Words and Music composed, written and arranged by Olusegun Akinlolu. No part of these lyrics should be shared in any form or any public space without giving credit to the writer. All rights reserved. © & ℗ 2016 EniObanke
1. ṢA MA JO
Ṣá ma jó!
Sá ma j’íjó yẹn s’ẹ́gbẹ ọ̀tún, k’o j’íjó yẹn s’égbẹ òsì
Má wo’jú ẹnìkan
B’ówó nbẹ l’ọ́wọ́ a ó jọ lò’gbà yí pẹ́ ni
Bí ò sí o, àwa ò mà ní sọ̀ ’rètí nù
Sá ma j’íjó yẹn s’ẹ́gbẹ ọ̀tún, k’o j’íjó yẹn s’égbẹ òsì
Má wo’jú ẹnìkan
Ohunkóhun tó wúwo l’ọ́kàn ká fì yẹn s’ílẹ̀
Kò mà s’óun tó lè ṣelẹ̀ tá ò rí rí o
Àní kí o gbé ‘ra n’ílẹ̀ k’o sọ ‘tìjú nù
Ẹni tó nbẹ l’álàáfíà ó mà l’óun gbogbo
Ará mi ẹ dìde, ẹ jẹ́ ká fi’jó si, ká tú’raká o
Ijó ayọ̀ ni, ijó aládùn tó lárinrin
Gbogbo ayé la pè o, kò mà s’ẹ́ni tí ò ní le kó’pa
Ẹ jó ẹ yọ̀ o, ẹni ‘nú rẹ̀ bá dùn kó ṣe bẹbẹ.
(Just dance!
Keep on swaying to the right, swinging to the left,
Don’t look at anyone
When we have aplenty, we shall enjoy the good times
And when there isn’t, we will not lose hope
Just keep swaying to the right, swinging to the left,
Don’t look at anyone
We shall leave the burdens on our minds behind
There’s nothing new under sun
Lift yourself up, let go of your inhibitions
When you have good health, you have it all.
Rise up good fellows, let’s dance, set the soul free
What a joyous sound, such sweet melodies
Everyone’s invited; none excluded
Dance, be merry, celebrate)
2. AṢẸ
Ẹni nf’ọgbọ́n ṣ’ayé, ṣeb’óun ló t’ádé o è
Ẹni nfẹ́ rere ìlú, ṣeb’óun ló tọ́ kó j’oyè
T’ọwọ́ ni kó ṣiṣẹ́ yéké, ká r’érè kó dé’lé o è
Ká má mà ṣe d’àtẹ̀jẹ
Ká má mà ṣe d’èrò ẹ̀yìn l’áyé
K’ọ́jọ́ ayé wa kó tòrò
Kí’lé ayé wa kó dùn rẹpẹtẹ
Àṣẹ!
Akínkanjú wọ’lé, ṣebí ’re ló bá dé o è
Lọ s’óko s’ódò, l’ókè n’ílẹ̀, k’áyé kó le tò
T’ojú ni kó là gerere o, a bọ́ sí’nú iyì
Ká má mà ṣe tàràkà o
Ká má ṣ’àṣedànù lásán
Ká r’óun tó dùn fi pà’tàn
Kí’lé ayé wa kó dùn rẹpẹtẹ
Àṣẹ!
(Those who tread with wisdom deserve the crown
Those who seek the well-being of the city should be honoured
The hand should work efficiently, for a rich harvest
May we not be the footstools for others
May we not be the laggards of the pack
May our time be peaceful
May it be filled with happiness
So shall it be!
Here comes the brave one with good tidings for all
Valliant efforts for the sake of peace and order
The eyes should see clearly, that we may berth in honour
May we not wander aimlessly
May all our striving not be in vain
May we have good stories to tell
May our time be filled with happiness
So shall it be!)
