And as the hills yonder
Turned red from sunset rays
As darkness engulfed the valley
And the sweet sounds of birds
...
Mauritania O Mauritania
I work for the emir in Mauritania
My father worked for the emir in Mauritania
My grandfather worked for the emir in Mauritania
...
They promised us
All manner of pleasant solace
As this manifesto witnesses;
And to show our reliance
...
Since my ship set sail
I have touched many a shore
And sighted many an island
...
I came here only but once
And that was not long ago
Hunger had brought me here
And I went my way satisfied
...
Goodbye, Grand Warrior of Mveso
Of Qunu, of Transkei, of Soweto
Grand Warrior of Rivonia and Robben Island
Goodbye, Grand Warrior of Azania, of Africa
...
Under the stern, watchful superintendence
Of whispering palms on the white sand coast
Where a thousand strong bow to the breeze
And thousands more swing to the beat
...
I look at the mist and gloom
and I'm rapt in thought of
the northern summer
for though I stand on the equator
...
From my lowly bachelor’s house
Proudly christened ‘Embassy Fair’
I woke up to the chirping of birds
On the trees above and across the vale
...