AMUNUDUN 

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. © & ℗ 2018 EniObanke


 

 

1. AGBA MEJE 

Orun ní gba t’ọwọ́ ọmọdé 

Láìpẹ́ láìjìn, a ó pàdé ‘ra ní’bẹ̀ 

Orun ní gba t’ọwọ́ ọmọdé 

Ní kùtù hàì la ó tẹ̀lẹ́ ‘ra dé’bẹ̀ 

Àgbà méje, àgbà méje òde 

Àgbà méje, àwọn àgbàgbà méje 

Wọ́n ti gbé’gbá onídẹ o 

Wọ́n ti sí’gbá onídẹ wò
 

A ti mú’ra, a m’óun bo’rí 

Láìró láìfà a ó pàdé ‘ra ní’bẹ̀ 

A ti mú’ra, a sán ‘gbàjá 

Ní tọ̀wọ̀tọ̀wọ̀ la ó tò lé’ra dé’bẹ̀
 

Ó kún fún ìdẹ̀ra, kún fún ìdùnnú, kún fún ‘ròyìn ayọ̀ 

Ó kún fún ètò, kún fún ìlànà, kún fún ìgboyà 

Wọ́n ní a gbé’ra ní’lẹ̀, ká ṣ’àtúnṣe ò e
 

(Now that the young are deep in slumber 

We shall dress and hasten to join the others 

Early in the morning, before the dew 

We are dressed, heads covered 

Without wasting any time, we shall meet up there 

We are dressed, waist wraps tied 

With calm we shall follow one another
 

They’ve lifted the brass pot, the seven elders, 

They’ve opened the brass pot, the seven wise ones 

Bursting with Peace, Happiness, and Good Tidings 

Brimming with Order, Guidance and Courage 

Loudly proclaiming: 

“Lift yourselves and make those changes now”)
 

2. RALLY 

It’s another morning, and the people gathering 

Want a brand new story; jig your memory 

Some will get you tearing, some will get you laughing 

Some will get you cringing, yeah, pleading for your life 

Some are so enticing, really captivating 

Some are full of detail, yeah, but it’s just another tale 

Will it build harmony around here? 

Will the world wake up to a new light? 

Shine it all on the bloodsuckers everywhere 

Fancy that!
 

It’s another gray day, no matter how you pray 

Rainbows are a fortune away; chase the arc forever 

We’re here anticipating, some gesticulating 

Don’t know what they think they’re getting 

The bus is going nowhere 

The tale-teller is stomping, his groove is fascinating 

This funk is meant to keep you dreaming; reality it’s not 

Will it build harmony around here? 

Will the world wake up to a new light? 

Shine it all on the bloodsuckers everywhere 

Fancy that!
 