3. MU’RA ODE
Ìgbẹ̀yìn ló jù o, k’o mọ̀
Ṣebí ‘bẹ̀rẹ̀, ìyẹn kìí ṣ’oníṣẹ́
Ká f’ara ṣ’iṣẹ́ ò tó jàre,
Ká f’ọgbọ́n si o, pẹ̀lú sùúrù
A ti rú’bọ ojú, a s’ọ̀rọ̀ dídùn, f’ẹ́ni t’ó nwòran o,
Ká má mà kọ’sẹ̀
A ti d’omi síwájú, ka le tẹ’lẹ̀ tútù
Ká má ṣe r’óun tí o kọjá ẹ̀mi wa
Ṣá ma gb’ẹ́sẹ̀ lọ́kànkan olùfẹ́
Òjò ti dá wàyí, kò s’ábàtà l’ọ́nà
Fú’rúgbìn s’ápá ọ̀tún àti s’ọ́wọ́ òsì
Òní ọjọ́ ìbùkún, ẹ̀rọ̀ ní gbẹ̀yìn ìjì
Yá mú’ra òde, olùfẹ́
Kò s’óun t’ó nbọ̀ wá tó lè ṣí ọ ní’pò
Jíjó rẹ s’ẹgbẹ̀́ ọ̀tún àti s’ápá òsì
Òní ọjọ́ ìdùnnú, òjò ní gbẹ̀yìn ẹ̀rùn
Ìgboyà ní ó gbè wá, k’o mọ̀
Oníbẹ̀rù, àwọn yẹn ò ní le dúró
Ká bẹ Olú-Ajé ò tó jàre
Ká ṣ’iṣẹ́ ló jù, láì ṣ’àwáwí
A ti rú’bọ ojú…
(What matters is how a task is completed
Not just how well you start
And hardwork, good as it is,
Must be complimented by wisdom and patience
We’ve paid due homage to those watching, that we may not stumble
We have sprayed water on our path that we may tread cool earth
May we not be confronted by challenges beyond our capabilities
Just go forward, darling, one step at a time
The rain is gone, no puddles in your way
Spread your seeds far and wide
This is a day of blessing, calm after storm
Get dressed to go out, darling
There’s nothing coming that can shift your base
Dance to this side and the other
It’s a day of happiness, rain after drought
Courage will be our banner
Those who cringe in fear shall not stand
Appeasing the gods of commerce is insufficient
We must also work without grumbling
We’ve paid due homage to those watching,
That we may not stumble…)
4. AFITANAJAJỌKA
Ẹ wá w’ẹ̀sín Afitanajájọkà l’óde o
Ó p’ọmọdé ní’jà, kò mọ̀ p’ọ́gbọ́n l’ẹ̀gbọ́n agbára o
A ò kú mọ ntó fà ‘jà, ṣèb’áriwo l’à wa gbọ́
L’Afitanajájọkà nwúga nwúgẹ̀ bọ̀
Kò pẹ́ ló ba’lẹ̀, ló ba’lẹ̀, ló ba’lẹ̀, ló ba’lẹ̀
Pọ̀tọ̀ ló ba’lẹ̀, ló ba’lẹ̀, bàbá nlá ba’lẹ̀ o
Ó mà ba’lẹ̀, ó ba’lẹ̀, ó ba’lẹ̀ l’ọ́jà o
Poí! Po-po-po-poí!
Alágb́ara má m’èrò baba ọ̀lẹ
Ó pẹ́ o tí nba bọ̀ pẹ̀lú ‘wà amúnisìn
A ò kú mọ ntó fà’jà ṣeb’ígbe l’à wa gbọ́
L’Afitanajájọkà nmí hílà hílo bọ̀
Má ṣe ṣ’àfojúdi ẹ̀dá o
Má ṣe ṣ’àfojúdi ènìyàn láíláí
Má ṣe ṣ’àfojúdi ẹ̀dá o
Ẹbọra amúṣuwà l’ójú olóko o
A rìn fìrìfòrò bí ẹni gbé’ná ka’rí o
A ò kú mọ ntó fà’jà ṣeb’ígbe l’à wa gbọ́
Afitanajájọkà, ta ló tó wo’jú ẹkùn?
(Oh, behold the shame, the public disgrace!
Afitanajajoka, the mighty one
Who consumes the lap of a dog for dinner,
Challenging a child to battle, easy pickings
Does he not realise that cleverness is superior to mere brawn?
We really do know what the fight was about,
All we heard was the commotion
And now Afitanajajoka, trudging in,
All muscle, chest and shoulders
But, in no time, down he went, down he went, down he went!
A powerful person with no thought is the chief of weaklings
For long you have terrorised all with your bullying
We have no idea what caused the fight,
All we heard was the commotion
And Afitanajajoka trudging in, huffing and puffing
But, in no time, down he went, down he went, down he went!
We must never underrate anyone, never!
Strange being who steals the farmer’s harvest in his presence
Harried movements like one with fire on his head
We really do know what the fight was about, all we heard was the commotion
Afitanajajoka, who dares look the tiger in the eye?)
