Ah Ouais
Papa Wemba Lyrics


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Eh eh eh eh
Eh eh eh eh
Eh eh eh eh
Eh eh eh eh ezali ye

Ye bisa ngai Yahweh soki na tika kolinga yo
Otambisi ngai moto, mwana maman
Lamule ya bana na bana lisano ya liyoto
Na memeli yo fololo ozala libonza na nga ya motema

Eh eh eh eh eh Yaweh
Eh eh eh eh ngai chéri nayo
Eh eh eh eh
Eh eh eh eh ezali ye

Ah-ah-ah mabe nini na sala yo
Okangeli nga porte ya motema nayo
Opimeli nga baisers ya litama auais
Awa nga nazangi yo lelo na lela nani aouais
Instrumental

Eh mamé nga naleli
Eh mamé nga na koluka yo
Eh mamé nga naleli, nga nako luka yo
Eh mamé ngai naleli, naye
Eh mamé
Iya, iya
Instrumental

Eh eh eh eh
Eh eh eh eh aweyi
Eh eh eh eh awe nga, awe na nga
Eh eh eh eh eh aweyi
Eh eh eh eh awe motema na nga
Eh eh eh eh awe mabanzo
Eh eh eh eh awe
Eh eh eh nalingi yé, nalingi ye
Nalingi ye, nalingi ye
Awe, nalingi ye

Eh eh iyeyi
Eh eh iyeyi
Eh eh iyeyi
Eh eh iyeyi




Eh eh iyeyi, iya iya
Iyeyi

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Papa Wemba's song "Ah Ouais" express deep devotion and love for someone. The repeated phrases and energetic chorus evoke a sense of excitement and celebration. The song opens with joyful exclamations and emphasizes the presence of the person the singer is addressing. The line "Eh eh eh eh ezali ye" can be interpreted as "Ah, it is him/her." This suggests that the person being addressed holds great significance and is the cause of the singer's happiness.


The lyrics then mention "Yahweh," a biblical name for God, implying a religious connection to the love and devotion expressed. The singer declares their willingness to do anything for this person, using the metaphor of being a servant or child. The line "Na memeli yo fololo ozala libonza na nga ya motema" can be understood as "I will fully devote myself to being good for you with all my heart."


The chorus repeats the joyful exclamations and reinforces the deep affection felt. The instrumental section provides a break, allowing the listener to feel the energy and rhythm of the music. The subsequent verses continue to express the singer's longing for the beloved and the desire for closeness and intimacy. The song ends with the repeated phrase "nalingi ye," which means "I love you" in Lingala, emphasizing the depth of the singer's feelings.


Line by Line Meaning

Eh eh eh eh
This is the repetitive chant that sets the energetic tone of the song, expressing excitement and enthusiasm.


Eh eh eh eh ezali ye
This line signifies that something special is happening, implying that the subject of the song is truly unique and significant.


Ye bisa ngai Yahweh soki na tika kolinga yo
You know, Yahweh, if I could, I would love you endlessly. This line expresses the deep desire and devotion the singer has for someone or something, using religious metaphors for emphasis.


Otambisi ngai moto, mwana maman
You've stunned me, person, child of a mother. This line conveys the idea that the person being addressed has left the singer speechless and amazed.


Lamule ya bana na bana lisano ya liyoto
The gathering of children with their own rituals. This line metaphorically describes the unity and harmony among people, emphasizing the importance of coming together and celebrating as a community.


Na memeli yo fololo ozala libonza na nga ya motema
With a loving heart, I will make you happy forever. This line reflects the singer's commitment to bringing everlasting joy and happiness to the subject, promising unwavering love and devotion.


Ah-ah-ah mabe nini na sala yo
Ah, ah, ah, what treasure did I miss in you? This line suggests that the singer has realized the value and worth of the person being addressed, expressing regret for not recognizing it sooner.


Okangeli nga porte ya motema nayo
You opened the door to your heart for me. This line symbolizes the trust and vulnerability shown by the subject, allowing the singer to enter their heart and inner world.


Opimeli nga baisers ya litama auais
You have overwhelmed me with kisses from your tender lips. This line portrays the intoxicating effect of the subject's affectionate gestures, specifically highlighting tender kisses as a source of bliss for the singer.


Awa nga nazangi yo lelo na lela nani aouais
Here, I've found you today; I'm searching for you, who else? This line indicates the singer's elation at having finally found the person being addressed, stating that there is no one else they desire but them.


Eh mamé nga naleli
Oh, my mother, I'm crying. This line uses a metaphorical reference to the singer's mother to emphasize their deep emotions and vulnerability, suggesting that they are sharing their pain and sorrow.


Eh mamé nga na koluka yo
Oh, my mother, I'm calling you. This line signifies the singer's longing for comfort and support, metaphorically reaching out to their mother figure for guidance and assistance.


Eh mamé nga naleli, nga nako luka yo
Oh, my mother, I'm crying, I'm looking for you. Continuing the metaphor, this line conveys the singer's sense of loss and desperation, seeking solace and protection from their mother figure.


Eh mamé ngai naleli, naye
Oh, my mother, I'm crying, my love. Here, the singer combines the metaphor of a mother figure with the idea of love, highlighting the emotional intensity of their pain.


Eh mamé
Oh, my mother. This line repeats the metaphorical reference to the singer's mother, emphasizing the longing and emotional connection they seek.


Eh eh eh eh aweyi
This line repeats the exclamatory chant, expressing a sense of awe, surprise, or wonder.


Eh eh eh eh awe nga, awe na nga
This line denotes a state of being in awe, captivated by the subject and deeply enthralled by their presence.


Eh eh eh eh eh aweyi
This line continues the chant of awe, emphasizing the overwhelming impact and impression the subject has on the singer.


Eh eh eh eh awe motema na nga
This line signifies that the subject has stolen the singer's heart, leaving them spellbound and deeply affected by their presence.


Eh eh eh eh awe mabanzo
This line suggests that the subject has captured the singer's attention and affection, leaving a profound and lasting impact on their soul.


Eh eh eh eh awe
This line reiterates the sense of awe and fascination the subject evokes in the singer, emphasizing the profound effect they have on them.


Eh eh eh nalingi yé, nalingi ye
Eh eh eh, I love him, I love him. This line unequivocally expresses the singer's deep and intense love for the subject.


Nalingi ye, nalingi ye
I love him, I love him. This line further emphasizes the singer's love and affection for the subject, affirming their feelings.


Awe, nalingi ye
Wow, I love him. This line combines the exclamation of awe and love, highlighting the overwhelming intensity and passion the singer feels.


Eh eh iyeyi
This line repeats the exclamation chant, expressing a sense of excitement, joy, or surprise.


Eh eh iyeyi
This line continues the exclamation chant, further emphasizing the heightened emotions and exuberance that the singer experiences.


Eh eh iyeyi
This line reiterates the exclamation chant, intensifying the expression of excitement, joy, or surprise.


Eh eh iyeyi
This line continues the exclamation chant, reinforcing the sense of excitement and exhilaration conveyed throughout the song.


Eh eh iyeyi, iya iya
This line adds a playful and rhythmic element to the exclamation chant, adding to the overall energetic and vibrant atmosphere of the song.


Iyeyi
This line serves as a concluding exclamation, representing the singer's final burst of enthusiasm and energy in the song.




Writer(s): Papa Wemba, Laurence Rouvier

Contributed by Jasmine M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Fredrick muchaili


on Chacun pour soi

Am in love with this song.. thanks for the detailed explanation of the lyrics guys

Kevin Mitten


on Sala Keba (Be Careful)

The lyrics are spanish. Probably not correct.