Lyrics
Verse 1
Kale nilitembea Nikilemewa dhambi
Nilikosa msaada, kuniponya mateso.
Chorus (x9)
Usifiwe Msalaba! Lisifiwe kaburi!
Linalozidi yote, Asifiwe Mwokozi!
Verse 2
Hata nilipofika, Mahali pa Msalaba,
Palinifaa sana, Sitasahau kamwe.
Verse 3
Hicho ndicho chanzo, Cha kufurahi kwangu.
Hapo ndipo mzigo, Uliponituliwa.
Verse 4
Panapo msalaba, Kinatolewa cheti,
Cha kuingia Mbinguni, Kisicho cha kanisa.
Verse 5
Yule Bwana mjinga, Likwenda bila cheti,
Kitumai kwingia, Kama walio nacho.
Verse 6
Lipofika langoni, Akaulizwa cheti,
Cha kumwonyesha Bwana, Akakutwa hanacho.
Verse 7
Lituhuzunishalo, Ni ninyi msio nacho,
Kuwa kama mjinga, Kwa siku ya arusi!
Verse 8
Ubavuni mwa Yesu, Mlitokea damu,
Chemchemi ya uzima, Itakasayo roho.
Verse 9
Jitahidi wingie, Damuni mwa Mwokozi,
Utafutiwa dhambi, Toka rohoni mwako.
Credits & Song Information
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
In "Kale Nilitembea," the opening scene is a person weighed down by sin and unable to find relief. The chorus answers that desperation by praising the cross and the empty grave, then lifting up the Savior above all. The song presents the cross as the place where the burden actually falls away, not through human effort but through what happened there.
Later verses develop a striking image: the cross issues a certificate for entering heaven that no church can supply. A foolish person arrives at the gate without it, assuming good intentions will be enough. The song mourns those who remain in that condition. Then the focus shifts to the blood from Jesus' side, described as a spring of life that cleanses the soul. The closing call urges entry into the Savior's wounds, where sin is searched out and removed. It is a direct, practical theology: the cross alone secures entry, and the cleansing is real for anyone who comes.
Related Scripture
- John 19:34 Blood and water flow from Jesus' pierced side on the cross.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can boast.