Born to a Nigerian royal family in Ondo, Ade left grammar school to pursue his career, which began with Moses Olaiya’s Federal Rhythm Dandies, a highlife band. He left to form The Green Spots in 1967. He formed a record label in 1974, fed up with being exploited by a major label. Beginning with Juju Music, Ade began gaining a wide following as Mango Records, a subsidiary of Island Records, released his albums. He was soon billed as the African Bob Marley, and headlined concerts in the US. Soon after, Nigerian imports (mostly pirated copies) of his massive back catalog began flooding the Western market. Island, concerned about sales and Adé’s refusal to include more English in his repertoire, cut him loose after his third LP, 1984’s Aura.
By the end of the 1980s, Ade’s star began to dim, and his albums sold less, though he continued to garner critical acclaim and widespread popularity in Africa. 1998’s Odu, a collection of traditional Yoruba songs, was nominated for a Grammy Award. He has also become one of the most powerful people in Nigeria, running multiple companies in several industries.
Merciful God
King Sunny Ade Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The merciful God
Oba t'o s'ore fun'mi s'ore fun'wa t'on s'ore lo'jo jumo
Oba a'ko ma t'ika leyin
A'duro gbon'yin gbon'yin leyin a sh'oto
Ko je ro'nu ibi ra ra
The merciful God
A'wa mari'di Oba Eledumare
Od'abo bo mi t'aya t'omo t'ebi t'ara
Od'abo bo mi t'aya t'omo t'ebi t'ara
Igb'oke gbo'do mi ko je ko ja s'ori asan
Igb'oke gbo'do mi ko je ko ja s'ori asan
Mo n'yan fan'da fan'da l'oju a'pegan
Bi opolo se n'yan l'oju el'egusi
El'egusi o gbo do yi la ta
The merciful God
A'wa mari'di Oba Eledumare
Od'abo bo mi t'aya t'omo t'ebi t'ara
Od'abo bo mi t'aya t'omo t'ebi t'ara
Igb'oke gbo'do mi ko je ko ja s'ori asan
Igb'oke gbo'do mi ko je ko ja s'ori asan
Mo n'yan fan'da fan'da l'oju a'pegan
Bi opolo se n'yan l'oju el'egusi
El'egusi o gbo do yi la ta
The merciful God
E fi'jo yin Baba
Ma fi'jo yin Oba Ogo o
E fi'jo yin Baba
Ka fi'jo yin Oba Ogo o
M'a f'oyaya yin'oni 'bu ore
M'a f'oyaya yin Oba Ogo o
M'a f'oyaya yin'oni 'bu ore
M'a f'oyaya yin Oba Ogo o
E maa'pe
M'a f'atewo ye'ledumare Oba Mimo
E ban' rababa f'Oba Ogo o jare
Oba 'terere ka'ri aye
E ban' rababa f'Oba Ogo o ah
Oba 'terere ka'ari aye
E li a la u
E li la
E li a la u
Eee li la
E li a la u o
E li la
E li a la u
Eee li la
E li E li E li E li a la u
E li la
E li a la u
Eee li la
Yes Sir
Eedumare lo n'fun wa se
Oba oke lo n'fun wa se
Eedumare lo fun wa se
Oba oke lo fun wa se
Tori be e
Omode ilu ijo ya o jare
Ijo ya
Agbalagba ijo ya
Ijo ya
Eyin yuppie e bo s'agbo
Ijo ya
Agbalagba ijo ti ya
Ijo ya
Ore gbe'ra ni'le k'ajo mi a'mujo
Baby gbe'ra s'oke k'ajo s'odi ke ke
Ilu Sunny Ade ko se e fi s'ara ku
E je k'a s'odi ke ke
Ejo
Ijo ya
Omode ilu ijo ya o jare
Ijo ya
Agbalagba ijo ya
Ijo ya
Eyin yuppie e gbe'ra so
Ijo ya
Eyin omoge e ba mi k'a lo
Ijo ya
Ore gbe'ra ni'le k'ajo mi a'mujo
Baby gbe'ra s'oke k'ajo s'odi ke ke
Ilu Sunny Ade ko se e fi s'ara ku
E je k'a s'odi ke ke
Ejo
Ijo ya
Merciful God is a song by Nigerian musician King Sunny Ade. The song starts with the phrase “The Merciful God”, which emphasizes the message of the song. The lyrics of the song offer praises to God (Oba) for his mercy, kindness, and protection. The opening verse states that God has been good to the singer, protecting and shielding him from the hands of the wicked. The verse also emphasizes that God answers prayers and never lets his worshippers down.
