Ndidliwe Zintabe
Miriam Makeba Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ndalishiya ikhaya
Ndashiya nabazali
Ndalishiya ikhaya
Ndashiya nabazali

Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya
Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya

Ndandithi ndizosebenza
Sendidliwe ziintaba
Ndandithi ndizosebenza
Sendidliwe ziintaba

Ndalishiya ikhaya
Ndashiya nabazali
Ndalishiya ikhaya
Ndashiya nabazali

Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya
Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya

Ndandithi ndizosebenza
Sendidliwe ziintaba




Ndandithi ndizosebenza
Sendidliwe ziintaba

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Miriam Makeba's song "Ndidliwe Zintabe" tell a story of leaving home and family behind in search of work opportunities in Johannesburg. The song speaks about the hardships and challenges that come with this journey. At the beginning of the song, Makeba sings, "Ndalishiya ikhaya, Ndashiya nabazali" which translates to "I am leaving my home, leaving my parents behind." This line sets the tone for the rest of the song, as Makeba portrays the difficulties that come with moving away from one's roots.


The lyrics also speak about the struggle of finding work in Johannesburg. Makeba sings, "Ndandithi ndizosebenza, Sendidliwe ziintaba," which translates to "I said I would work, but I have been cheated by the mountains." This line highlights the difficulty of finding work and the exploitation that can come with it. The repetition of the chorus throughout the song reinforces the idea of homesickness and longing for a place to call home.


Overall, "Ndidliwe Zintabe" captures the difficult realities of leaving home and searching for a better life. The song speaks to the experiences of many South Africans during apartheid, where the search for work opportunities meant risking leaving home and potentially being exploited.


Line by Line Meaning

Ndalishiya ikhaya
I am leaving home


Ndashiya nabazali
I am leaving my parents


Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Now I rise and head to Johannesburg


Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya
Now I am in a place that is not home


Ndandithi ndizosebenza
I said I would work


Sendidliwe ziintaba
But I have been deceived by the mountains


Ndalishiya ikhaya
I am leaving home


Ndashiya nabazali
I am leaving my parents


Ngoku ndinyuka ndisihl'eGoli
Now I rise and head to Johannesburg


Ngoku ndiyinto engenakhaya
Now I am in a place that is not home


Ndandithi ndizosebenza
I said I would work


Sendidliwe ziintaba
But I have been deceived by the mountains




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

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.