Roots
Wanja Wohoro Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Lay your roots, beneath these evergreens,
Lay your roots, beneath these evergreens,

Darling tell the truth, beneath these evergreens,
We'll see our babies bloom, beneath these evergreens.

Daughter, they will see you as a flower,
Want you to wither and turn sour,

But your roots are built like towers,
Beneath you.

Lay your roots, beside this baobab tree,
Lay your roots, in ancient fertile dreams,

Lay your roots, your motherland will sing,
Lay your roots, one day they'll make you queen.

Mother, I will have to prove my worth,
I've had this skin and name since birth,

Will my roots thrive in this earth,
Beneath you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Wanja Wohoro's song, "Roots," mirror the multifaceted complexity of finding a sense of belonging and identity in a world that often seeks to categorize and limit us. The repeated refrain to "lay your roots" encourages the listener to find a place of grounding, stability, and growth. The metaphor of the evergreen and the baobab tree, which are known for their longevity and resilience, respectively, symbolizes finding a place where one can flourish over time.

The encouragement to "tell the truth" beneath the evergreens and the acknowledgement that one may face obstacles to one's growth and flourishing, such as societal pressures to conform, are both themes that resonate with many who are seeking to find their place in the world. In the second verse, the lyrics speak directly to the struggles of those who may be marginalized or underestimated, but whose "roots are built like towers." The imagery of the baobab tree, which is often used to symbolize resilience and strength in African cultures, adds a layer of cultural significance to the song.

The final verse offers a poignant reflection on the complexity of identity and belonging. The singer acknowledges the challenges of proving oneself in a world that may not fully accept or recognize one's worth. The question of whether one's roots will thrive in the earth is both rhetorical and haunting, challenging the listener to reflect on their own sense of place and purpose. Overall, "Roots" is a powerful and introspective song that invites us to reflect on our own journey towards finding a sense of belonging and purpose in the world.

Line by Line Meaning

Lay your roots, beneath these evergreens,
Plant yourself firmly in this place and let the verdant evergreens shelter and nourish you.

Darling tell the truth, beneath these evergreens,
Be honest about your feelings and let yourself be vulnerable in the safety of this place.

We'll see our babies bloom, beneath these evergreens.
We will watch our children grow and thrive in this place, protected by the strength of the evergreens.

Daughter, they will see you as a flower,
Society may view you as delicate and fragile, but you are stronger than they realize.

Want you to wither and turn sour,
They may try to tear you down, but you will not wilt or become bitter.

But your roots are built like towers,
Your inner strength and resilience run deep, like the sturdy columns of a tower.

Beneath you.
This deep well of strength and resilience is always within you, supporting you even when the world is harsh.

Lay your roots, beside this baobab tree,
Align yourself with the wisdom and resilience of this ancient and majestic tree.

Lay your roots, in ancient fertile dreams,
Draw strength and inspiration from the rich history and traditions of your ancestors.

Lay your roots, your motherland will sing,
Ground yourself in the beauty and richness of your home culture, and feel the joy it brings.

Lay your roots, one day they'll make you queen.
By staying true to your heritage and building on its strengths, you will one day rise to greatness and lead others to do the same.

Mother, I will have to prove my worth,
I know that I will face obstacles and opposition, and I will need to work hard to show myself worthy of what I desire.

I've had this skin and name since birth,
I am proud of who I am, and I will not let anyone make me feel less than.

Will my roots thrive in this earth,
I wonder if I will find the support and encouragement I need to grow and thrive in this place.

Beneath you.
But I know that the strength and resilience I carry within me will always be there to support me, no matter where I go.

Lyrics © Sentric Music
Written by: Wanja Wohoro

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS