ntro:
And at the end of the day
I want you to say well done
I want you to bid me come
Want you to smile, to smile at me
So that after i’ve run this race
Oh let me see, to see your face
Verse 1:
Ijoba orun, l’ere onigbagbo o (2x)
Ma je n ku’na baba
Mu mi de’le o
Owo ti mo ni
Ko le mu mi de’le o
Moto ti mo ri ra
Ko le wa mi r’ele o’
Ma je n ku’na baba
Mu mi de’le o
Ki n ma ku s’ajo bii eefi
Mu mi de’le o
Aye l’oja, orun ni’le
Mu mi de’le o
Aye l’oja ani, orun ni’le se
Mu mi de, de’le o
Chorus:
Mu mi de’le o (4x)
Mu mi de’le o (4x)
Ma ma je n ku’na
Maa ma je n si’na
Maa ma je n y’ana
Ninu ona iye o baba
Temi d’owo re o
Jowo mu mi de’le o
Mu mi de’le o
Mu mi de’le o
O ile ogo, ile ayo
Ile ayo, ile alafia
Ile, ile ogo o, ile ile ayo o (2x)
And at the end of the day
I want you to say well done
Ijo-ba orun, l’ere onigbagbo o
Ma je n ku’na.
Ijoba orun
Ijoba orun Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on February 28, 2008, Lara George’s song "Ijoba Orun" quickly became a cornerstone of modern African gospel music, offering a profound meditation on the Christian hope. Translating from Yoruba to "Kingdom of Heaven," the song delves into the ultimate destination and reward awaiting believers – the promise of eternal life with God. It speaks to the heart of every follower of Christ who understands this earthly life as a temporary sojourn, a journey with a glorious final destination. The meaning is deeply rooted in the pilgrimage of faith, acknowledging the struggles and fleeting nature of the present world while fixing our gaze firmly on the world to come. It's a musical expression of the assurance found in Scripture that our true citizenship is in heaven.
The song itself, while musically uplifting and memorable, derives its true power from the weight of its message and the earnest conviction in Lara George's delivery. The melody feels purposeful, almost march-like in its forward momentum, reflecting the believer's steady walk towards eternity. Her clear, resonant voice carries the weighty theme with grace, conveying both the longing for heaven and the quiet confidence in God’s promise. It avoids musical complexity, allowing the lyrical truth to shine through, making the message accessible and deeply moving. It’s the kind of song that shifts one’s perspective, reminding us that the trials and triumphs of this life are temporary in the grand scheme of God’s eternal plan.
The scriptural foundation for "Ijoba Orun" is vast and central to its impact. The concept of heaven as our true home is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, powerfully captured in passages like John 14:2-3, where Jesus promises, "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." This promise of being with Christ in our eternal dwelling place is the very essence of the "Kingdom of Heaven" the song speaks of. The song also resonates with the apostle Paul's exhortation in Colossians 3:1-2 to "seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." This call to maintain an eternal perspective amidst earthly distractions is a core element of the song's quiet challenge. Furthermore, the song’s hopeful outlook on reaching the kingdom echoes the finish line mentality described in Hebrews 12:1-2, urging us to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." The anticipation of a place where sorrow ceases, as depicted in Revelation 21:4 – "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" – provides the backdrop for the longing conveyed in the music. "Ijoba Orun" serves as a musical anchor, grounding the believer in the assurance that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58) because a glorious inheritance awaits, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3-4). It’s more than just a song; it’s a declaration of faith and a spiritual compass pointing towards the ultimate hope of every Christian.
