One By One
South African Choir Lyrics

The South African Choir's song, "One By One", is a powerful call to unite and stand strong in the face of oppression and adversity. The first verse encourages us to hold on to one another and not be consumed by fear, even in the darkest of times. The repetition of the phrases "ibambeni njalo bakithi, ninga dinwa, ninga phelelwa nga mandla" underscores the idea that we must be vigilant and not allow ourselves to be defeated by our enemies.

The chorus, "one by one, ngeke ba lunge, sizo nqoba", means "one by one, they won't defeat us, we will conquer". This repeated refrain gives the listener a sense of determination and hope. The call and response between the lead vocalist and the choir adds to the overall harmonious effect of the song.

The second half of the song features a spoken word section that emphasizes the importance of pride in one's identity and culture. The lines "zobona bayabaleka, zobona, zobona, zobona, zobon, amagwala" mean "they see us running away, they see us, they see us, they see us, they see cowards". This section serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for oneself and not cowering in the face of danger.

Overall, "One By One" is a moving and motivational song that not only celebrates South African culture but also speaks to the universal human experience of perseverance in the face of adversity.