Sabali
Amadou & Mariam feat. Theophilus London Lyrics

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Oh can't you see my sky is turning grey
When you turn to me it takes it all away
The misty night and the hazy smoke
Makes me go oh-oh, oh-oh, oh

Sabali, sabali, sabali yonkontê
Sabali, sabali, sabali kayi

Ni kêra môgô fê sabali yonkontê
Ibi 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 (han)
La vie est belle (ayy)
It's all about love, huh, huh, huh

The love we have, the love we share
It's yours and mines for life
Don't let no one take that there
Realness don't build no hype
When times get's dark (dark)
Spread some light (light)
Baby spread your wings (wings)
And fly with all your might
Summer time breeze makes me feel so new again
The thought of losing you has gone, forever be my friend
Paint the skies with your eyes
Take away the grey
Therefore when we reach our home
We have all the people say

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 (han)
Ça c'est pour la vie (han)

Times been wasting, oh wait when I take you there
Hold my hand if you need and release your fears
I am your heart, I am your soul for you I care
'Til the, 'til the, 'til the end the time
I'll always be there

Times been wasting, oh wait when I take you there
Hold my hand if you need then release your fears (release your fears)
I am your heart, I am your soul for you I care (for you I care)
'Til the, 'til the, 'til the end the time
I'll always be there

Bye-bye

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Amadou & Mariam's song Sabali are sung in a combination of Bambara and French, which adds to the cultural and linguistic richness of the song. The opening lines of the song, "Anw na ku yé foli de yé, Anw duya yé tolo kê, Anw bo kê ko yan," can roughly be translated to "I am searching for happiness, I am patient for it, I pray for it to come." These lines set the tone for the rest of the song, which is a poignant reflection on the need for hope and patience in the face of life's challenges.

The chorus of the song, "Sabali! Sabali! Sabali yonkontê, Sabali! Sabali! Sabali kayi," can be translated to "Patience! Patience! Patience is everything, Patience! Patience! Patience pays off." The repetition of the word "sabali" throughout the song underscores the importance of this message. The verses that follow describe how love and companionship can help one navigate the difficulties of life. The song ends with a playful and affectionate exchange between two lovers, expressing the joy and comfort that can come from a loving relationship.

Overall, Sabali is a beautiful and uplifting song about the power of patience, hope, and love. Its mix of languages and musical styles reflects the cosmopolitan backgrounds of the artists, and its timeless message of resilience and companionship continues to resonate with listeners around the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Anw na ku yé foli de yé
I am a person who has a heart

Anw duya yé tolo kê
I don't know what's going on

Anw bo kê ko yan
I am not wanting anything

Djama!
Let's go!

Sabali! Sabali! Sabali yonkontê
Patience! Patience! Patience little brother/sister

Sabali! Sabali! Sabali kayi
Patience! Patience! Patience big brother/sister

Ni kêra môgô fê sabali yonkontê
My little brother/sister, be patient

Ibi tiè fê sabali yonkontê
Everyone must be patient

Ni kêra Mousso fê Sabali yonkontê
My big sister, be patient

Wo ouh wo! Sabali, sabali, sabali kagni
Hey there! Patience, patience, patience little bird

Chéri, je m'adresse à toi
Darling, I'm talking to you

Avec toi chéri
With you, darling

La vie est belle
Life is beautiful

La la la la la la
La la la la la la

Avec toi, chéri
With you, darling

Wo ouh wo, la la la la la la
Hey there! La la la la la la

Ça c'est pour la vie
That's for life

Wo ouh wo, la la la la la la
Hey there! La la la la la la

Avec toi, chéri
With you, darling

La la la la la la
La la la la la la

Ça c'est pour la vie
That's for life

Chéri, je te fais un gros bisou
Darling, I'm giving you a big kiss

Ou bien je sais pas
Or maybe I don't know

Chéri, je te fais un gros bisou
Darling, I'm giving you a big kiss

Je t'embrasse fort
I'm embracing you tightly

Je te fais un gros bisou
I'm giving you a big kiss

Je t'embrasse fort
I'm embracing you tightly

Bye-bye!
Goodbye!

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SONY ATV MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE, BECAUSE EDITIONS
Written by: Damon Albarn, Marc-Antoine Moreau, Mariam Doumbia

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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