People still keep on living; nobody has a clue 

They will tell you times are hard 

But nobody cares to know 

People still keep on struggling on 

Through the horror and the aches 

Through the triumphs and the lows 

Well, we’re all just marking time…
 

3. GẸDẸGBẸ 

Wọ́n ní ká ṣ’iṣẹ́ l’ásìkò iṣẹ́ - iṣẹ́ iṣẹ́ l’ásìkò iṣẹ́ 

Wọ́n ní ká ṣ’eré l’ásìkò eré - eré eré l’ásìkò eré 

Ká f’oun tó tó’jú bọ́’jú, ká f’oun tó tó’mú fín’mú 

Wọ́n ní ká ṣ’iṣẹ́ l’ásìkò iṣẹ́ - iṣẹ́ iṣẹ́ l’ásìkò iṣẹ́ 

A kọ̀ a ò ṣ’iṣẹ́, a mí pè’dè àlọ̀ - eré eré l’ásìkò eré 

Ká f’oun tó tó’jú bọ́’jú, ká f’oun tó tó’rí wé’rí o, wé’rí o 

K’ónílé kó ṣọ́’lé rẹ̀, k’ọ́lọ́dẹ̀ kó gbáradì 

Gẹ̀dẹ̀gbẹ̀ nbọ̀ kẹ gbọ́, Gẹ̀dẹ̀gbẹ̀ nbọ̀ lọ́nà 

K’ọ́lọ́mọ kó tọ́’mọ rẹ̀, k’ólóun kó yẹ’ra wò 

Gẹ̀dẹ̀gbẹ̀ nbọ̀ kẹ gbọ́, Gẹ̀dẹ̀gbẹ̀ olórò ọjà oko 
 

Wọ́n ní ká ṣ’iṣẹ́ l’ásìkò iṣẹ́ - iṣẹ́ iṣẹ́ l’ásìkò iṣẹ́ 

Wọ́n ní ká ṣ’eré l’ásìkò eré - eré eré l’ásìkò eré 

Ká f’oun tó tó’jú bọ́’jú, ká f’oun tó tó’mú fín’mú 

Wọ́n ní ká ṣ’ayé ní pẹ̀lẹ́pẹ̀lẹ́ - ilé ayé ní pẹ̀lẹ́pẹ̀lẹ́ 

Ká má f’owó dípò ìwà 

Ká f’oun tó tó’jú bọ́’jú, ká f’oun tó tó’rí wé’rí o, wé’rí o 

K’ónílé kó ṣọ́’lé rẹ̀, k’ọ́lọ́dẹ̀ kó gbáradì 

Gẹ̀dẹ̀gbẹ̀ nbọ̀ kẹ gbọ́, Gẹ̀dẹ̀gbẹ̀ nbọ̀ lọ́nà 

K’ọ́lọ́mọ kó tọ́’mọ rẹ̀, k’ólóun kó yẹ’ra wò 

Gẹ̀dẹ̀gbẹ̀ nbọ̀ kẹ gbọ́, Gẹ̀dẹ̀gbẹ̀ olórò ọjà oko
 

(They say we should work when it is time for work 

And play when it is time to play; 

We stick to our guns, refuse to do right. 

They said we should tread gently, avoid strife 

And never place material wealth above good character 

Wash the face with the right material 

Clear the nose with what is appropriate 

Cover the head with what it requires. 

Landlords, guard your doors 

Heads of compounds, gird your loins 

Gedegbe is coming, can you hear? 

Gedegbe is storming up. 

Parents, watch over your children 

Owners watch over your things 

Gedegbe is coming, can you hear? 

Gedegbe, enforcer of distant markets)
 

4. ON AGAIN 

So you peel the surface, don’t like what you see 

Lost in the maze and it’s all a mystery to you 

Well, you must know what you’re running from 

Where you’re running to 

Why you’re in the race anyway 

You must know who you’re running with, 

How you’re doing it, and what’s the prize? 

Well, now you should know
 

So your heart is burning, something’s got to give 

Caught in the web, many roads leading nowhere 

Well, you must know what you’re running from 

Where you’re running to 

Why you’re in the race anyway 

You must know who you’re running with, 

How you’re doing it, and what’s the prize? 

Well, now you should know
 

Take a break, look yourself in the mirror 

Hear the rhythm of hope 

Love is here, when you’re ready, when you’re ready 

You are on again! 

So the dream is over, got to face the truth 

When the chase is done 

Who will be waiting for you? 

You’re on again! 

They just called your number 

You’re on again!
 

5. MỌWỌRẸSIRE 

“Onítibí yẹn nlọ, ó mà ṣe bẹbẹ 

Wọ́n l’óun t’ó ti gbé ṣe, ó mà tóbi o 

L’ọ́jọ́ ọjọ́ yẹn, ó ṣe kísà, ó ná’wó ná’ra 

Ọ̀nà rèé, kálọ ká fi hàn ọ́”
 

La’jú rẹ sílẹ̀ ko r’ẹ́yìn atanijẹ 

La’tí rẹ sílẹ̀, ko gbọ́’rọ̀ òtítọ́ nì 

Ẹni nṣ’ọdún owó yẹn, ṣ’ó l’áyọ̀ nínú? 

