Nilifikiri moyoni mwangu
Nikamwambia Baba
Nipe sehemu ya mali yangu
Nikaondoka nyumbani kwetu
Nikaenda mbali
Nikatumia mali yote
Nikacheza na muda
Nikaruhusu mali initawale
Eeh eeh
Maisha yakawa magumu
Nikafikiri moyoni mwangu
Nitaenda wapi?
Eeh Nyumbani
Nimeshaondoka aah
Nitafanya nini mimi?
Mwana mpotevu
Aah.. aah
Nilipozingatia
Moyoni mwangu mimi
Nikaona bora nirudi kwa baba
Yanini kuendelea
Kula na nguruwe hapa
Wakati watumishi wa baba
Nyumbani wanakula na kusaza
Oooh nikaona bora nirudi
Kwa baba nitamwambia nimekosa
Ju ya mbingu na mbele yako
Sistahili tena kuitwa mwanao
(Oooh oooh)
Lakini baba aliponiona
Kutoka mbali akanikimbilia
Akanivika mavazi mazuri
Na pete kidoleni mwangu
(Aah aah)
Akanikumbatia
Na kunibusu shingoni
Akaamuru sherehe ifanyike
Maana mwanae aliyekufa
Sasa anaishi tena
Mwanae aliyepotea
Amerudi
Akasema sitakufanya
Kuwa mmoja wa wajakazi wangu
Wewe ni mwanangu aah
Wewe ni mwanangu (Aah mmmh..)
Mwana
Mwana Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Joel Lwaga's song "Mwana" tells a timeless story of a son's journey from privilege to destitution and back to unconditional love. The song captures the essence of the biblical narrative it draws inspiration from, recounting the son's initial request for his inheritance, his departure to a distant place, and the subsequent squandering of all he possessed. The narrative vividly paints a picture of self-imposed exile and the hardships that followed, leading the son to reflect on his desperate circumstances.
The song describes the turning point when the son, facing severe poverty and forced into demeaning work, realizes the abundance available even to the servants in his father's house. This stark contrast prompts a deep introspection and a decision to return home, not as a son, but perhaps as a hired hand, acknowledging his wrongdoing. The lyrics convey his planned confession, expressing his unworthiness before God and his father.
However, the heart of the story unfolds upon his return. The song beautifully illustrates the father's reaction: seeing his son from afar, running towards him, embracing him warmly, and showering him with signs of restoration – a fine robe, a ring, and a celebration. This demonstrates a love that transcends disappointment and past mistakes, immediately restoring the son's position within the family without hesitation or requirement of penance.
The meaning of "Mwana" is deeply rooted in the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:11-32. It powerfully illustrates God's boundless mercy, grace, and unconditional love for those who stray but ultimately return to Him. The father in the song represents God, whose compassion and readiness to forgive and restore are central to the message. Despite the son's choices, the father's love never wavered, and his joy at the son's return signifies the divine joy over one sinner who repents.
Released with its accompanying video on November 22, 2024, the song serves as a powerful reminder of hope and redemption. It offers an inspirational message that no matter how far one feels they have wandered or how great their failures, the door to God's love and forgiveness is always open. The song assures the listener that repentance is met not with judgment, but with open arms, restoration, and the reaffirmation of their identity as a beloved child.
