Ndimbone Dluca
Miriam Makeba & The Skylarks Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma
Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma

Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma
Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma

Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Umam'uDikathole weh ma

Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Umam'uDikathole weh ma

Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma
Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma

Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma
Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma

Umam'uDikathole weh ma




Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Umam'uDikathole weh ma

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Miriam Makeba's song Ndimbone Dluca express the singer's longing to see her beloved who she saw yesterday but can't find today. The repetition of the lines emphasizes her desperation to be reunited with her loved one. The line "ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi" means "I'm asking where are you" in Zulu, adding to the sense of confusion and uncertainty Makeba is feeling. The reference to "umam'uDikathole" suggests that the song may be inspired by Makeba's own life, as Dikathole is the name of a township outside of Johannesburg where Makeba grew up.


The song Ndimbone Dluca is a poignant example of Makeba's ability to blend traditional African rhythms with modern jazz and pop influences, creating a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide. Makeba's distinctive vocal style, which seamlessly weaves together deep, resonant tones with high-pitched trills, adds to the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The song has become an iconic representation of the struggle for freedom and social justice in South Africa, and Makeba herself was a leading voice in the anti-apartheid movement. The simplicity of the lyrics, combined with Makeba's unforgettable voice, make Ndimbone Dluca a timeless classic.


Line by Line Meaning

Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
I remember yesterday, mother


Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma
I asked, where are you going, mother?


Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Mother has come back


Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
I remember yesterday, mother


Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma
I asked, where are you going, mother?


Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Mother has come back


Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
I remember yesterday, mother


Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma
I asked, where are you going, mother?


Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Mother has come back


Ndimbonil'edlul'izolo weh ma
I remember yesterday, mother


Ndambuz'ukuth'uyaphi weh ma
I asked, where are you going, mother?


Umam'uDikathole weh ma
Mother has come back




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