LEAD US, SON OF TAMBO!
Hoyiiini! Hoyina!
Do lend me your ears, people of my land
Lend me your ears and I will bring you a message
We are here today because it was meant to be
Long ago, this day was preordained
By our creator Qamata, together with our ancestors
Let it be so, they unanimously said
Today we have this mother of all celebrations
A day filled with so much joy and laughter
We are dancing like never before!
So much meat – we eat till we can only stare
But we are not satisfied until we reach the bone
Deep in the very bone, sucking so hard
As if we want to know the origins of this marrow
Oh, the descendants of our ancient ancestor Ntu!
What do we say on a day like this?
What words to we use?
But before we know, old experienced elders reason and pronounce with conviction
Ah! Tambo, ancient bone of our great ancestors!
Ah! Tambo, the anchor bone so many had to hold onto
Ah! Tambo, the bone whose marrow never runs dry
Sharing wisdom, integrity, and love
Yes indeed, many who knew you say it repeatedly
You were a cyclone!
One whose massive influence was for building
Future leaders, young men and women
Who so needed your wisdom
Yes indeed, Cyclone of unity they call you!
You united opposing forces
You created strong relations for us in foreign lands
That is why we are gathered here today
Holding onto that solid bone of unity that you represent
Emperor of Leadership in Africa!
Wherever you are today, in that vast hereafter
With countless pioneers and freedom fighters
We know you are looking at us
You see the youth of today learning to stand
Taking small steps, running, falling, gripped with fear!
But they stand again and run again!
Current dishonesty, struggles for power and positions
You see them all
Apologies! Apologies to you father Tambo!
Apologies! Daughters and sons of Africa!
Your teachings we will try to remember
We will try to hold each other and revive
The values you espoused
Our voices will break into song that resounds
Throughout the land, bringing joy to even the birds
Of heaven, together we will sing:
Tambo, leads us all, son of Tambo
Help us rebuild our nation, lead us
Son of Tambo!
Here I pause . . .
Here I pause . . .