5. MO WI TEMI
Èèmọ̀ nkọjá lọ, o mú ‘gi ngun
O f’àìlágbára ntọ́ ẹni jù ẹ́
O dẹ̀ nṣ’oríkunkun
Ṣ’ọ́wọ́ rẹ á ka bó dé ‘lẹ̀ tán o
Mo wí tèmi o
A s’ọ̀rọ̀ kẹ́lẹ́kẹ́lẹ́, oun tá ó gbè́ ṣe
A ì bẹ̀rẹ̀ ohunkóhun, ṣèb’ọ́rọ̀ la ṣì sọ
O fò gìrì bọ́ s’ágbo, o gbé’lù, o pè’rò
Ẹ̀sín lò nfà l’ẹ́sẹ̀
Mo wí tèmi o
Láì gb’ọ́wọ́, láì gb’ẹ́sẹ̀, o fẹ́ d’ẹni gíga
Láì l’érò, láì tọ’sẹ̀ àgbà
Láì l’épo, láì ní’yọ̀, o fẹ́ jẹun bí ọba
Láì dúró, láì bẹ̀rẹ̀, láì làágùn
Láì kọ́ bí a ti nrìn, o fẹ́ fò dé’bi gíga
Láì l’érò, láì tọ’sẹ̀ àgbà
Láì l’épo, láì ní’yọ̀, o fẹ́ jẹun bí ọba
Láì dúró, láì bẹ̀rẹ̀, láì làágùn
(Calamity walks by, you go poking at it
Picking a fight with one stronger than you
And you stubbornly refuse to reason
Will you be able to handle the trouble when it starts?
Well, I have said my bit
We make plans in secret,
Of the great things we’d like to accomplish
We haven’t started anything, it was only talk
You take to the podium, roll out the drums and call a crowd
You’re reaching for shame
Well, I have said my bit
Without making any effort, you dream of greatness
Without adequate preparation and advice from the elders
Without necessary ingredients, you want to feast like a king
Without any exertion, without sweat?)
6. IREWỌLE
Iréwọlé o - geere, geere ló wọ’lé dé
A mà múre dé o - geere, tẹ́’wọ́ gba tìrẹ
Ìwà ọba àwúre - òun ló mú’re wọ’lé dé
Pẹ̀lú ’bàlẹ̀ ọkàn - geere, geere ló wọ’lé dé
Ìlera àtì ’dẹ̀ra - geere, geere ló wọ’lé dé
Àìkú baálẹ̀ ọrọ̀ - geere, geere ló wọ’lé dé
A mà múre dé o - geere, tẹ́’wọ́ gba tìrẹ
Ẹ wá w’ọmọ ìwà bẹrẹrẹ o
Ìwà gbé dání, ó tún pọ̀n s’ẹ́yìn
Ẹ wá w’ọmọ ìwà bẹrẹrẹ
Rere là wa ó ma ṣe
A ò ní bá wọn ṣ’ọ̀tẹ̀, a ò ní bá wọn ṣ’ẹ̀tàn
Ọmọ olú afìwàṣọlá
Àgbal akin a tún ’lù́ tò
Rere là wa ó ma ṣe
A ò ní bá wọn ṣè’kà, a ò ní bá wọn dì’tẹ̀
Ọmọ olú afìwàṣọlá
Yèyé ìwà afẹ̀rínpọ̀tẹ̀
(Good fortune has come to us - in multiples, it comes to us
Good character is its harbinger - in multiples, it comes to us
Along with peace of mind - in multiples, it comes to us
Health and Comfort - in multiples, it comes to us
Longevity, the lord of wealth - in multiples, it comes to us
We bring you blessings - receive with open hands
Behold the many progeny of good character
She bears some in her arms, others on her back
Behold the many progeny of good character
From now on we shall only do good
We shall not partake of treachery or fraud
Good character is our wealth
We who are sworn to heal the city
We shall not partake of any evil)
7. ABẸFẸ-IWA
Ẹ kú ’jòkó bàbá àgbà, ẹ̀yin la wá rí
Ọmọ kan nbẹ l’ọ́dẹ̀dẹ̀ tó wùn wá o
Ẹ fún wa l’Ábẹ̀fẹ́-Ìwà ká mú ṣ’aya
A ó ṣe’kẹ́ rẹ, a ó tọ́jú rẹ, a ó ma kẹ́e bí aṣọ àlà tuntun
A ó ṣe’kẹ́ rẹ, a ó tọ́jú rẹ, a ó ma kẹ́e bí adé orí ọba
Ẹ kú ’jòkó ìyá àgbà, ẹ̀yin la wá rí
Ọmọ kan nbẹ l’ọ́dẹ̀dẹ̀ tó wùn wá o
Ẹ fún wa l’Ábẹ̀fẹ́-Ìwà ká mú ṣ’aya
A ó ṣe’kẹ́ rẹ, a ó tọ́jú rẹ, a ó ma kẹ́e bí aṣọ àlà tuntun
A ó ṣe’kẹ́ rẹ, a ó tọ́jú rẹ, a ó ma kẹ́e bí adé orí ọba
Ẹ̀yin ọ̀rẹ́ mo nbọ̀ lọ́nà - káàbọ̀ arẹwà
Ẹ̀yin òbí mo nbọ̀ lóde o - káàbọ̀ ọmọ ‘re
Ẹ̀yin ẹbí mo nbọ̀ wá o - káàbọ̀ máa rọra
Olólùfẹ́ ọwọ́ rẹ dà?
