Lyrics
Verse 1
As the world looks upon me
As I struggle alone
They say I have nothing
But they are so wrong
In my heart am rejoicing
I will reach the good sea
Thank You Lord for your blessings on me
Verse 2
There is a roof up above me
I have a place to sleep
There is food on my table
Shoes on my feet
You gave me your love Lord
And a fine family
Thank You Lord for your blessings on me
Verse 3 (Swahili)
Najua mi sitajiri na nguo zangu si mpya
Sina pesa nyingi sana
Lakini nina Yesu
Hilo ndilo la muhimu japo hawatatambua
Asante Bwana kwa baraka zako
Verse 4 (Swahili)
Nina sehemu nzuri ya kuishi (na kulala)
Na kulala vizuri
Chakula ki mezani mwangu
Na viatu miguuni
Umenipa uzima na familia nzuri
Asante Bwana kwa mibaraka yako
Outro (Swahili, Repeat)
Umenipa uzima na familia nzuri
Asante Bwana kwa mibaraka yako
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Asante Bwana" ("Thank You Lord") opens by naming how the world perceives poverty directly, others saying there is nothing to show, before declaring that judgment simply wrong. That contrast, outside perception against inward rejoicing, frames the entire song around contentment measured differently than material wealth.
Its verses list specific, ordinary provisions, a roof, a place to sleep, food on the table, shoes, family, treating each as evidence of blessing rather than something taken for granted. Switching into Swahili partway through, the song repeats the same gratitude in a second language, naming having Jesus as the one thing that matters even when others fail to recognize it.
Sung bilingually within East African gospel tradition, the song functions as an extended testimony of contentment and gratitude amid material lack, its closing verses returning to the same list of ordinary blessings as sufficient reason for sustained thanksgiving regardless of outside judgment.
Related Scripture
- Philippians 4:11-12 Describes learning contentment in any circumstance, directly echoed in the song's declaration of rejoicing despite having little.
- 1 Timothy 6:8 Describes being content with food and covering, directly echoed in the song's gratitude for basic provisions.