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Spoken version
A recorded reading of “Gumboot Hallelujah”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
Boots hit stone; the yard wakes up. Tin pans ring; we pass the cup. Hamba kahle, aunties cheer the line; fear trades out for steady time. Oh hamba kahle—walk on bright— clap-stacks braid the neighbourhood’s light. Kids clap back; mud flecks our socks; steam lifts warm from cuff to knee. Paraffin breath and orange peel rise from doorways as we wheel. Sikhanyisele—tin lids glitter— we stamp our names in perfect time. Dust kicks gold around our feet; tomorrow loosens every knot: Step for light—leave prints that gleam.
Alternative version
Hey wena—hey wena. Hamba kahle—hamba kahle. Sikhanyisele—sikhanyisele. Boots hit stone; the yard wakes up. Tin pans ring; we fill each cup. Hamba kahle—aunties cheer the line. We trade our fear for steady time. Neighbours laugh; the steam runs high. Clouds peel back on a friendly sky. Oh hamba kahle—oh walk on bright. Phambili—we hold the light. Step for light. Step into light. Hey wena—hamba kahle. Hope stays strong; our road feels right. Kids clap back; the echo flies. Whistle threads through taxi cries. Sikhanyisele—shine that sign. Dust lifts—festival confetti—fine. Names get stamped in perfect time; soles write hymns in city grime. Oh hamba kahle—oh walk on bright. Phambili—we hold the light. Step for light. Step into light. Hey wena—sikhanyisele. Tomorrow shines; no clouds remain. Izulu liyakhanya! — The sky is bright! Sikhanyisele! — Shine your light! Phambili njalo! — Move ahead! Hope will rise where footsteps tread! Step into light… step into light… Hamba kahle—walk on bright.
Lyrics
Hey wena — Hey wena Hamba kahle — Hamba kahle Sikhanyisele — Sikhanyisele Boots hit stone, the yard wakes up Tin pans ring, we fill each cup Hamba kahle, aunties cheer the line We trade our fear for steady time Neighbors laugh, the steam runs high Clouds peel back on a friendly sky Oh hamba kahle, oh walk on bright Phambili, we hold the light Step for light Step for light Hey wena — Hamba kahle Hope stays strong, our road feels right Do-do-do, do-do-do… Kids clap back, the echo flies Whistle threads through taxi cries Sikhanyisele, shine that sign We stamp our names in perfect time Dust kicks gold around our feet Every heartbeat drums a beat Oh hamba kahle, oh walk on bright Phambili, we hold the light Step for light Step for light Hey wena — Sikhanyisele Tomorrow shines, no clouds remain [Call] Izulu liyakhanya! [Response] The sky is bright! [Call] Sikhanyisele! [Response] Shine your light! [Call] Phambili njalo! [Response] Move ahead! [Together] Hope will rise where footsteps tread! Step for light… Hamba kahle, walk on bright…
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