Sabali
Amadou Lyrics
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Anw duya yé tolo kê
Anw bo kê ko yan
Anw bo kê ko yan
Djama!
Sabali! Sabali! Sabali yonkontê
Sabali! Sabali! Sabali kayi
Ni kêra môgô fê sabali yonkontê
Ni kêra tiè fê sabali yonkontê
Ni kêra Mousso fê Sabali yonkontê
Wo ouh wo! sabali, sabali, sabali kagni
Chéri, je m'adresse à toi
Avec toi, chéri la vie est belle
La la la la la la
Avec toi, chéri,
Wo ouh wo, la la la la la la
Ça c'est pour la vie
Wo ouh wo, la la la la la la
Avec toi, chéri,
La la la la la la
Ça c'est pour la vie
Chéri, je te fais un gros bisou
Chéri, je te fais un gros bisou
Je t'embrasse fort
Je te fais un gros bisou
Je t'embrasse fort
Bye-bye!
The song Sabali by Amadou begins with the lyrics “Anw na ku yé foli de yé,” which roughly translates to “I am nothing without you.” This sets up the theme of the song, which is about the deep connection between two people and how they rely on each other to make their lives complete. The chorus repeats the word “Sabali” multiple times, which in the Bambara language means “patience,” emphasizing the importance of being patient in a relationship and cultivating a strong bond. The verses go on to mention different types of people, such as “Ni kêra môgô” (young man) and “Ni kêra Mousso” (young woman), who all need “Sabali” in their lives.
The second half of the song shifts to a more personal tone, with the singer addressing their loved one directly. They express gratitude for their partner’s presence in their life, saying “Avec toi, chéri la vie est belle” (With you, my dear, life is beautiful) and sending them a kiss. The song ends with the playful phrase “Bye-bye,” adding a lighthearted touch to a song that is otherwise quite emotional.
The lyrics of Sabali connect with listeners on multiple levels, as they speak to the universal experience of love and the importance of having patience and perseverance in a relationship. The song has become a beloved classic since its release in 2008, and it continues to be a staple of Amadou & Mariam's live performances.
Line by Line Meaning
Anw na ku yé foli de yé
I want to tell you something important
Anw duya yé tolo kê
I need you to listen carefully
Anw bo kê ko yan
I don't want to waste your time
Anw bo kê ko yan
I don't want to waste your time
Djama!
Let's go!
Sabali! Sabali! Sabali yonkontê
Patience, patience, my friend
Sabali! Sabali! Sabali kayi
Patience, patience, in this life
Ni kêra môgô fê sabali yonkontê
Whether you're a man, be patient, my friend
Ni kêra tiè fê sabali yonkontê
Whether you're a woman, be patient, my friend
Ni kêra Mousso fê Sabali yonkontê
Whether you're a young girl, be patient, my friend
Wo ouh wo! sabali, sabali, sabali kagni
Yes, yes, patience is good
Chéri, je m'adresse à toi
Sweetheart, I am talking to you
Avec toi, chéri la vie est belle
With you, my dear, life is beautiful
La la la la la la
Avec toi, chéri,
With you, my dear,
Wo ouh wo, la la la la la la
Ça c'est pour la vie
This is for life
Wo ouh wo, la la la la la la
Avec toi, chéri,
With you, my dear,
La la la la la la
Ça c'est pour la vie
This is for life
Chéri, je te fais un gros bisou
Sweetheart, I give you a big kiss
Chéri, je te fais un gros bisou
Sweetheart, I give you a big kiss
Je t'embrasse fort
I give you a big hug
Je te fais un gros bisou
I give you a big kiss
Bye-bye!
Bye-bye!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING, BECAUSE EDITIONS, REVA SONS, CHRYSALIS MUSIC FRANCE
Written by: DAMON ALBARN, MARC-ANTOINE MOREAU, MARIAM DOUMBIA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amadouandmariam
Back when we were recording Welcome To Mali, Damon Albarn came to visit us in Bamako. This started a new creative process for us as we were used to composing each on our own side.
With Sabali, we all came together. We have wonderful memories of this collaboration.
@copiedoften5927
Beautiful, loved when Damien Marley used the sample... good to see the song song getting more play. Had it stuck in my head as soon as I saw the new commercial and had to hear it again. Perfect combination of sadness and celebration in the melody.
@mattcanaday6205
@@copiedoften5927 I did the same thing when I herd it on the commercial. Had to find that song with the quickness lol.......too bumpin!
@XxStealthySniper16
Makes me wanna travel across Africa
@pfrodriguez
this is dope! salute yall stay safe!
@brandonburkeen
God Bless Damon Albarn.
@subscribeforsomeafricanvil7105
This song was way ahead of time and still is. Love from Namibia
@daemstommy9175
It truly is 💯
@Lahwerthi
This song is ahead of its time rn
@blanco7726
This song was perfect for its time