Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
To Zion, to Zion
Hii maisha ni safari
Tunapita kama moshi
Na kabla tuzame mchangani
Kuna kushinda na kufeli oh
Inabidi ujijue tofauti ya mwalimu na mwanafunzi
Ni ujuzi na ujuaji
Oh it's unbelievable
That we make it this far
Undeniable
We see the promised land from a far
And it's so beautiful
No they can't touch the fire
And you know it's not in vain
We steady tripping through the pain
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
To Zion, to Zion
Siku zazidi badilika
Mengi Yazidi kunipita jamani oh lord
Maji yalipozidi unga
Hawakudhani tutafika fika
It's unbelievable
That we make it this far
Undeniable
To see the promise land from a far
So beautiful
They gonna know who we are
Keep on walking in the rain
Kuna blessings in the pain
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
To Zion, to Zion
It's a narrow road to Zion
Nothing will ever deny us
Whatever it takes keep on walking
Whatever it takes keep on moving
To Zion, to Zion, to Zion
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
To Zion, to Zion
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
Steady rocking on the midnight train
To Zion, to Zion
Sauti Sol - Midnight Train (Official Audio) SMS [Skiza 9935656] to 811
Midnight Train Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Sauti Sol's song "Midnight Train," released on June 4, 2020, embarks on a symbolic journey that resonates with the universal human experience. The central image of a "steady rocking on the midnight train to Zion" serves as a powerful metaphor for life's passage. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the persistent nature of this journey, regardless of the time or circumstances.
The lyrics reflect on the transient nature of life, stating, "Hii maisha ni safari, Tunapita kama moshi" (This life is a journey, We pass like smoke). They acknowledge the inherent duality of existence, noting that within this journey, "Kuna kushinda na kufeli oh" (There is winning and failing). The song highlights the importance of self-awareness and distinguishing between genuine knowledge and mere presumption, suggesting a path of continuous learning.
Despite the challenges faced, the song expresses a sense of awe and determination. Lines like "Oh it's unbelievable that we make it this far, Undeniable we see the promised land from a far" convey a profound reflection on overcoming obstacles and maintaining sight of a future destination. The notion of "steady tripping through the pain" and finding "blessings in the pain" underscores the theme of perseverance and growth forged through hardship.
The destination, "Zion," is repeatedly emphasized throughout the song. In a spiritual or biblical context, Zion is often referenced as a holy mountain, the city of God, or a symbol of the promised land and a place of ultimate hope and rest. The song refers to the journey there as a "narrow road," suggesting difficulty but affirming that "Nothing will ever deny us." The imperative to "keep on walking" and "keep on moving" reinforces the dedication required to reach this significant destination, whatever it may symbolize for the listener – be it a spiritual home, a personal goal, or a collective aspiration. The blend of English and Swahili lyrics weaves together these themes, making the song relatable across different cultural backgrounds.
