Izandla Zethu

(Mmh, woza)
Izandla zethu, izandla zethu

Mama's hands on the sewing machine
Late at night, keeping us clean
Ngiyabona, she never complained
Needle and thread through the sun and the rain
School shoes shining, uniforms pressed
She gave us her sleep, she gave us her best
Kids next door laughing at our patched knees
Mama said "hold your head up, please"

Sisebenza ndawonye (together)
Sisebenza ndawonye

Izandla zethu (zisebenza)
Izandla zethu (azikhathali)
We build it slow, we build it right
Izandla zethu, day and night

Now I'm the one with the tools in my bag
Building her room at the back of the yard
Brick after brick, she's watching me work
Uyamamatheka, it's worth all the hurt
Cement on my jeans, the sun on my neck
She brings me cold juice, she checks every step
The roof going up, the neighbours come see
Mama, this room is from you, not from me

Sisebenza ndawonye (together)
Sisebenza ndawonye

Izandla zethu (zisebenza)
Izandla zethu (azikhathali)
We build it slow, we build it right
Izandla zethu, day and night

Wangifundisa (you taught me)
Ukusebenza (how to work)
Wangifundisa
Manje ngiyakwakhela

Izandla zethu (zisebenza)
Izandla zethu (azikhathali)
We build it slow, we build it right
Izandla zethu, day and night

Zisebenza, zisebenza (hey)
Azikhathali (no)
Zisebenza, zisebenza (hey)
Izandla zethu

Izandla zethu (Mama)
Asikhathali, asikhathali