River Jordan
Vusi Mahlasela Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Mother mother
I saw you cross the river Jordan

Mother, mama wam
I’ve been listening to you
So close
And yet so far away
I’ve never stopped hearing your words since that Easter morning
It is now very clear
That the meaning of your last wish for me
Oh yes
Revealed my destiny

I saw you cross the river Jordan
With the most positive courage
When they washed your feet
Your last communion I was there
Mama

You fell down among us with a smile
And lay looking up with the look of another world

You departed surrounded by the singing (hallelujah)
And the praises of the hallelujah
Some envied your departure
Some came to offer what ever little comfort they could give

Hallelujah

Mother Mother
I saw you cross the river Jordan

Mother, mama wam
I saw you cross the river Jordan
I saw you cross the river Jordan




I saw you cross the river Jordan
I saw you cross the river Jordan

Overall Meaning

The song "River Jordan" by Vusi Mahlasela is a tribute to his mother who has passed away. In the first verse, he sings about witnessing his mother's last moments on earth as she passes away and crosses the River Jordan, which is a metaphor for death. He mourns the distance between them and how he couldn't be there with her in that moment. However, he feels her presence still through her words that he still hears so clearly, implying that he's taken her advice and it has led him to his destiny.


In the second verse, Mahlasela describes his mother's death and how she left this world surrounded by people singing and praising her. Some people envied her departure while others offered some comfort to the family. The use of the phrase "River Jordan" symbolizes a passage from this life to the next, and her last communion and foot-washing indicate her faith and spirituality. The repeated line "Mother Mother, I saw you cross the river Jordan" emphasizes his sadness and sense of loss, as well as his realization that she has now moved on to a better place.


Overall, the song is a moving tribute to the singer's late mother, celebrating her life, faith, and journey into the afterlife.


Line by Line Meaning

Mother mother
Addressing his mother with great fondness and respect


I saw you cross the river Jordan
He witnessed his mother's death and ultimate crossing into the afterlife


Mother, mama wam
Repeating his fond address to his mother in his native language (Zulu)


I’ve been listening to you
He's been learning from his mother all his life


So close
Despite her proximity in life, the artist still feels distant from his mother's presence


And yet so far away
He feels the distance even more poignantly now that she has passed


I’ve never stopped hearing your words since that Easter morning
Her words of wisdom and guidance continue to resonate with him, even long after her death


It is now very clear
The artist has gained new insight on his mother's wishes and teachings


That the meaning of your last wish for me
His mother's final request has become more meaningful and important to him over time


Oh yes
Emphasizing the significance of his newfound understanding


Revealed my destiny
His mother's lessons have helped shape his future path and purpose


With the most positive courage
His mother faced death bravely and with unwavering optimism


When they washed your feet
A reference to the Biblical story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, symbolizing humility and servitude


Your last communion I was there
He was present for his mother's final religious sacrament


Mama
A term of endearment for his mother


You fell down among us with a smile
She passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones


And lay looking up with the look of another world
She appeared to be gazing at something beyond this earthly realm


You departed surrounded by the singing (hallelujah)
Her passing was marked by joyful music and praise


And the praises of the hallelujah
Continuing to emphasize the joy and celebration of her passing


Some envied your departure
Some may have wished they could join her in the afterlife


Some came to offer whatever little comfort they could give
Others came to express their condolences and support


Hallelujah
A word of praise and appreciation, often used in religious contexts


I saw you cross the river Jordan
Repeating the central image and theme of the song, emphasizing his witness to his mother's passing


Mother, mama wam
Repeating his loving address to his mother as the song comes to a close


I saw you cross the river Jordan
Final repetition of the song's central image and theme, concluding with a poignant reminder of his mother's passing




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: VUSI SYDNEY MAHLASELA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Prokolu

This is the kind of music that you have to use your heart to listen it :)

Crystal Paxson

Just Beautiful!! So peaceful. I love this

Lenileinchen1

My school choir sang together with vusi that song last year in germany^^ he sang the normal text and we the choir parts =) it was so amazing... *-*

Bheki Ngobese

We are still singing the song even today.

Luxolo Songo

Can't stop listening this 😢❤️

Deisy Paredes Molano

Wonderful song! I listened you the first time on Stand By me (Playing for the change) I think your voice is blessed, I hope you success

Passos 'Jr

Linda voz, Brasileiro aqui...🇧🇷

Morwenna Lasko & Jay Pun

Was an honor sharing the stage with you Vusi! We will indeed all have to play together next time, much respect!!!

Aphiwe Mabhija

You are my role model baba Vusi.Your music just calms my inner soul and I just get absorbed and I sometimes sing along.This one is like all the songs,it's a masterpiece.

Tom Lundholm

Love this song....

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