Ngó ṣe’kẹ́ rẹ, ngó tọ́jú rẹ, ngó ma kẹ́ ọ bí aṣọ àlà tuntun
Ngó ṣe’kẹ́ rẹ, ngó tọ́jú rẹ, ngó ma kẹ́ ọ bí adé orí ọba
Ẹ ṣeun bàbá tẹ fún wa l’áya - ire la ó fi sán padà
Ẹ ṣeun ìyá tẹ fún wa l’Ábẹ̀fẹ́-Ìwà
Ẹ ṣeun ọ̀rẹ́ tẹ bá wa kálọ dé ’bẹ̀
Gbogbo ẹ̀yin tẹ bá wa m’ẹ́bùn wá o
Gbogbo ẹ̀yin tẹ bá wa pé jọ ṣ’àṣeyẹ
Ẹ ṣeun ẹbí, ẹ kú àtìlẹyìn o
(Greetings Father, we have come to see you
It’s about a young lady of your house
Please give us Abefe-Iwa as a wife
We shall pamper and cherish her like new white fabric
We shall treasure her like the crown of a king
Greetings Mother, we have come to see you
It’s about a young lady of your house
Please give us Abefe-Iwa as a wife
We shall pamper and cherish her like new white fabric
We shall treasure her like the crown of a king
Dear friends, here I come - welcome, beautiful one
Dear parents, I’m coming out - come well, good child
Dear family, I’m on my way - welcome, tread gently
Darling, may I have your hand?
I shall pamper and cherish you like new white fabric
I shall treasure you like the crown of a king
Thank you Father for giving us a wife - we shall repay with goodness
Thank you Mother for Abefe-Iwa - we shall repay with goodness
Thanks to you, friends, for coming along - we shall repay with goodness
Everyone who brought us gifts - we shall repay with goodness
Everyone who came to celebrate with us - we shall repay with goodness
Thanks to you, family, for your support - we shall repay with goodness)
8. YẸYẸYẸ
A ó d’àgbà, a ó pẹ́ n’ílẹ̀ yìí o - yẹyẹyẹẹ̀ l’aṣọ gbó
Ọ̀dọ́mọdé wọn ìí gbọ́ ’kú aṣọ - yẹyẹyẹẹ̀ l’aṣọ gbó
Àgbàlagbà wọn ìí gbọ́ ’kú aṣọ o - yẹyẹyẹẹ̀ l’aṣọ gbó
A ó d’ogbó o, a ó pẹ́ n’ílẹ̀ yìí o - yẹyẹyẹẹ̀ l’aṣọ gbó
Ọmọdé yìí onínú-ire
Bo jáde ní’lé, ibi ò ní kàn ọ́ o
Bo bẹ̀rẹ̀ l’óko, o ò ní d’àwátì
Ìbàlẹ̀ ọkàn ni t’aṣòótọ́ o
A ó d’àgbà, a ó pẹ́ n’ílẹ̀ yìí o
Bá a bá ṣe rere, à pẹ́ bí ọ̀pẹ
Bí igi ìrókò tí nbo’lé b’àlejò
A ó d’ogbó o
A ó d’àgbà, a ó pẹ́ n’ílẹ̀ yìí o
A ì gbọ́ ’kú ọkọ́, a ì gbọ́ ’kú àdá o
A ti já’wé gbígbó ká a má nù l’éwe
Ọ̀dọ́mọdé wọn ìí gbọ́ ’kú aṣọ
Àwọn àgbàlagbà wọn ìí gbọ́ ’kú aṣọ o
A ó d’ogbó o
A ó d’àgbà, a ó pẹ́ n’ílẹ̀ yìí o
A ò ní d’àgbà òṣì a tọrọ jẹ
A ò ní d’àgbà ọ̀dẹ̀ à mú ṣe yẹ̀yẹ́ o
A ò ní d’àgbà-yà ọ̀dagború
(We shall live long and thrive on this earth - cloth ages smoothly
Children never hear of the death of cloth - cloth ages smoothly
