Amadou and Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Maria… Read Full Bio ↴Amadou and Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Mali's capital Bamako 15 April 1958) and Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954). The pair, known as "the blind couple from Mali" met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music.

The duo produces music that mixes traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion. All these elements put together have been referred to as "Afro-blues".

In 2004 they put out an acclaimed album produced by Manu Chao.

In 2006 they were acknowledged with BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music in the two categories: Africa and Album of the Year (for the "Dimanche à Bamako" release).

www.amadou-mariam.com

Compagnon de la Vie
Amadou & Mariam Lyrics

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Mon amour, ma chérie, ooh, chérie
Ma chérie, ma bien aimée, ooh, mon cœur
Je pense à toi nuit et jour, fidèle compagnon

Je t'aimerai toute ma vie, compagnon de la vie
Ma chérie, ma bien aimée
Ooh, mon cœur, je pense à toi nuit et jour
Fidèle compagnon

Je t'aimerai toute ma vie, compagnon de la vie

Môgo tè djiyala bêyé, môgo tè djiyala bêyé
Né diyana môgô bêmi dé
I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
Môgo tè djiyala bêyé, môgo tè djiyala bêyé

Né ni kanmôgô bêmi dé, I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
Sarama la malo magni dé, I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
Yorodjan na kanou magni dé, I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
Dja môgô tê diyala bêyé, I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
Dja môgô tê diya bêyé, I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné

Mon amour, ma chérie, ooh, chérie
Ma chérie, ma bien aimée, ooh, mon cœur
Je pense à toi nuit et jour, fidèle compagnon
Je t'aimerai toute ma vie, compagnon de la vie

I gnongon ti ba denw na, I gnogon ti sindjiw la
Ala dé yi ka ko diya né yé, I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
I gnongon ti ba denw na, I gnogon ti sindjiw la
I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné

Mon amour, ma chérie, ooh, chérie
Ma chérie, ma bien aimée, ooh, mon âme
Je pense à toi nuit et jour, fidèle compagnon
Je t'aimerai toute ma vie, compagnon de la vie

Mon amour, ma chérie, ooh, chérie
I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné

Overall Meaning

The song Compagnon de la Vie by Amadou & Mariam is a beautiful love song that expresses deep devotion and commitment between two people. The repeated phrase "compagnon de la vie" means 'companion of life', which indicates that the lovers are in it for the long haul. The song begins with the singer expressing his love to his beloved, calling her "ma chérie" and "bien aimée". He thinks of her constantly, day and night, and considers her his faithful companion. The chorus repeats the sentiment that he will never stop loving her, as long as they are both alive.

The second part of the song introduces a new melody and a new set of lyrics. They are in Bambara, a language spoken in Mali, the homeland of the duo. The lyrics are more abstract and feature a repetitive refrain of "môgo tè djiyala bêyé", which means 'a person you can rely on'. The rest of the verses list examples of such people - those who are true to their word and keep their promises. The chorus returns to the love theme, and ends the song on a joyful note.

Line by Line Meaning

Mon amour, ma chérie, ooh, chérie
My love, my darling, oh, darling

Ma chérie, ma bien aimée, ooh, mon cœur
My darling, my beloved, oh, my heart

Je pense à toi nuit et jour, fidèle compagnon
I think of you night and day, faithful companion

Je t'aimerai toute ma vie, compagnon de la vie
I will love you all my life, companion of life

Môgo tè djiyala bêyé, môgo tè djiyala bêyé
Someone who knows how to swim doesn't drown

Né diyana môgô bêmi dé
I don't know how to swim

I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
You need to know how to swim in the water

Sarama la malo magni dé, I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
A small canoe can sink quickly if you don't know how to swim

Yorodjan na kanou magni dé, I ka guêrê ka na an ki gné
A big boat can also sink if you don't know how to swim

Dja môgô tê diyala bêyé
Come, let me teach you how to swim

I gnongon ti ba denw na, I gnogon ti sindjiw la
The ocean may be rough, the waves may be high