Hey Isabella are you gonna come out and dance with me tonight
The stars look beautiful outside, so so beautiful
Tell your mama I said sorry I didn't bring you home early last time
And I was a little tipsy, I know she doesn't miss me
So put on those shoes that I like and we'll go and dance the night away, away
Because yolo yolo (you only live once) so, and me I wanna have some fun
Vunja mifupa kama meno iko, up and away we go
And spend all my money on you baby, 'cause I can't take it with me when I'm dead
So tonight, tonight we are young, high and in love
Isabella, one day I'll be a superstar, we'll go to America, big show in a stadium
Isabella, today we boda boda, tomorrow we motoka
So put on the dress that hugs you tight and we'll go and dance the night away, away away with you
Because yolo yolo (you only live once) so, and me I wanna have some fun
Vunja mifupa kama meno iko, up and away we go
And spend all my money on you baby, 'cause I can't take it with me when I'm dead
So tonight, tonight we are young, high and in love
Sauti Sol - Isabella (Official Music Video) SMS [Skiza 1066769] to 811
Isabella Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Sauti Sol's song "Isabella," released as part of their 2015 album *Live and Die in Afrika*, captures a moment of youthful longing, hope, and the urgency of living in the present. The narrative unfolds as a direct address to a girl named Isabella, inviting her to join the speaker for a night of dancing. The lyrics convey a blend of sweet apology to her mother for a past late night and an eager plea for her to dress up and go out. This sets a scene relatable to young love and the minor hurdles it sometimes faces with parental figures. The mention of specific clothing items, the liked shoes and the tight dress, adds a layer of personal affection and anticipation for the evening.
The song pivots to a powerful declaration of seizing the day, explicitly stating "yolo yolo (you only live once)." This popular phrase anchors the song's core message: a passionate call to enjoy life, particularly while young and capable. The Swahili phrase "Vunja mifupa kama meno iko" reinforces this sentiment, translating to "break bones while teeth are still present," a vivid expression encouraging vigorous action and enjoyment while one has the ability. This line, combined with the "yolo" mantra, creates a sense of carefree abandon and a desire to fully experience the moment with Isabella, emphasizing that material wealth is temporary and cannot be carried into death, thus justifying spending freely on her. The repetition of "tonight we are young, high and in love" distills the emotional state of the speaker and their desired shared experience.
Beyond the present moment, the song projects a hopeful vision for the future. The speaker dreams of becoming a superstar, taking Isabella to America for a big stadium show, contrasting their current mode of transport ("boda boda") with a future one ("motoka," meaning car). This transition symbolizes ambition and the belief that their present circumstances are temporary steps towards a grander future shared with Isabella. The dream is grand and public, placing Isabella at the center of this envisioned success, highlighting her importance in the speaker's aspirations. The official music video's release date of September 17, 2015, coinciding with the album's anticipation, helped propel this track, further amplified by the use of the Skiza code SMS [Skiza 1066769] to 811, indicating its availability as a popular ringback tune in Kenya, cementing its connection to the East African cultural soundscape Sauti Sol is known for.
The overall meaning of "Isabella" resonates with universal themes of young love, ambition, and the carpe diem philosophy, filtered through Sauti Sol's distinctive Afro-pop sound. It's a song about cherishing the present moment while nurturing big dreams for the future, all centered around a cherished person. The blend of English and Swahili adds authenticity and appeal, capturing a specific cultural context while delivering a message that transcends borders. It speaks to the optimism of youth, the desire for connection, and the belief that dedication and hope can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, making it not only an entertaining track but also an inspiration to embrace life and pursue dreams alongside those you love.
