NOTE: The written transcription is notably different from that of the currently live video version above, so make sure to read along!
Plus, Oumou’s lyrics are partially influenced by her native variety of Manding from Wasulu . They can differ significantly from so-called standard Bambara.
Mɔgɔya, ne silannin mɔgɔya ɲɛ
People, I am afraid of people
Sisan mɔgɔya
People nowadays
N’i ɲɛna mɔgɔ min ma, o ye kɛli jugu ye duniya
In this life, when you do good to someone, it’s a bad act
Sisan mɔgɔya
People nowadays
N’i ɲɛna i furuɲɔgɔn min na, o ye farali jugulu kan
When you are good to your spouse, it adds to your enemies
Sisan mɔgɔya
People nowadays
Ko n’i ɲɛna mɔgɔ min [na], wala! O ye kɛli jugu ye duniya
I say, in this life, when you do good to someone, gosh! It’s a bad act
Sisan mɔgɔya
People nowadays
Bi mɔgɔlu, u tɛ ko laban
People today, they never see things through
Bi mɔgɔlu, u tɛ ko laban
People today, they never see things through
Mɔgɔya, ne hamina mɔgɔya la
Humanity, I’m worried about humanity
Sisan mɔgɔya
People nowadays
Mɔgɔya, ne haminin mɔgɔlu la
People, I’m worried about people
Sisan mɔgɔya tɛ wa?
Is this not people nowadays?
Bi mɔgɔlu, u tɛ ko laban
People today, they never see things through
Mɔgɔya, ne haminin mɔgɔlu la
People, I’m worried about people
Sisan mɔgɔya
People nowadays
Bi mɔgɔlu, u tɛ ko laban
People today, they never see things through