Elders never hear of the death of cloth - cloth ages smoothly
We shall live long and thrive on this earth - cloth ages smoothly
Young one with a good heart
No evil shall befall you when you leave your home
You shall not go amiss while tilling the land
Peace of mind is the lot of the truthful
We shall live long and thrive on this earth
If we are good, we shall flourish like the palm tree
Like the Iroko tree providing shade for natives and visitors
We shall grow and become elders in this land
No one ever hears of the death of the hoe, or that of the cutlass
We have plucked the leaf of longevity that we may not die young
We shall live long and thrive on this earth
May we not become beggarly elders
May we not become the silly ones that people laugh at
Or the shameless ones at the root of societal chaos)
9. MA GBAGBE IWA
Ọmọ sọ̀ ’wà nù, ó l’óun ò l’órí ọkọ
O ò lè bá ’gún jẹ ko fẹ́ b’ẹ́yẹlẹ́ tò pọ̀
Kò s’óun tá ò ṣ’iṣẹ́ fún tí mọ́ ni l’ọ́wọ́
Ìfẹ́ àti sùúrù ló mà ṣe pàtàkì
K’o má gbàgbé ìwà
Má gbàgbé òtítọ́ o
B’o ṣe njáde lónì́ o
K’o má gbàgbé ìwà
Ilé ayé asán kìí ṣ’àdìmọ́yà
Kol s’óun t’o ní t’ó mú kúrò níbẹ̀
Bo dé’bi gíga k’o tẹ’lẹ̀ jẹ́jẹ́
Ìtẹ́lọ́rùn, ìṣọ́ra ló mà ṣe pàtàkì
K’o má gbàgbé ìwà
Má gbàgbé ìfẹ́ o
B’o ṣe nwọ’lé lónì́ o
À ní k’o má gbàgbé ìwà
Ọlọ́jọ́ nka’jọ́ ẹ̀dá gbàgbé ọ̀nà
Wọ́n ṣe b’ádé orí ni yíò gbé wa dé èbúté ayọ̀
Ọlọ́jọ́ nka’jọ́ ẹ̀dá gbàgbé ọ̀rọ̀ ìpìlẹ̀
Wọ́n ṣe b’ọ́lá ni yíò gbé wa d’óde ìfọ̀kànbalẹ̀
(Beloved one, shorn of character
Lamenting a lack of luck
But how can you feast with Vultures
And then hope to shelter with Pigeons?
Whatever we haven’t got through honest labour never lasts long
Love and patience are very important
And do not forget good character,
Do not forget truth
As you make your way out today
Do not forget good character
This life, so ephemeral, not worth taking so serious
There’s no possession you can take along when you pass
If you get into a high place, tread carefully
Contentment and caution are very important
And do not forget good character
Do not forget love
As you make your way back home today
Do not forget good character
As time passes, mortal man has lost his way
He thinks a crown of gold is his ticket to happiness
Time ticks by but humanity has forgotten ancient wisdom
They think material wealth is the path to peace of mind)
10. ATỌNISỌNA
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - yeh!
