Lyrics
Chorus (Repeat x3)
Sifuni sifuni sifuni Bwana
Verse 1
Nikitazama upendo wako Baba
Umenitoa kwenye mavumbi
Ukanivika heshima Baba
Machozi yote kayavute eh Baba
Wewe ni mwamba tena salama
Say Halleluyah
Chorus (Repeat)
Sifuni sifuni sifuni Bwana
Sifuni sifuni sifuni Bwana
(Katuvuta machozi)
Sifuni sifuni sifuni Bwana
(Mungu wetu)
Sifuni sifuni sifuni Bwana ah
Verse 2
Nikikumbuka alikonitoa
Nikikumbuka nilikuwa ule-lelee
Nililia usiku mchana
Nikisubiri neema yake
Alikuja chini mapema
Kanijaza furaha yake
Chorus (Repeat)
Sifuni sifuni sifuni Bwana
(Ametenda maajabu)
Sifuni sifuni sifuni Bwana
(Ni Bwana wetu)
Sifuni sifuni sifuni Bwana ah
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"Sifuni" ("Praise the Lord") repeats its title phrase in nearly every line, using that simple, direct command as the song's structural foundation rather than extended argument. Its verses provide the reasoning behind that command, describing being lifted out of dust and clothed with honor, imagery drawn from a well-known psalm about God raising the poor from ashes.
A later verse shifts to personal memory, recalling crying day and night while waiting for God's grace, followed by God's early arrival and the filling of joy that followed. That progression, remembered waiting followed by remembered relief, grounds the repeated command to praise in specific, personal testimony rather than abstract instruction.
Sung in Swahili within East African worship tradition, the song functions as a call to praise built on remembered rescue, its brief spoken interjections, wonders done, tears wiped away, filling in the specific reasons behind its repeated central command.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 113:7 Describes God raising the poor from the dust, directly echoed in the song's description of being lifted from dust.
- Revelation 21:4 Describes God wiping away every tear, echoed in the song's description of tears being wiped away.