Makhabeleni
Clegg Johnny Lyrics


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Ngikhumbula ngisakhula ngikhul'ekhaya
I remember the days growing up at home

Baba nomama, nobaba, nomame
Fathers and mothers, fathers and mothers
Basithanda thina emakhabeleni
They once cared and loved us in makhabeleni
Hawu, sasikhula emakhabeleni
Oh, we grew up in makhabeleni
Hawu, babesithanda emakhabeleni
Oh, they loved and cared
For us in makhabeleni

Ikhaya lami lisele
My home is now gone and behind me
Ikhaya lami lingekho
My home that is not here anymore

Hawu, sasikhula emakhabeleni
Oh, we grew up in makhabeleni
Hawu, babesithanda emakhabeleni




Oh, they loved and cared
For us in makhabeleni

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Clegg Johnny's song "Makhabeleni" speak to the nostalgia and longing for a simpler time and a sense of home. The first verse, "Ngikhumbula ngisakhula ngikhul'ekhaya," translates to "I remember the days growing up at home." It evokes a sense of nostalgia and fond memories of the past, reflecting on the care and love received from both fathers and mothers.


The refrain, "Basithanda thina emakhabeleni," means "They once cared and loved us in makhabeleni." This highlights the strong bond and affection that existed in the past, perhaps in a specific place or community known as makhabeleni. The repetition of "Hawu, sasikhula emakhabeleni" and "Hawu, babesithanda emakhabeleni" emphasizes the growth and love experienced in makhabeleni.


However, the second verse takes a somber turn with the lines "Ikhaya lami lisele" and "Ikhaya lami lingekho," meaning "My home is now gone and behind me" and "My home that is not here anymore." These lyrics convey a sense of loss and displacement, as the singer reflects on a home that no longer exists. It touches on themes of change, leaving behind the familiar, and the longing for a place that once provided love and care.


Overall, "Makhabeleni" is a heartfelt song that captures the longing for a cherished home and the memories associated with it. It highlights the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the transient nature of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Ngikhumbula ngisakhula ngikhul'ekhaya
I have fond memories of my childhood, growing up at home


Baba nomama, nobaba, nomame
There were fathers and mothers, fathers and mothers


Basithanda thina emakhabeleni
They once cared and loved us in makhabeleni


Hawu, sasikhula emakhabeleni
Oh, we indeed grew up in makhabeleni


Hawu, babesithanda emakhabeleni
Oh, they truly loved and cared for us in makhabeleni


Ikhaya lami lisele
My home is now left behind me


Ikhaya lami lingekho
My home is no longer present


Hawu, sasikhula emakhabeleni
Oh, we indeed grew up in makhabeleni


Hawu, babesithanda emakhabeleni
Oh, they truly loved and cared for us in makhabeleni




Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JOHNNY CLEGG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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