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - L’órí òkè, wọ́n tún gbe dé
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - l’ọ́wọ́ ìsàlẹ̀, wọ́n tún gbe dé o
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - ké s’ọ́lọ́gbọ́n o, p’ọ́n tún ti dé o
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - ké s’áwọn amòye, p’ọ́n tún ti dé o
Wọn ní k’á ma fì’fẹ́ lò, k’á ma wù’wà ’re
K’á mú’ra s’óhun tí ó tún ìlú ṣe
K’á má ṣe sọ̀ ’rètí nù, k’á so’wọ́ pọ̀ k’ó dára
ẸniỌbánkẹ́ atọ́nisọ́nà ìyè
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - l’étí òkun o, wọ́n tún gbe dé
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - ní’nú aginjù, wọ́n tún gbe dé o
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - ké s’ọ́mọdé o, p’ọ́n tún ti dé
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - ké s’áwọn àgbà, p’ọ́n tún ti dé o
Wọ́n ní k’ọ́mọ s’òtítọ́, kó má ṣe s’àìgbọràn
K’ó mú’ra sí iṣẹ́ rẹ̀ l’áti kékeré
K’á má ṣe k’ẹ́gbẹ́kẹ́gbẹ́, k’á má ma ṣè’gbéraga
ẸniỌbánkẹ́ a kọ́’mọ ní’wà ìrẹ̀lẹ̀
Wọ́n ní k’ọ́mọ s’òtítọ́, k’á ma wù’wà ’re
K’á mú’ra s’óhun tí ó tún ’lẹ̀ yì́ ṣe
Wọ́n ní k’a f’ọ̀tẹ̀ s’ílẹ̀, k’a fì’wà ṣ’ọlá gẹngẹ
ẸniỌbánkẹ́ a fún ni l’ọ́rọ̀ àgbà
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o – ní’bi kọ̀rọ̀, wọ́n tún gbe dé
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o – ní gbangba o, wọ́n tún gbe dé o
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - ké s’ọ́kùnrin o, p’ọ́n tún ti dé o
Ará ẹ wá, ẹ wá gbọ́ tuntun o - ké s’áwọn obìrin o, p’ọ́n tún ti dé
(Come folks, listen to the new one - up on the hill, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - in the valley, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - call the wise, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - summon the sages, they’re here again!
They say we should live in love
Be of good character; only do what will prosper the society
We should not lose faith; work together for positive change
EniObanke, signpost to our salvation
Come folks, listen to the new one - by the sea, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - in the forest, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - call the young, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - summon the elders, they’re here again!
They exhort the children to speak the truth; be good listeners
Learn handwork and perseverance from an early age
Steer clear of bad company and avoid empty arrogance
EniObanke who teaches the children humility
They say we should speak the truth and do good deeds
Focus our energy on what will prosper the society
Desist from skulduggery, espouse good character
EniObanke, teacher of ancient wisdom
Come folks, listen to the new one - in hidden places, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - in the open, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - call the menfolk, they’re here again!
Come folks, listen to the new one - summon the women, they’re here again!)
11. OJO
Òjò, òjò, a mú’lé tutù
Òjò, a mú’lẹ̀ fọ’hùn
T’ọmọdé t’àgbà l’ó nṣ’àdúrà k’ójò ayọ̀ rọ̀ lé wọn l’órí
T’akọ t’abo l’ó nṣ’àdúrà k’ójò ayọ̀ rọ̀ lé wọn l’órí
Ọ̀rẹ́ gbé’ra n’ílẹ̀, mú’ra ká bọ́ s’ọ́nà
Ìgboyà la ó fi bo’rí òkùnkùn biri
Àìní àti ìf̀asẹ́yìn kò le mú wa mọ́’lẹ̀ mọ́ o
Ẹ̀rùn yí d’ópin, ìdẹ̀ra nbọ̀ wá o
Ayọ̀ nbọ̀ l’ọ́nà - ìnira wọ gbó, ìrọ̀rùn yíò wá d’onílé
Ẹ̀rọ̀ nbọ̀ wá o - ìgbà ọ̀tun ti dé f’ẹ́ni tí ò mi’kàn
Ọ̀rẹ́ gbé’ra n’ílẹ̀, k’á f’ọwọ́ so’wọ́ pọ̀
Oun tó nbẹ n’ílẹ̀ yí kìí ṣ’iṣẹ́ àdáṣe
K’á má ṣe bí ẹni nf’ẹnu rò’fọ́ t’ébi á pa sùn
Jọ̀wọ́ gb’áradì, ìṣẹ́gun nbọ̀ l’ọ́nà
Ògo nbọ̀ l’ọ́nà - àìlera wọ gbó, ìrọ̀rùn yíò wá d’oníle
Ẹ̀rọ̀ nbọ̀ wá o - ìgbà ọ̀tun ti dé f’ẹ́ni tí ò mi’kàn
T’a bá wo b’ó ṣe rí ọ̀rẹ́ o
Ó dàbí kò le tò mọ́
Sùgbọ́n a ó dìde pẹ̀lú inú kan
Òmínira wa nbọ̀!
