Water No Get Enemy
Fela Kuti Lyrics


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T'o ba fe lo we omi l'o ma'lo
If you wan' go wash, na water you go use

T'o ba fe se'be omi l'o ma'lo
If you want cook soup, na water you go use

T'o ri ba n'gbona o omi l'ero re
If your head dey hot, na water go cool am

T'omo ba n'dagba omi l'o ma'lo
If your child dey grow, na water he go use

If water kill your child, na water you go use
T'omi ba p'omo e o omi na lo ma'lo

Ko s'ohun to'le se k'o ma lo'mi o
Nothing without water
Ko s'ohun to'le se k'o ma lo'mi o
Omi o l'ota o

Water, him not get enemy!
Omi o l'ota o
Water, him not get enemy!
If you fight am, unless you wan die
Water, him not get enemy!
I say water no get enemy
Water, him not get enemy!
If you fight am, unless you wan die
Water, him not get enemy!
Omi o l'ota o
Water, him not get enemy!
I dey talk of Black man power
Water, him not get enemy!
I dey talk of Black power, I say
Water, him not get enemy!
I say water no get enemy
Water, him not get enemy!
If you fight am, unless you wan die
Water, him not get enemy!
I say water no get enemy
Water, him not get enemy!
I say water no get enemy
Water, him not get enemy!
Omi o l'ota o
Water, him not get enemy!




Omi o l'ota o
Water, him not get enemy!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Water No Get Enemy" by Fela Kuti celebrate the power of water and its universal role in our day to day lives. Each line in the song highlights a different way we rely on water, from cooking and washing to cooling our heads and nourishing our children. The refrain "Water, him not get enemy" emphasizes how essential water is to life and how it is something that should be appreciated and valued, rather than taken for granted.


In the larger context of Fela Kuti's music, "Water No Get Enemy" is also a political statement. Fela was a Nigerian musician and activist who was deeply critical of the government and colonial powers in his country. His music often had a strong element of social commentary, and "Water No Get Enemy" can be seen as a call for unity and solidarity among the Black community. The repeated refrain of "I dey talk of Black man power" highlights the importance of coming together and recognizing our shared humanity and struggles.


Overall, "Water No Get Enemy" is a musically rich and lyrically deep song that celebrates the power of water in our lives while also making a poignant political statement about the need for unity and solidarity among marginalized communities.


Line by Line Meaning

T'o ba fe lo we omi l'o ma'lo
If you want to wash anything, you need water


T'o ba fe se'be omi l'o ma'lo
If you want to cook anything, you need water


T'o ri ba n'gbona o omi l'ero re
If you are feeling hot, water can cool you down


T'omo ba n'dagba omi l'o ma'lo
When your child grows up, they will need water


If water kill your child, na water you go use T'omi ba p'omo e o omi na lo ma'lo
Even if water kills your child, you will still need water for other things


Ko s'ohun to'le se k'o ma lo'mi o
There is nothing you can do without water


Ko s'ohun to'le se k'o ma lo'mi o
There is nothing you can do without water


Omi o l'ota o Water, him not get enemy!
Water is not an enemy to anyone


If you fight am, unless you wan die Water, him not get enemy!
If you fight with water, you will only harm yourself


I say water no get enemy Water, him not get enemy!
Water is harmless, it has no enemies


I dey talk of Black man power Water, him not get enemy!
I am talking about the power of the black man, and water is not his enemy


I dey talk of Black power, I say Water, him not get enemy!
I am talking about black power and still water is not the enemy


Omi o l'ota o Water, him not get enemy!
Water is not an enemy to anyone


Omi o l'ota o Water, him not get enemy!
Water is not an enemy to anyone


I say water no get enemy Water, him not get enemy!
Water is harmless, it has no enemies


I say water no get enemy Water, him not get enemy!
Water is harmless, it has no enemies


Omi o l'ota o Water, him not get enemy!
Water is not an enemy to anyone




Lyrics © F.K.O. Music, BMG Rights Management, EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING FRANCE
Written by: KUTI FELA ANIKULAPO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@olukayodenathan9132

The lyrics of this music goes deep into Yoruba spirituality and divination. I am water, I have no enemy. If you fight me you will die. In Yoruba they call it “Ayajo”, a curse to those who make an enemy of me. Recall in the song, Fela said ‘I dey talk of black man’s power’. A ki ba Omi se ota. A ki ba ategun se ota - You cannot also be an enemy of the air.

@KiRetteCouture

Thanks a lot. Where can I learn more about this?

@lesley7910

Learn Yourba proverbs

@aviralvishal2803

Would be extremely thankful if you can translate the song or if you can refer me to someone. I am interested in Yoruba and fela's music.
Thanks from a person born in India.

@juicebox9465

Could this be related to the Buddhist idea of interdependence? The idea that having an enemy is like a tree cutting off it's branches, everything depends on everything else to survive?

@rotexOyato

You know of what you speak friend...

44 More Replies...

@anitacanada1824

It was 1983 and I had just turned 21 when my late father, Charles Paul, presented me with three albums: Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendricks. He explained their similarities, differences, and purpose for existence. I still have all three, along with Bob Dylan. I'm good for life!

@MarkJusty777

Those are better than any presents I ever got for any occasion!

@mattcook3936

You had a wise father indeed.

@dontatmeevr

that's beautiful

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