Promised Land
Yanga feat. Amanda Black & Soweto Gospel Choir Lyrics

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Hay ye
Hay ye
Hay yelelele mama ye
Hay ye
Hay ye

Nobody's perfect
Why do we try so hard to feel worthy

Everybody got their star
Tryna hide it
Dimming the lights behind bars
We don't know who we are

(Oh oh oh oh)
Can we all have a little grace
(Oh oh oh oh)
A little love for the human race
(Oh oh oh oh)
Can you take me by the hand
Lead me to the promised land
Apho uyakhona

Sasaza uthando
Uyibon'emaphupheni akho
Sinokwenza oku
Simelane kunye nenzondo
Sasaza uthando
Uyibon'emaphupheni akho
Sinokwenza oku
Simelane kunye nenzondo

Breathe
Stop beating yourself up about it
Speak
Uzoyibon'indlela get doing
Uyayazi you not the only one
Siyavuka siyaphanda man
Kunzima but we still standing
Soon enough we'll see the civil light in the air

(Oh oh oh oh)
Can we all have a little grace
(Oh oh oh oh)
A little love for the human race
(Oh oh oh oh)
Can you take me by the hand
Lead me to the promised land
Apho uyakhona

Sasaza uthando
Uyibon'emaphupheni akho
Sinokwenza oku
Simelane kunye nenzondo
Sasaza uthando
Uyibon'emaphupheni akho
Sinokwenza oku
Simelane kunye nenzondo
Sasaza uthando
Uyibon'emaphupheni akho
Sinokwenza oku
Simelane kunye nenzondo
Sasaza uthando
Uyibon'emaphupheni akho
Sinokwenza oku
Simelane kunye nenzondo

Hay ye
Hay ye
Hay yelelele mama ye
Hay ye
Hay ye

Hay ye
Hay ye
Hay yelelele mama ye
Hay ye
Hay ye
Hay yelelele mama ye
Hay ye
Hay ye
Hay yelelele mama ye
Hay ye
Hay ye
Hay yelelele mama ye

Sasaza uthando
Uyibon'emaphupheni akho
Sinokwenza oku
Simelane kunye nenzondo
Sasaza uthando
Uyibon'emaphupheni akho

Sinokwenza oku
Simelane kunye nenzondo

Overall Meaning

The song Promised Land by Yanga featuring Amanda Black and the Soweto Gospel Choir is a powerful message about self-acceptance and forgiveness. The opening lines show that nobody is perfect, yet we all strive for worthiness. The second verse urges us to breathe and stop beating ourselves up, pointing out that we are not alone – we are all in this human race together. The chorus is a plea for grace, for love, and for a helping hand to lead us to the promised land, where we can all come together in love and harmony.

The lyrics are poetic and moving, but they are particularly powerful when combined with the stunning harmonies of the Soweto Gospel Choir. The choir brings a sense of unity and communal celebration to the song, enhancing the message of togetherness and acceptance. Amanda Black's soulful voice contributes to the uplifting energy of the song, while Yanga's raw, emotive vocals bring a sense of intimacy and vulnerability to the track. The combination of these three voices creates a powerful and unforgettable message of hope and healing.

In summary, Promised Land is a song about self-forgiveness, acceptance, and openness. It is a song about reaching out to others and finding the strength to come together in love and harmony.

Line by Line Meaning

Hay ye
Repetition of a vocalization expressing excitement and joy.

Nobody's perfect
Acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and nobody is faultless.

Why do we try so hard to feel worthy
Questioning the logic of striving for validation and self-worth through external measures.

Everybody got their star
Everyone has their unique talent or gift that sets them apart.

Tryna hide it
Attempting to conceal or downplay one's abilities or qualities.

Dimming the lights behind bars
Concealing one's potential or talents due to fear or insecurity.

We don't know who we are
Feeling lost or unsure of one's identity or purpose.

(Oh oh oh oh) Can we all have a little grace
Requesting for mercy and compassion towards oneself and others.

(Oh oh oh oh) A little love for the human race
Advocating for kindness, understanding, and respect towards all humans.

(Oh oh oh oh) Can you take me by the hand Lead me to the promised land Apho uyakhona
Asking for guidance and support towards a better future or destination.

Sasaza uthando Uyibon'emaphupheni akho Sinokwenza oku Simelane kunye nenzondo
Emphasizing the importance of love, empathy, and unity in overcoming obstacles and hardships together.

Breathe
Encouraging oneself to relax, calm down, and take a deep breath amidst stress or anxiety.

Stop beating yourself up about it
Advising oneself to stop being self-critical or harsh towards oneself.

Speak Uzoyibon'indlela get doing
Encouraging oneself to communicate and then take action to achieve one's goals.

Uyayazi you not the only one Siyavuka siyaphanda man Kunzima but we still standing
Reminding oneself that other people also face challenges, but with perseverance and resilience, it's possible to stand strong.

Soon enough we'll see the civil light in the air
Optimistically anticipating a brighter future or outcome.

Sasaza uthando Uyibon'emaphupheni akho Sinokwenza oku Simelane kunye nenzondo
Reinforcing the message of coming together with love, empathy, and unity to tackle problems.

Hay ye
Repeating a vocalization expressing excitement and joy.

Writer(s): LLEWELLYN GEORGE, KURT HERMAN, TIA HERMAN

Contributed by Jackson I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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