(Rain, rain, makes the house cool
Rain, rain, makes the earth speak
Both young and old pray for showers of blessings
Both male and female pray for showers of blessings
Rouse yourself friend, get dressed, let’s get on the road
Only with courage shall we overcome deep darkness
Lack and regression shall hold us captive no longer
The drought is over, comfort is imminent
Joy is on the way
Distress departs, well-being floods the home
Calm is on the way
A new season is here for those who stand strong
Get up friend, let’s work together
This burden cannot be borne by only one
Let us not be like those who make dinner in their dreams
And go to bed hungry
Please get prepared, victory is imminent
Glory is on the way
Ill-health disappears, well-being floods the home
Calm is on the way
A new season is here for those who stand strong
If we focus too much on the present chaos,
It looks totally impossible
But we shall arise with one resolve
Our liberty is imminent!)
12. QUEEN OF THE WEST
Call her ageless mystery
Gentle eyes seen so much
Sun and shine, rain or fall
Day turns into day
You give me love and affection
And then you take it away with you
Show me the way sister
My seeds are spreading thin
Throw your cards or read the lines
Will I or will I not?
You give me hope inspiration
And then you take it away with you
Lakes of fire, they burn in your eyes
I am drawn, maybe hypnotised
Your slave…
Queen of the West,
I like the way you play your game
You turn my head around and around
Take me away with you
Don’t leave me lonely!
13. SORE
I was the one who took my eyes off the ball
When the game was in overtime
If you don’t play by the rules, brother
You will end in the bleachers, man
Crying out your eyes, asking questions
Why me, why me again this time?
I could be more, more, more, more
But I’m still here searching for words to ease the pain
Listen to the preacherman, he says, “Redemption is in the sky”
And I should kneel in my corner and pray for salvation now
Every moment passing by blows a mournful kiss
As I cringe in my little place
I could be fighting back for sure
But my soul is in chains, shuffling in the shadows
I don’t think you see me anymore, I’m just scenery
Like a post with faded bills standing in your way
Don’t raise that bar any further, I’m already on the ground
And feeling sore…
And if I could pay the rent baby, would I still be the man?
Don’t think you hear me anymore, I’m just ambient noise
Like a ripple of background chatter soiling your quietude
Don’t raise that bar any further, I’m already on the ground
And feeling sore…
And if I could pay the rent baby, would I still be the man?
14. ALL THE ANSWERS
Laden clouds drifting your way
Stormy weather, heavy load
How will you forget these memories
That dog every step you take?
Now the road you walk, dark and rough
You’ve quit believing fairy tales
And now you relive the memory
Of every hurtful word they said
Come into the sunshine child
Love is waiting there for you
Come into my sphere of light
Everything is here
We’ll be running where shadows fade
Into nothing, tricks of light
How will you give up these painful memories
That perch on your shoulders now?
Doesn’t matter who is right or wrong
Seething cauldron of hate and lies
Time you should forget these memories
That plague every breath you take
All the answers you’ve been seeking, they’re here
All the promises broken, they’re here
All the kind words unspoken, they’re here
All the secrets are open, they’re here
All the answers you’ve been seeking, they’re here
All the promises broken, they’re here
All the kind words unspoken, they’re here
And all your angels have awoken, they’re here
15. TRULY, DEEPLY
The pain I can deal with; it’s been my friend all of my life
I want it but then I can’t live with it
Without it I feel so sad
Thoughts pressure my mind; words I cannot speak out loud
Sweet songs are no longer enough
I’m bound for my doom
And I, yes I do truly deeply love you
Yes I do truly deeply really love you
But I can’t take it no more
Oh, the light is beckoning
And I can’t give anymore
Just let me go
I know you’re seeking answers; you’ll have to dig in deeper than that
My place of torture beyond hell
Here, I am king
I hear your coming foots steps; soft words and calming touch
Tears cannot atone for my sins
Got to reach beyond here
You know when you’re alone, deep in your soul, I’ll be there
Love will make you strong, it won’t be long I promise
Do this in my memory when you get weary
Play this little song and sing along for me, my dear
16. IT’S ALL HERE
So I’m the pin in a haystack you said I was
I don’t count for much, no I don’t even have a voice
You’ve got the handle and I have the blade
But I warn you, my dear, don’t take your eyes off me
In a moment I’ll be flying
Got new wings…
Got new wings and smooth lubrication
Travelling shoes that come straight from the pack
And I am so full of life, no emotional baggage
Never felt better than I feel right now
My sun shines in the sky
And darling when you’re ready, remember it’s all here
Has to be now or never, I’m not waiting around
Call me in the morning, say you like what you see
Or leave me with my demons
I know how to deal with them
So briefly let me tell you what I’ve been through
I shed a skin, crawled out of my little hole
It started the night you told me to get a life
I think I’ve got it now and maybe a little more
And it feels so good to me
Now then…
Now if they tell you that I’m not the man I was
It would be because something died that night
And out of the ashes I’ve made up a new thing
It may be kind of crude but it’s all for you
What’s your pleasure my lady?