Gbogbo oun tó ndán kọ́ ni wúrà o
 

Jọ̀wọ́ m’ọ́wọ́ rẹ sí’re ọ̀rẹ́, ṣè’wọ̀n t’ápá rẹ bá ká àbúrò 

Má ṣe wù’wà ìbàjẹ́, má ṣe k’ẹ́gbẹ́ ọlọ́tẹ̀ 

Ọ̀nà tóró yẹn ló l’ádùn gangan 

Jọ̀wọ́ m’ọ́wọ́ rẹ sí’re ọ̀rẹ́, ṣè’wọ̀n t’ápá rẹ bá ká àbúrò 

Má ṣe mọ̀dàrú, má ṣe k’ẹ́gbẹ́ ọlọ́bùn 

Ìwà rere yẹn ní f’ọkàn ẹni ba’lẹ̀
 

Àgbà sọ fún wa ní’gbà ọ̀dọ́ o, ẹni ire 

Wọ́n ló yẹ k’ọ́mọlúàbí ní ìtẹ́lọ́rùn 

Ká má fì ‘ka mẹ́wà́ jẹun lẹ́ẹ̀kan 

T’àìgbọ́n kọ́ ni ká ṣe pẹ̀lẹ́
 

Ẹni l’ọ́lá ìyẹn á mà bá’lẹ̀ lọ 

Ẹni ò ní kò ní kọjá ọjọ́ tirẹ̀ 

Ká má ṣe bí ọlọ́rọ̀ tó gbàgbé ọgbọ́n 

Ìwal tó dára ló ga jù o
 

("Here goes the cool guy 

Amazing things he has achieved in no time 

The other day, he spent so much money. 

We can show you the way too” 

Well, you’d better keep your eyes open, see beyond the lies 

Open your ears to the true wisdom of the ancients 

Is there any joy beneath the affluence? 

Not all that glitters is gold
 

Please set your hands to good deeds 

Always do the best you can, dear one 

Avoid assemblies of deceit and slothful company 

The unpopular path, narrow and difficult, 

Is the one that leads to peace and joy 

The elders told us when we were young 

That a true being must have contentment 

Not to eat with the ten fingers at once 

Calmness is not stupidity. 
 

The wealthy one will meet his end someday 

And so will the lowly 

We must not act like the rich one who shunned wisdom 

Good character should be our greatest goal)
 

6. CONGOLIONESS 

Congolioness, your fiery eyes bore into my soul 

I am lonely in the crowd but I know you’re not far away 

Every moment feels like eternity, every step a pain 

But my heart will never be at peace till I am with you 

Every day, and every night, they will be an adventure 

We will play, we will fight like all lovers do 

Congolioness, your magic smile’s calling me home
 

Congolioness, this is the fate of a lonely heart 

Cast adrift upon a sea of worry, drained of all strength 

Chameleon perches in the air, river doesn’t flow 

And I shiver on the banks of fate, waiting for your boat 

Every season, like a dream, floats away in a daze 

I am warm, I am cold; all I need is you 

Congolioness, your magic smile’s calling me home
 

Well, I know, I know, I know, I know 

I’ve been perambulating, dancing off-beat 

But before my time is over sweet darling 

I’d like to be with you again 

Well, I know, I know, I know, I know 

You’re the goal of my quest, the reason for my breath 

And before my time is over sweet darling 

I’d like to hold your hands again
 

7. COMING AT YOU 

These are not the words we throw over the fence 

To a naughty neighbour in anger 

These are not the careless words we spit 

When drunk and filled with self-importance, no 

These are bound in chains, dancing to ridicule 

Wrapped in crooked memories 

Of what was begun left unfinished.
 

These are not the words we chant 

In our holy congregations, enraptured 

These are not the words of arrogance 

Hurled at you by a man of book and learning 

These are painted red for the loves we’ve lost 

And the pain we spread around 

On the sodden sands of time 

And look, they’re coming at you.
 

These are not the words you put to bed 

With a lullaby of metaphors 

These are not the words you clothe 

In the linen of doublespeak and hyperbole 

These are bound in hope, for a mighty change 

Stir up all the slumberers 

To the rising sun of a new day.
 

These are not the words you quote 

When in court and they ask you “Why?” 