The second verse offers thanks to God for his continuous mercies, thanking him for his eternal love for humanity. The verse also mentions that the singer is begging God for protection, mentioning the troubles he has faced in life. The chorus of the song emphasizes the theme of the song by repeating the phrase “The Merciful God”. King Sunny Ade further praises God by calling him "Oba Eledumare" (the king of heaven).
The song has a unique sound that blends traditional and modern instruments like the guitar, drums, and percussion. King Sunny Ade’s unique style of music, which he calls Juju music, has inspired many artists over time. The song has become an anthem for religious people who want to offer their praises to God for his kindness and mercies. It has also become a popular song in Nigerian churches and ceremonies.
Line by Line Meaning
Merciful God
The song is about praising God and His mercy
The merciful God
God is merciful and kind towards us
Oba t'o s'ore fun'mi s'ore fun'wa t'on s'ore lo'jo jumo
God shows me favor every day I live
Oba a'ko ma t'ika leyin
God never lets us suffer alone
A'duro gbon'yin gbon'yin leyin a sh'oto
His mercy is abundant and never-ending
Ko je ro'nu ibi ra ra
There is no cause for alarm anywhere
A'wa mari'di Oba Eledumare
We worship and praise God
Od'abo bo mi t'aya t'omo t'ebi t'ara
I bow to you with my children and family
Igb'oke gbo'do mi ko je ko ja s'ori asan
May your hand never be far from me
Mo n'yan fan'da fan'da l'oju a'pegan
I see my wishes come true
Bi opolo se n'yan l'oju el'egusi
As fast as when a bird plucks pumpkin seeds
El'egusi o gbo do yi la ta
So does my prayer reach God
E fi'jo yin Baba
Let us dance, oh Father
Ma fi'jo yin Oba Ogo o
Let us dance, oh King of Glory
M'a f'oyaya yin'oni 'bu ore
I am grateful for your mercy
E maa'pe
Help me
M'a f'atewo ye'ledumare Oba Mimo
I praise Your holiness, God Almighty
E ban' rababa f'Oba Ogo o jare
Play the trumpet for the King of Glory
Oba 'terere ka'ri aye
The King who redeems
E li a la u
Dance, yes you
Eee li la
Dance, everywhere
E li a la u o
Dance, yes you
E li E li E li E li a la u
Keep dancing
Yes Sir
Acknowledging that God is in control
Eedumare lo n'fun wa se
God gives us blessings
Oba oke lo n'fun wa se
The King of Strength gives us blessings
Tori be e
Because of this
Omode ilu ijo ya o jare
Let the youth come out and dance
Agbalagba ijo ya
Let the elders come out and dance
Eyin yuppie e bo s'agbo
Let the young adults come out and dance
Ore gbe'ra ni'le k'ajo mi a'mujo
My friend, let's go and dance together
Baby gbe'ra s'oke k'ajo s'odi ke ke
My dear, let's go and have fun
Ilu Sunny Ade ko se e fi s'ara ku
Let's have fun, the city listens to Sunny Ade without getting tired
E je k'a s'odi ke ke
Let's go and have fun
Ejo
Let's dance
Ijo ya
Let's dance
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: King Sunny Ade
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sandraajayi8465
oh this reminds me of the old days, once my dad is around we play this we dance and he sprays us with money, dad thank you so much for the good life you gave us,we miss you but I know you are proud of us all, even ur Last baby it's now a mother and she's is also doing well, rest on my papa, my mom is still missing you
@folasadeadetayo2970
It's a good song
@Aiproductions713
Eledumare bless your Papa’s soul. This song unite’s us all in remembrance of our parents of great integrity and honor.
@temitopeaderemi-hh8yx
Am listening to this song in memory of my dad. He loves listening to KSA in his 504 while traveling.
@MercyAshogbon02
My step dad plays this music whenever he wake to see the beautiful light of God..But now he's gone..Rip dad❤
@khunzsec0094
My dad handed me this song... I shall do the same for my children
@banjiapata1284
KSA is a legend. I will always remember his dexterity on guitars, and on dancing on stage. He is the best. I remember always playing his music on my mother's turn table every day back then. 40 years after I still know the lyrics of all KSA's songs. If I have my way I will be his family physician for free. His music helped me a lot in my growing up. May God continue to bless and keep him and his household for us, in Jesus' name. Amen. 🙏🙏🙏
@ttaiwoproduction772
Amen🙏
@solomonbobgreg6761
This song growing up back then in Benin City that year. Make me remember my Dear Dad may his Soul continue to rest in Peace. What Great Songs I don't understand a word in this songs but it's bring joy to our hearts. 😊
@migueljavier32
I miss my dad too with this songs! Oh lord 🙏 I'm 😭 already. I was 14 when I lost my dad. I love you dad 😭 Rip in papito.