17. SOMEBODY ELSE (HAS GOT THE SOUL)
Man I used to have a lady
Who promised everything in the world
Promised she would never leave me
I was so smitten I believed her
We did everything together
We were so close inseparable
I never thought that it could happen
But one day the bubble burst
I went away for just a little while
And when I came I met her crying
You know what she said?
“You can take away the body; somebody else has got the soul”
How many tears of pain can I shed?
How many days will I be aching?
The magic’s surely gone forever
Now all I’ve got me is the shell
She took me in her arms crying
Stole my peace with just a few words
You know what she said?
“You can take away the body; some other man has got the soul”
I’ll get the rhythm back by and by
I’ll find the balm to heal the wound
From the words that she said:
You can take away the body; somebody else has got the soul
18. WRONG PLACE WRONG TIME
Somewhere down the road is a little boy
Sitting in the dirt with his head in his hands
No matter what he does can’t seem to get it right
There no hope for you when you’re not on the winning team
When you’re born in the wrong place and the wrong time
Is there room for one more? Can we get another chance?
Born in the wrong place and the wrong time
“Bring your laughter”, he says, “but don’t think anyone is buying”
Somewhere down the road I’m with another girl
Looking for some warmth in a cold, cold world
She wraps her arms around her and won’t even look at you
Curses the day she was born and the wretched one who begat her
When you’re born in the wrong place and the wrong time
There’s no early morning kiss and no hugs before bed
When you’re born in the wrong place and the wrong time
“Bring your charity”, she says, “but don’t expect any thanks”
Somewhere down the road is a little boy
I see him everyday, and I don’t even know his name
19. BY THE LAKE
It’s a lovely day, yeah
Sparkles from the deep in your eyes
You take me in your arms and spin around
Keep it flowing, keep it strong, yeah
And the tide is turning now, turning now
And it’s in my favour
Yes the tide is turning now, turning now
And it’s so good to be here with you
Splashing colours
Bending ray of light on your skin
Bodies saying prayers to the sun
Keep it glowing, keep it strong, yeah
Floating in a state of perfect harmony
Could you be an angel from the deep?
Said “happy to meet you” and you smiled right back
Can we dance?
It feels so good…
20. DRIFTING OL’ SHIP
It’s dawn in the night, winter in summer
I’m out of my head and my time is up
Yet she says it’s alright and you can come home
There’s a clean bed and warm dinner too
But it feels like my past will never leave me alone
Or set me free (set me free)
So I say, “Lord, give me one more chance to be
Or take me away
Give me one more chance to love
And here I will stay”
She must be a vision, an apparition
A dream I had, my constant angel
Like a beacon of light to a drifting ol’ ship
She gives me hope and faith anew, you see
But it seems like my lust won’t ever leave me alone
Or set me free
So I say, “Lord, give me one more chance to be
Or take me away
Give me one more chance to love
And here I will stay”
As I drain the cup and drown my sorrow
There’s a glimmer of hope in the smile she gives
When she says it’s alright and you can come home
There’s a clean bed and warm dinner too
But it feels like my hurt will never leave me alone
Or set me free
So I say, “Lord, give me one more chance to be
Or take me away
Give me one more chance to love
And here I will stay”
21. NO TELLING
Lay by me, let the night fade away
In your arms, feels so good
All my pains are nothing
But just one fleeting memory.
Stay right here, my love
I’m a man of simple needs
Doesn’t take much to make me happy
One touch and everything is fine in my lonely world.
And, yes, it doesn’t get any better than this
You can lead the way, I’m all yours anyhow, you just say
You’ve got me thinking big, yeah
Maybe we could even change the world
And if you stay with me, there’s no telling what we can’t do
Stand by me in this trench of broken hearts
Be the balm to heal my wounds
Hold me close and maybe you will feel
The fire burning inside.
Ride with me, my love
On this flight to higher planes
Happy days are coming our way
You and I, we’ve got the mountain down
Here comes the valley of bliss.
And, yes, it doesn’t get any better than this
You can lead the way, I’m all yours anyhow, you just say
You’ve got me thinking big, yeah
Maybe we could even change the world
And if you stay with me, there’s no telling what we can’t do