Lyrics
Refrain (Repeat)
Mwanangu usikubali wenye dhambi wakushawishi
Verse 1
Wakisema njoo nasi tuvizie ili kumwaga damu
Tumwote asiye na haki, mwanangu usikubali
Wana maneno matamu kama asali
Lakini mwisho mchungu kama shubiri
Refrain (Repeat x2)
Verse 2
Mwanangu usiende njiani pamoja nao
Usiende katika mapito yao
Mwanangu usikubali wenye dhambi wakushawishi
Miguu yao huenda mbio mauguni
Na hufanya haraka kumwaga damu
Refrain (Repeat x2)
Verse 3
Mwanangu kumcha Bwana ndicho chanzo cha maarifa
Bali wapumbavu hudharau hekima
Mwanangu usikubali mwenye dhambi akushawishi
Yasikilize sheria ya baba yako
Na mafundisho ya mama yako
Mwanangu usikubali wenye dhambi wakushawishi
Mwanangu mtego hutegwa bure
Mbele ya macho ya ndege wowote
Mwanangu usikubali wenye dhambi wakushawishi
Lishike sana neno la Mungu
Uliandike kwenye kibao cha moyo
Mwanangu usikubali mwenye dhambi akushawishi
Refrain (Repeat x2)
Verse 4
Uwe jasiri kama simba, mpole kama njiwa
Mwanangu usikubali wenye dhambi wakushawishi
Ushike sana elimu, usimwache aende zake
Mwanangu usikubali wenye dhambi wakushawishi
Heshimu wakubwa kwa wadogo, tajiri na fukara
Mwanangu usikubali wenye dhambi wakushawishi
Refrain (Repeat x3)
Usikubali wenye dhambi wakushawishi (x2)
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Mwanangu" ("My Son") sets scripture directly to music, closely following the opening chapters of Proverbs in warning against the enticement of sinners. Its repeated refrain, urging a son not to consent when sinners entice him, echoes the biblical wisdom teacher's direct address, framing the song as parental instruction rather than personal testimony.
The verses expand on that warning with specific scenarios drawn from the same source text, sinners inviting participation in violence, sweet words concealing a bitter end, and paths that lead toward harm rather than safety. A later verse pivots to the foundation of that wisdom, naming reverence for the Lord as the beginning of knowledge and contrasting it with foolish contempt for wisdom.
Closing verses add practical instruction, urging courage, gentleness, respect across social boundaries, and keeping God's word close as guidance for life. Rooted in Swahili gospel music's use of biblical wisdom literature, the song functions as sustained moral instruction, repeating its central warning throughout as a call to resist enticement toward wrongdoing.
Related Scripture
- Proverbs 1:10-15 Warns against consenting when sinners entice toward violence, the passage the song directly paraphrases throughout.
- Proverbs 9:10 States that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, directly echoed in the song's verse about reverence and knowledge.