" Here on Rasin Kreyol (which tran… Read Full Bio ↴Amazon.com's Editorial Emelin Michel:
" Here on Rasin Kreyol (which translates as "Creole Roots"), reigning queen of Haitian song Emeline Michel covers a lot of ground, writing songs that draw upon Haitan compas, twoubadou and rara as well as jazz, rock, pop, bossa nova and samba. Whichever direction the singer goes, her voice is clear and forceful as she dramatically imparts her political lyrics in Haitian Creole and French, offering up messages about AIDS, social justice and peace. She does this skill and class: Michel repeats the line "Tell me, where is peace?" to chilling effect on "Mon Rêve," where she's joined by background singers, flute and voodoo hand drums. At the other end of the spectrum, "Ban'm La Jwa" is uplifting with its driving calypso-jazz grooves. While the singer has released a handful of albums as imports over a 15-year career, Rasin Kreyol, her Times Square records debut, is a standout that should help U.S. audiences catch up with the French speaking world that already adores her. "
-- Tad Hendrickson
Manman Haïti
Emeline Michel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pa kite m pa kite m pa kite m soufri
Pa kite m pa kite m pa kite m mouri
Mwen mande retounen
Mwen mande retounen
Menmsi mwen konnen m antò
Mwen mande retounenMenmsi ou pa vle m ankò
Boule tankou yon dife
Tout konsome
Konsome mwen
Isit la nan prezans ou
Seyè, mwen rann tèt mwen
Pou Glwa Ou
Pou Glwa Ou
O Sentespri
Boule tankou yon dife
Tout konsome
Konsome mwen
Isit la nan prezans ou
Seyè, mwen rann tèt mwen
Pou Glwa Ou
Pou Glwa Ou
Lapli lespri sen
Tonbe tankou yon inondasyon
The lyrics of Emeline Michel's song "Manman Haïti" depict a plea for return to one's homeland, Haiti. The repeated phrase "pa kite m pa kite m pa kite m peri" translates to "don't leave me, don't leave me, don't let me perish." The singer is expressing a profound longing for the country and the desire to go back, even though she knows the difficulties and challenges that await her there. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the plea.
The lyrics also convey a sense of sacrifice and devotion. The lines "boule tankou yon dife, tout konsome, konsome mwen" can be translated as "burning like a fire, consuming everything, consuming me." Here, the singer is likening herself to a fire that is completely consumed by her love and dedication for Haiti. She is willing to sacrifice herself and endure suffering for the sake of her homeland.
The chorus further emphasizes this devotion, as the singer acknowledges that she may be rejected or not welcomed anymore, but she still asks to return. The lines "mwen mande retounen, menmsi ou pa vle m ankò" mean "I ask to return, even if you don't want me anymore." It is a heartfelt plea to be allowed back into the country she loves, regardless of the circumstances.
Overall, "Manman Haïti" is a deeply emotional song that expresses a longing for one's homeland, a willingness to sacrifice, and a persistent desire to return despite potential rejection.
Line by Line Meaning
Pa kite m pa kite m pa kite m peri
Do not abandon me, do not let me perish
Pa kite m pa kite m pa kite m soufri
Do not abandon me, do not let me suffer
Pa kite m pa kite m pa kite m mouri
Do not abandon me, do not let me die
Mwen mande retounen
I ask to return
Mwen mande retounen
I ask to return
Menmsi mwen konnen m antò
Even though I know I am wrong
Mwen mande retounen
I ask to return
Menmsi ou pa vle m ankò
Even if you don't want me anymore
Boule tankou yon dife
Burning like a fire
Tout konsome
Everything consumed
Konsome mwen
Consuming me
Isit la nan prezans ou
Here in your presence
Seyè, mwen rann tèt mwen
Lord, I surrender myself
Pou Glwa Ou
For your glory
Pou Glwa Ou
For your glory
O Sentespri
Oh Holy Spirit
Boule tankou yon dife
Burning like a fire
Tout konsome
Everything consumed
Konsome mwen
Consuming me
Isit la nan prezans ou
Here in your presence
Seyè, mwen rann tèt mwen
Lord, I surrender myself
Pou Glwa Ou
For your glory
Pou Glwa Ou
For your glory
Lapli lespri sen
The rain of the Holy Spirit
Tonbe tankou yon inondasyon
Falls like a flood
Writer(s): Ronald Rubinel
Contributed by Makayla O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MrSidney9
The song is in Haitian Creole. This woman is a national treasure. This song is a homage to moms.
" come and dance with me mommy., I could give you diamonds, but I'll never be able to repay you...you are diamond...."
@lunise84
Manmi cherie kile map sispann kriye pou absans ou nan vim ou ale avek mwatye nan vim nan tonbo men helas repose en paix ma precieuse manmi
@alexis_lsa4589
Cette musique mérite tellement plus de reconnaissance, je l’écoutais étant petit et j’aimais déjà, mais maintenant que je comprend les paroles !!! Wow c’est incroyable
@ttusch
I don't understand a single word but this song is absolutely beautiful..... especially the piano fills at the very end ;) Love it !
@MrSidney9
ttusch That's Haitian Creole. This woman is a national treasure. This song is a homage to moms.
" come and dance with me mommy., I could give you diamonds, but I'll never be able to repay you...you are diamond...."
@judeersonkendydexiste4621
I cant pay you back Mom
@prusseandycelestin8579
This is a song for mothers. I can translate if you want.
@VMessiah1
I remember watching and fall in love with her voice as a child in Haiti
@ttheodore24
her music brings me back all the way to my mom singing in the bathroom and dancing to some bomb Haitian music (; memories beyond compare for sure
@daniellaantoine7565
TamiTTV