IWA

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

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