These are not the feathery words we breathe 

To cover up an errant flatulence, no 

These are made for joy, for the ecstasy 

For every day we ride out 

On the alphabets of transformation 

And look, they’re coming at you.
 

8. BI OYIN 

I’ve been riding, flying high 

On a feeling so divine 

I’ve been reaching for a dream 

With many wings in the wind 

Can you feel it, read it, see it 

In my heart so unclad? 

Virgin child, my soul is pure and I’m all new 

Ìfẹ́ ló nmú‘nú mi dùn 

Àwọn ọ̀rọ̀ rẹ ló nmú‘nú mi dùn 

Ẹ̀rín rẹ ló nmú‘nú mi dùn 

Ìwà rẹ ló nmú‘nú mi dùn 

Amúnúdùn yùngbà yùngbà yùngbà - bí oyin! 

(Love is making me happy 

Your words are making me happy 

Your smile is making me happy 

Your character is making me happy 

Makes me happy, so deliriously happy!)
 

There’ll be razzles, dazzles, sparkles 

On this glowing dancefloor 

Happy feet stepping to the rhythm in abandon 

I’m not afraid to take my chances, not scared anymore 

Now you’re here, everything is perfect, don’t you see?
 

9. AFURUGBIN 

Ṣèbí ka ṣá ti jẹun, ká ti l’ówó, ká ti k’ọ́rọ̀ jọ 

Àní ka ṣá ti wọ’ṣọ, ká ti kọ́’lé, ká fì bí ìjì 

Òpònú wa’yé mọ́’yà, ṣ’ọ́jọ́ ẹ̀dá ò wá dẹ̀ ní’ye bí? 

Àní ka ṣá ṣe rere, fúrúgbìn ayọ̀ f’ẹ́ni nbọ̀ l’ọ́nà 

Ẹ ṣe jẹ́jẹ́, ẹ má ṣe rẹ̀wẹ̀sì 

Ẹ̀ bá ṣe kiá, ẹ má ṣ’ọ̀lẹ 

Ká ṣe’un tó dára l’ásìkò ìwà 

Ẹni t’ó l’ágbára kó ro’nú
 

Ìfẹ́ owó ti j’ọba, ṣ’óun ṣá ni ò jẹ́ a r’ọ́nà ayọ̀ 

Àní ka ṣá ti l’ọ́là, bó ti wù k’ọ́dọ̀ ó bàjẹ́ 

Ìfẹ́ bo’rí àdájẹ, ṣ’óun ní m’ógo ìlú tàn yànyàn 

Pẹ̀lú ìfọwọ́sowọ́pọ̀ la ó b’orí ìdènà gbogbo 

Ẹ ṣe jẹ́jẹ́, ẹ má ṣe rẹ̀wẹ̀sì 

Ẹ̀ bá ṣe kiá, ẹ má ṣ’ọ̀lẹ 

Ká ṣe’un tó dára l’ásìkò ìwà 

Ẹni t’ó l’ágbára kó ro’nú
 

(Is it not just to eat, to have money, be wealthy? 

Just to have fancy clothes, houses, sway free like the wind? 

The unwise one takes it all to heart 

As if a man’s days are not numbered 

Shouldn’t we just strive to sow good seeds, 

And leave a happy trail for future wayfarers? 

The love of money is now king 

That’s why we no longer see the path of joy 

We all crave material wealth 

Irrespective of who is hurt in the process 

But a city only thrives when its wealth is accessible to all 

And if we work together there’s no impediment 

Strong enough to stop our progress 

Take it easy out there but don’t delay 

Move along, don’t be lazy 

Let’s do great things in our time 

And let those who have power embrace wisdom)
 

10. GOODFELLA 

In the land of the blind, the one-eyed fool is king 

Mediocrity is the jewel in the ruler’s crown 

Corruption of the mind, blood upon the hand 

Every leader is a sell-out, every follower a broken soul 

So, beware goodfella you’re now in a lion’s den 

And no manner of prayer is going to save your pride 

They’ll mash you and kick you and dance around your pain 

As you lie upon the fangs of the vicious beast
 

Like the vultures on the hill waiting upon the dying 

They suck from the poor, the weak, even the little child 

They claw their way up the ladder with a foul smell 

Greed is their banner and wickedness their shield 

Beware goodfella you’re now in a lion’s den 

This land where no one speaks when evil is done 

We cower in fear and quietly slink away 

Because no one dares to look in the eyes of the beast
 

(But) Mother’s calling, calling the children of hope 

The wind is turning (good fortune is on the way) 

