Lyrics
Chorus
You are good
You are kind and Your mercy is forever
Your mercy is forever
U mwema, U mwema
Rehema zako za milele
Rehema zako za milele
Verse (English)
When I move around (You've done this Lord!)
When walk around (You've done this Lord!)
When I turn around (You've done this Lord!)
And Your mercy is forever
Verse (Swahili)
Nikitembea, (Umefanya jambo)
Nikizunguka, (Umefanya jambo)
Nikigeuka, (Umefanya jambo)
Rehema zako za milele
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“U Mwema” by Jane Aller is a bilingual song of thanks that says “You are good” in English and “U mwema” in Swahili. The opening lines add that God is kind and that His mercy is forever, and the Swahili line repeats the same idea: “Rehema zako za milele.” The refrain returns to that phrase after every section, so the mercy of God is the main theme.
The verse names ordinary movements, moving around, walking around and turning around, and answers each with “You’ve done this, Lord!” The Swahili verse says the same thing with “Umefanya jambo,” which means “You have done something.” The song treats everyday actions as places where God’s help can be seen.
The lyrics are close to Psalm 136:1, where thanks is given because the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever, and Psalm 100:5. Lamentations 3:22-23 also speaks of His mercies that do not end. The song is short, repetitive and written for a congregation to sing in two languages.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 136:1 His mercy endures forever
- Psalm 100:5 The Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting
- Lamentations 3:22-23 His mercies never come to an end