves, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of who we are.