So the war to be fought will not be with a gun 

We transform our minds and the works of our hands 

Together lift up the arms of Mother Justice 

Merit and excellence in everything we do
 

But beware good people they won’t go silently 

This army of evil will fight to the very last 

For the living, downtrodden and the ones yet unborn 

We shall sweep away the rot of the stinky beast 

And Mother’s calling, calling the children of hope 

The wind is turning (good fortune is on the way)
 

11. BACK TO CALM 

Well the earth is spinning on its axis 

And the sun is beaming bright at noon 

The rain is falling in due season
 

And I’m happy for those whose stocks are rising 

You see the road I walk is not easy 

I hurt in places no one can see 

Still I have no regrets and want no pity 

All I really need is a moment of warmth
 

Just to be with you, be with you 

I want to be with you, be with you 

Just to be with you, be with you 

For one moment in time 

Just to be with you, be with you 

I want to be with you, be with you 

Just to be with you, be with you 

You bring me back to calm
 

Shifting alliances got you in a bind 

No anchor for this state of mind 

It’s not hysteria, just a simple need 

And all the acting up may be a call for help
 

They say I have no hope of making it here 

Economic chains are not my thing 

Still I hold tight to my haughty ways 

But when the pressure is high I know that all I want 

Is to be with you, be with you 

I want to be with you, be with you…
 

12. GUARDIANS 

Waiting for the one with a heart of gold 

Who will take away the pain and lead us home 

Waiting for a trumpet call that never comes
 

We could be reaching for a dream that’s more realistic 

Pull away the shades and see more clearly 

Not bury your head in the sand and rape the earth
 

Don’t you know it’s a fairy tale that someone’s coming 

You’ll believe anything as long as you do nothing 

Don’t you know it’s all fairly simple to the babe 

We could be what we wish and it’s all there in our hands 

We could be the guardians of our fate
 

Walking down the street with faceless strangers 

Everybody’s going nowhere and somewhere 

Could it be that I’m the one who’s lost the faith
 

When the evening comes they flock together 

Asking for the secret of my smile 

How do you begin to unlock a frozen mind?
 

Don’t you know it’s all indoctrination, mind slavery 

They’ve got you praying, salivating 

Fighting for what you don’t need 

Don’t you know it’s all fairly simple to the babe 

We could build good places full of love and tenderness 

We could be the guardians of our fate
 

Home at the republic of the black sheep, 

And you can stand out 

Here at the brook of soul liberation 

You can build, you can be, you can stand out 

You can build, you can breathe, yes you can
 

13. ỌLỌJA 

Mo k’áwo s’ọ́jà nṣ’ajé 

Agbéwiri f’ẹ̀sọ̀ kó wọn lọ 

Ó l’ọ́ba ló mà rán ‘un ní’ṣẹ́ olè 

Ojú mi pàkò nwòran.
 

A gb’ọ́kà sí’lẹ̀ ká jẹun - ká fi’un sínú 

Ọlọ́bùn yí pẹ̀tẹ̀ k’ọ́wọ́ sí’nú rẹ̀ – pọ̀ṣọ̀pọ̀ṣọ̀ 

Abọ́nisíhòhò tí nf’ewé bo tirẹ̀ 

Ẹnu mi sùtì ò r’ọ́rọ̀ sọ 

Onísùúrù é mà í ṣe t’ọ̀dẹ̀ o 

Àní ka má jà ló jù o

Ha ha ha ha, yé Ọlọ́jà, ẹ gba ni, ẹ la ni, ẹ gba ni
 

A gbé’lù sí’lẹ̀ ká ṣe’ré 

Wọn l’áwọn l’ó kàn láti jó l’ágbo 

Ẹlẹ́sẹ̀ mẹ́rìnlá fi mú fọn fèrè 

Etí mi fẹ̀nfẹ̀ ò f’áriwo 

Onísùúrù é mà í ṣe t’òmùgọ̀ o 

Àní ka má jà ló jù o 

Ha ha ha ha, yé Ọlọ́jà, ẹ gba ni, ẹ la ni, ẹ gba ni
 

(I set my wares out in the market 

The marauder comes by, grabs them all 

Says he’s only following the king’s order 

Aghast, I can only stare blankly. 
 

