Shosholoza
Amaryoni Lyrics
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Yithiwewe shov' ingolovane
Yithiwewe thiwewe yithiwewe thiwewe
Yithiwewe shov' ingolovane
Awu shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Ya shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
Hawu uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
Hawu uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
He shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
Uhehe (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Yithiwewe thiwewe yithiwewe thiwewe
Yithiwewe shov' ingolovane
Yithiwewe thiwewe yithiwewe thiwewe
Yithiwewe shov' ingolovane
Yithiwewe thiwewe yithiwewe thiwewe
Yithiwewe shov' ingolovane
Awu shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Ya shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
Kulezo ntaba (kulezo ntaba)
Uyeye (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
Kulezo ntaba (kulezo ntaba)
Uyeye (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
Awu shosholoza lenqola
Yithiwewe thiwewe yithiwewe thiwewe
Yithiwewe shov' ingolovane
Yithiwewe thiwewe yithiwewe thiwewe
Yithiwewe shov' ingolovane
The lyrics to Amaryoni's song "Shosholoza" are primarily in the Zulu language and are a call and response chant that were sung by South African miners as they worked. The opening lines, "Yithiwewe thiwewe yithiwewe thiwewe, Yithiwewe shov'ingolovane," are an invitation to join in the work song. The second part of the lyrics, "Awu shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza), Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba), Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)," loosely translate to "Move forward, train, from South Africa." This is a reference to the trains that transported workers from their homes to the mines.
The song captures the spirit of the working class people who have endured immense hardship and struggle, yet still carry on with hope and resilience. The repetition of "shosholoza" is used to create a rhythmic chant that unites the voices of the miners and encourages them to continue with their work. The song has since become an anthem of unity and strength in South Africa and is often performed at sporting events and cultural gatherings.
Line by Line Meaning
Yithiwewe thiwewe yithiwewe thiwewe
A repetitive chant meant to inspire and energize the people who sing it.
Yithiwewe shov' ingolovane
The phrase 'Ingolovane' refers to a train. This line is calling for people to get on the train in unison.
Awu shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
The word 'Shosholoza' was a traditional call and response chant sung by migrant workers. It is a rallying cry that means 'go forward' or 'make way for the next person'.
Uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
This line means 'you are running away (to those mountains)'. It reminds the listener that while they may want to escape, the mountains will always be there and the struggle will continue.
Kulezo ntaba (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
This line speaks to the train that is leaving from the mountains and moving towards South Africa. It represents hope and progress for the people on board.
Awu bheke wena uyabaleka (wen' uyabalela)
This line is a call to action. It is saying 'look at yourself, you are running away!'. The repetition emphasizes the importance of the message.
Hawu uyabaleka (kulezo ntaba)
This line is another call to action, but this time it is saying 'hey you, don't run away!'. It reminds the listener that they have the power to make a change.
He shosholoza lenqola (shosholoza)
This line is a variation on the 'shosholoza' chant. The addition of 'he' adds emphasis and importance to the message.
Uhehe (kulezo ntaba)
This line is just another variation on the call and response. It has no deeper meaning, but is used to build energy and excitement among the group.
Uyeye (stimela sphum' emzansi africa)
This line is a celebratory exclamation. It means 'you are going!' and is meant to express excitement and joy at the train's journey towards progress.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charlie Skarbek, Joseph Shabalala, Richard Simon Blaskey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind