Sabali
Amadou & Mariam (co-written produced and with instrumentation by Damon Albarn) Lyrics

The lyrics of "Sabali" by Amadou & Mariam are a mix of Bambara and French, and the song has multiple interpretations. The Bambara lyrics talk about resilience and patience in difficult times, encouraging the listener to persevere through life's challenges. "Anw na ku yé foli de yé" translates to "I am not in a hurry, I hurry will arrive," while "ni kêra môgô fê sabali yonkontê" means "even a child can have patience." The chorus repeats "Sabali yonkontê" which roughly translates to "patience and understanding." In contrast, the French lyrics express love and affection, with the singer addressing their partner ("chéri") and declaring that life is beautiful with them. The song's title "sabali" could be seen as a fusion of these two themes, with the patience and perseverance necessary in love and relationships.

Musically, "Sabali" is characterized by its catchy melody, laid-back tempo, and the mesmerizing rhythm guitar riff that opens the song. The song also features Damon Albarn's signature production style, with his distinctive use of synths, keys, and percussion adding depth to the instrumentation. The chorus is particularly infectious, with the repetition of "Sabali" and the use of call-and-response vocals adding to the song's sing-along quality. Overall, "Sabali" is an uplifting ode to resilience, love, and the power of music to transcend language barriers.