We set the table for a meal 

Filth staggers in and dips his fingers 

Public embarrassment, his stock-in-trade 

Surprised, I can only stand there, mute.
 

But patience, you should know, is not idiocy 

One is only trying to avoid a fight 

Hey, Market Queen, do you job now 

Address this injustice! 
 

We set up our drums to play 

They butt in and claim it’s their turn 

Fourteen-legged clowns with trumpet noses 

My ears, large as they are, do not like noise! 

Patience, you should know, is not idiocy 

One is only trying to avoid a fight 

Hey, Market Queen, do you job now 

Set right this injustice!
 

14. HALO 

I am seeking for the source of your mystery anger 

They say it flows and never ends 

I am reaching in the dark, sinking in deeper 

Hopelessly, I am lost in emptiness 

And only one of us will emerge as the hero 

One of us will wear the halo 

One of us will have to follow the sorrow of a broken dream 

And I am the one
 

I am reaching for the key to unlock my feet 

Get them shuffling to the light 

But my mind is stuck in you: yesterday was great 

Where was I and darling who are you? 

And only one of us will emerge as the hero 

One of us will wear the halo 

One of us will have to follow the sorrow of a broken dream 

And I am the one
 

Words like arrows that you shoot staple up my tongue 

I am numb and now you’re deaf 

Here at the point of no return 

These two ragged rowers, they will part, unfortunately 

And only one of us will emerge as the hero 

One of us will wear the halo 

One of us will have to follow the sorrow of a broken dream 

And I am the one
 

15. RIBOTO 

Ilé olówó ni mo lọ 

Owó dùn ní, owó dára, ẹni bá ni kó ṣe gbádùn rẹpẹtẹ 

Ilé ọlọ́lá la bá wọn lọ 

Ọláyẹmí, ọlákànmí, ọlálérè, ó nbu’yì fún ni l’áwùjọ 

Ilé ọlọ́mọ la lọ, ye… 

Pariboto rìbótó mo gb’ọ́mọ jó o è 

Taní lè bi kó má gbe jó? Mo gb’ọ́mọ jó o è 
Ṣ’ẹ́yin lè bi kẹ má gbe jó? Mo gb’ọ́mọ jó o è 

Ìwọ lè bi ko má gbe jó? Mo gb’ọ́mọ jó o è 

Taní lè bi kó má gbe jó? Mo gb’ọ́mọ jó o è
 

Ilé ọba la bá wọn lọ 

Adérẹ̀mí, adéwuyì, adélànà 

K’áyé tòrò, k’ílù́ dùn yùngbà 

Ilé olóyè ọ̀tọ̀kùlú, wọn ò jẹ́ f’ọ̀rọ̀ àwa ṣe’ré 

Amúlù́dùn akọ́nilọ́gbọ́n, n’ílé ọlọ́mọ, ha… 

Ọmọ la ó fi gbé jó 

Ọwọ́ osùn l’ọwọ́ àwa
 

(We’ve been to the homes of the rich 

Isn’t it nice to have money? 

We’ve also been to the places of the wealthy 

Who wouldn’t love some of that? 

We’ve performed in halls of royalty 

Among princes and princesses, 

And in the presence of the powerful 

But the best is when a new child is born 

That is the place to be… 

Pariboto riboto, I dance the baby 

Who can have one and not cuddle it? 

Who can have a child and not nurture it? 

Can you have one and not dance it? 

We shall use them to cuddle children 

These our hands, covered in camwood powder 

We shall use them to dance our children)

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