Soul of the Ancestors

### Nomalizo by Letta Mbulu: Lyrics "Nomalizo" is a poignant track from Letta Mbulu's 1985 album *Sweet Juju*. The song tells the story of a young woman leaving her rural roots for the harsh realities of urban life in Johannesburg (the "golden city"), blending English and isiZulu lyrics to evoke themes of lost dreams, nostalgia, and the longing for simpler times. It's a fusion of Afropop, jazz, and soul, showcasing Mbulu's emotive vocals. Here's the full lyrics, structured by sections for clarity: **[Verse 1]** Nomalizo Came from the countryside Came to the city The golden city Where life is tricky Nomalizo Came chasing her dream Where many had walked before Fallen hopes, faded dreams Somebody just shut the door (Shut the door in their face) In the golden city Where life is tricky, tricky, yeah yeah **[Chorus]** Nomalizo mtakwethu bathi kulikhuni kule lizwe (Nomalizo akuni mvul' aphekhaya) Nomalizo mtakwethu bathi kulikhuni kule lizwe (Nomalizo akuni mvul' aphekhaya) Nomalizo mtakwethu, bathi kuyobuya kulunge (Bawo kuzawubuye kulunge mtakwethu) **[Verse 2]** There was a time when this whole life was a village Happy days, loving eyes, kiss the sun and catch the sky Walk together, eat together, every man a brother That was then So very different from the golden city Where life is tricky, tricky **[Bridge/Outro]** Give me back that old time feeling Give it back, I want it back Give me back that old time feeling (give it back to me) Give it back, I want it back (a piece of mine) *(The chorus often repeats with ad-libs and fades out in performances.)* #### Notes on the isiZulu Lyrics The chorus is in isiZulu (with some phonetic variations in transcriptions). A rough translation: - "Nomalizo mtakwethu bathi kulikhuni kule lizwe" ≈ "Nomalizo, my sister, they say it's tough in this country" - "Nomalizo akuni mvul' aphekhaya" ≈ "Nomalizo, don't go back home" (or "don't open the door at home") - "Nomalizo mtakwethu, bathi kuyobuya kulunge" ≈ "Nomalizo, my sister, they say it will get better" - "Bawo kuzawubuye kulunge mtakwethu" ≈ "Father, it will return to being good, my sister" This captures the song's bittersweet message of resilience amid struggle. ### Where to Listen - **Official Audio**: [YouTube - Nomalizo (Official Audio)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICf1eEUGqe8) - **Streaming**: Available on [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/track/6gB3NJQ9dF5xoqUBKGX6Uz) and [Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/song/nomalizo/1533280000). If you'd like a translation, chords, or lyrics to another track, just ask!