Lyrics
[Verse 1 - Swahili]
Unishike mkono
Unionyeshe njia zako
Mwanga na uhai
Eh Bwana
Bila wewe mimi siwezi
Kuna milima na mabonde
Njia ya ukweli
Eh Bwana
[Verse 1 - English Translation]
Hold my hand
Reveal to me Your ways
You are the Light of Life
Oh Lord
Without You I cannot make it
There are mountains and valleys
The way of truth
Oh Lord
[Chorus - Swahili]
Tembea nami, Eh Bwana
Sitaweza pekee yangu
Unishike mkono, Bwana
Sitaweza pekee yangu
Eh Bwana
[Chorus - English Translation]
Walk with me, Oh Lord
I cannot make it on my own
Hold my hand, Lord
I cannot make it on my own
Oh Lord
[Verse 2 - Swahili]
Kwenye majani mabichi
Na maji yaliyotulia
Mfariji wangu
Eh Bwana
Chemchemi ya ukweli
Umelipia gharama
Mwamba wa wokovu
Eh Bwana
[Verse 2 - English Translation]
In green pastures
And beside quiet waters
My Comforter
Oh Lord
The fountain of truth
You paid the price
Rock of salvation
Oh Lord
[Verse 3 - Swahili]
Unishike mkono
Unionyeshe njia zako
Ngao na Imani
Eh Bwana
Bila wewe mimi siwezi
Kuna milima na mabonde
Jiwe la thamani
Eh Bwana
[Verse 3 - English Translation]
Hold my hand
Reveal to me Your ways
My shield and faith
Oh Lord
Without You I cannot make it
There are mountains and valleys
Precious cornerstone
Oh Lord
[Bridge - Swahili]
Unionyeshe njia zako
Uniangazie uso wako
Unishike kwa mkono wako
Eh Bwana
[Bridge - English Translation]
Show me Your ways
Let Your face shine upon me
Hold me by Your hand
Oh Lord
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Njoki Munyi’s “Tembea Nami” is a prayer for God’s companionship and guidance through uncertain terrain. The repeated request, “Walk with me, Oh Lord,” acknowledges human limitation without losing confidence in divine care. Images of mountains, valleys, green pastures, and quiet waters give the prayer a setting shaped by Psalm 23, where God leads, restores, and remains near. The appeal to be shown God’s ways also closely reflects Psalm 25:4–5.
Across its Swahili verses and English translations, the song names God as light, comforter, shield, rock of salvation, and precious cornerstone. These titles frame dependence as trust rather than defeat. The singer asks for a held hand, an illuminated path, and the light of God’s face, bringing guidance, protection, and blessing into one sustained petition. Its worshipful focus rests on God’s presence as the answer to weakness: the difficult road remains real, but it is not faced alone.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 23:2-4 The psalm joins green pastures and quiet waters with God’s guidance through dark valleys.
- Psalm 25:4-5 The psalmist asks God to reveal his ways and lead in truth.
- Numbers 6:24-26 The blessing asks for God’s shining face, favor, and peace.