Lyrics
Verse
Nyambatite kirima kiri na hinya
Na thutha thu no indengeretie
Ngwigua ta ingikara thi nii huruke
No ningi thu ni ikunyita
Chorus
Haria gacumbiri ni ndirona Jesu
No anjetereire ndikie rugendo
Ahimbirie na moko make meri
Na anjire we wi mitoria
Verse
Ngwihe hinya gitumi nii ninjur
Jesu wakwa no anjetereire
Ahurukie mathina mothe ma thi
Na anjire we wi mitoria
Chorus
Haria gacumbiri ni ndirona Jesu
No anjetereire ndikie rugendo
Ahimbirie na moko make meri
Na anjire we wi mitoria
Bridge
Pale kilele namuona Yesu
Ananisubiri nimalize salama
Anikumbatie kwa mikono yake
Na aseme mi ni mshindi
Chorus
Haria gacumbiri ni ndirona Jesu
No anjetereire ndikie rugendo
Ahimbirie na moko make meri
Na anjire we wi mitoria
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Gacumbiri (Pale Kilele)” by Dr. Sarah K is sung in Kikuyu with a Swahili bridge, and the Swahili title means “there at the summit.” The song uses the picture of climbing a mountain. The chorus says that at the top the singer sees Jesus waiting so that she will not stop climbing, and that He embraces her with both arms.
The verses speak of a hill that is steep and of asking for strength, trusting that Jesus will be there and will lift away the troubles of the world. The Swahili bridge states the hope plainly: “Pale kilele namuona Yesu,” meaning at the summit I see Jesus, waiting for me to finish safely, embracing me and saying that I am a victor.
The imagery is close to Psalm 121:1-2, Isaiah 40:31 and Hebrews 12:1-2, on looking to the hills for help, renewed strength and running the race while looking to Jesus. The tone is encouraging and made for endurance.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 121:1-2 I lift my eyes to the hills; my help comes from the Lord
- Isaiah 40:31 Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength
- Hebrews 12:1-2 Run the race, looking to Jesus