Tambira Jehova (Dance to the Lord) by Joyous Celebration cover art

Joyous Celebration - Tambira Jehova (Dance to the Lord) Lyrics

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Artist:: Joyous Celebration
Album:: My Gift to You, Vol. 15, Pt. 2 (Live At The ICC Arena Durban)
Official Release:: 11 Apr 2011

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Lyrics

Intro

Tambira Jehovah
Tambira, Tambira Jehovah (x2)

Chorus

Iyelele Iyelele,
Iyelele lelele,Iyelele lelele
Tambira Jehovah

Dance to the Lord, Come and dance to the lord
Give a joyful dance to the Lord, Come and dance to the lord

Verse 1

Iyelele Iyelele
Iyelele yelele, Iyelele yelele, iyelele
Come and dance to the Lord (x2)

Bridge

Uko uko uko (uko) (x3)

Rikita mademoni, Rikita rikita
Rikita rikita rikita, rikita
Rikita mademoni, rikita
Rikita rikita rikita

Chorus

Dance to the Lord, Come and dance to the lord (x2)
Give a joyful dance to the Lord, Come and dance to the lord
Dance to the Lord, Come and dance to the lord

Bridge

Iyelele Iyelele, Iyelele Iyelele,Iyelele Iyelele
Come and dance to the Lord

Bata msuoro, bata musana,
tenderera, tenderera (x2)

Chorus

Dance to the Lord, Come and dance to the lord
Give a joyful dance to the Lord, Come and dance to the lord
Dance to the Lord, Come and dance to the lord

Outro

Iyelele Iyelele, Iyelele Iyelele,Iyelele Iyelele
Come and dance to the Lord

Credits & Song Information

Composer: Lindelani Mkhize, M. Bhebe; Official source verified · Apple Music
Label: SME Africa; Official source verified · Apple Music
Release Date: 2011-04-11; Official source verified · Apple Music

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Meaning & Inspiration

“Tambira Jehova” is a Shona and English praise song from Joyous Celebration, and the title means “Dance to the Lord.” Its lines are built from short chants and the repeated call, “Come and dance to the Lord,” followed by “Give a joyful dance to the Lord.” The words are few, so the song works as a physical act of praise led by a choir and answered by the crowd.

The bridge adds Shona calls to rise and press on, including a line addressed to demons, and then returns to the dance refrain. The mood is celebration rather than reflection.

The theme is close to Psalm 149:3 and Psalm 150:4, which call for praising God with dancing, and to 2 Samuel 6:14, where David danced before the Lord with all his might. The song gives that biblical idea an African choral setting and keeps its focus on joy in God’s presence.

Related Scripture

Psalm 149:3 Let them praise His name with dancing
Psalm 150:4 Praise Him with timbrel and dance
2 Samuel 6:14 David danced before the Lord with all his might