Za Nami
Paprika Korps Lyrics

The lyrics of Paprika Korps’ song Za Nami convey a deep message of the search for roots and freedom. The first line of the chorus, “Za nami dom niewoli” (Behind us is the house of bondage), seems to refer to the legacy of slavery and oppression that has placed a burden on the lives of the singer and their community. The sense of a burden is further emphasized with the second line, “A przed nami mgła” (Ahead of us lies the fog), which indicates a lack of clarity or certainty about the future.

Despite this uncertainty, the singer and their community remain determined to find their roots and regain their freedom. The next line, “Szukamy swych korzeni” (We search for our roots), expresses this resolve to discover their cultural heritage and history. Moreover, the line “Jesteśmy dziećmi tej ziemi” (We are children of this land) reinforces the singer’s sense of belonging and connection to their homeland.

The final line of the chorus is particularly potent, “Nasza Afryka była zawsze tu” (Our Africa was always here), which emphasizes the singer’s indigenous or ancestral connection to the land, despite the legacy of oppression. The song’s message seems to suggest that while the history of slavery and oppression may have forced a disconnection from their cultural roots, the strength of their heritage and identity persists, and should be reclaimed.