Lyrics
Verse 1
Yesu unipendaye Kwako nakimbilia, Ni wewe utoshaye,
Mwovu akinijia; Yafiche ubavuni, Mwako maisha yangu;
Nifiikishe mbinguni Wokoe moyo wangu.
Verse 2
Ngome nyingine sina; Nategemea kwako.
Usinitupe Bwana, Nipe neema yako,
Ninakuamania Mwenye kuniwezesha;
Shari wanikingia, Vitani wanitosha.
Verse 3
Nakutaka Mpaji Vyote napata kwako;
Niwapo muhitaji, Utanijazi vyako;
Nao waangukao Wanyonge wape nguvu;
Poza wauguao, Uongoze vipofu.
Verse 4
Bwana umeniosha Moyo kwa damu yako;
Neema ya kutosha Yapatikana kwako;
Kwako Bwana naona Kisima cha uzima;
Mwangu moyoni Bwana, Bubujika daima.
Credits & Song Information
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Angela Chibalonza's "Yesu Unipendaye" is a Swahili prayer addressed directly to Jesus as refuge. The opening verse names him as the one loved and sought when trouble comes, asking to be hidden and kept safe until reaching heaven - language close to the shelter described in Psalm 46:1, where God is called a very present help in trouble. The second verse continues that dependence, admitting there is no other stronghold and asking for grace to withstand harm and battle.
The third verse widens the request beyond personal need, asking that the fallen be given strength, the sick be healed and the blind be guided - a pattern recalling the restoration promised in Isaiah 61:1. The final verse returns to washing and cleansing through Christ's blood, closing with an image of an unending well of life flowing from within. Across four verses, the song moves from personal refuge toward a request that same mercy reach others as well.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 46:1 God as refuge and very present help in trouble.
- Isaiah 61:1 Healing and restoration for the broken.