Live Humble
Miriam Makeba Lyrics


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Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Glory and honour
Praise King Jesus
Glory and honour
Praise the Lord

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Seek God, seek God
Seek God in the morning
He comes riding on the wings of time
Stars will be falling
He will be calling
Come to judgement, come

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Oh don't you hear them bells?
Don't you hear them bells?
They're ringing out the glory of the Lamb

Oh don't you hear them bells?
Don't you hear them bells?
They're ringing out the glory of the Lamb

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Glory and honour
Praise King Jesus
Glory and honour
Praise the Lord

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells gone wrong??

Live humble (Live humble)
Humble (Live humble)
Humble yourself
The bells done rung

Seek God, seek God
Seek God in the morning
He comes riding on the wings of time
Stars will be falling




He will be calling
Come to judgement, come

Overall Meaning

The song "Live Humble" by Miriam Makeba is a gospel hymn that encourages humility and seeking God. The repeated refrain "Live humble, humble yourself, the bells done rung" urges people to recognize the sound of the bells, which symbolize the call to humility and repentance. Makeba calls for the glory and honor to be given to King Jesus and the Lord.


The second verse encourages seeking God in the morning and recognizing His power as He "comes riding on the wings of time." The stars falling and His call to judgment signify the importance of turning towards Him in humility before it is too late. The repetition of the refrain emphasizes the urgency of this message and the need to respond to the call to humility and seeking God.


This song is a reflection of the African-American gospel tradition, which emerged during the 19th century in America's southern region. In many ways, the song is an example of the melding of African musical and cultural influences with Christianity. Moreover, the repetitive lyrics and simple melody are characteristic of gospel music that is designed to encourage congregational participation.


Line by Line Meaning

Live humble (Live humble)
Choose to live a humble life


Humble (Live humble)
Never stop being humble


Humble yourself
Make a conscious effort to lower yourself in humility


The bells done rung
Time is passing and opportunities are limited


Glory and honour
Honour and praise Jesus


Praise King Jesus
Worship Jesus as the King


Praise the Lord
Express gratitude to God


Seek God, seek God
Make an earnest attempt to find God


Seek God in the morning
Start your day with the quest to find God


He comes riding on the wings of time
God's arrival is imminent


Stars will be falling
Signaling the apocalypse


He will be calling
God will be calling on the day of judgement


Come to judgement, come
The judgement day is here, come to it


Oh don't you hear them bells?
The bells are ringing, indicating that time is limited


They're ringing out the glory of the Lamb
The bells are a celebration of Jesus, the Lamb of God


The bells gone wrong??
Possible typo, unclear meaning




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Mfundo Piti


on To Those We Love (Nongqongqo)

At the time the song was composed and released all the people mentioned ((Mangaliso) Sobukhwe, (Albert) Luthuli, (Nelson) Mandela, and (Walter) Sisulu were alive. While the three were in prison at Robben Island, Luthuli was not in prison, hence the question to Luthuli asking what "will you do?". Luthuli was the president of the banned African National Congress (ANC). Sobukhwe the president of Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Mandela and Sisulu occupied executive leadership positions within the ANC at the time of their sentencing to serve life sentences in prison (1964). The same question is asked to all Africans.

Mfundo Piti


on To Those We Love (Nongqongqo)

The lyrics of "To Those We Love" by Miriam Makeba are about the struggles, sacrifices, and resilience of great African leaders who fought for freedom, justice, and equality. The repetitive chorus, "Bahleli bonke entilongweni, Bahleli bonke kwaNongqongqo" refers to how all these leaders, including Sobukwe, Luthuli, Mandela, and Sisulu, are resting in peace or buried in their respective homes. The verses pose questions about their legacy and the continuation of their work, asking "Why, Baba Luthuli? What will you do?" and "What will happen to us, MaAfrica?" These questions are a call to action for listeners to carry on the struggle for freedom and justice.

Junior


on Soweto Blues

The melancholy in her voice

Junior


on Mama

It makes me cry I could not bury my mother cause I was in prison when I ask prison authorities to allow me an opportunity to go and attend the funeral they refused. We always underestimate the role of women

no


on Beware, Verwoerd! (Ndodemnyama)

no
hi! i enjoted. this song. i loved it

Matt Olomu


on Noweva

This is your challenge, South Africans who understand the lyrics of NOWEVER. Do yourselves and Africa a favour. Interpret it.