[start] [Intro: Male bass voices humming, soft handclaps in isicathamiya step rhythm, ululation background] [Verse: Bass lead, choral block harmony] We grew together like the old tree Roots so deep, branches free Storms have come and rains have passed But our love has held steadfast [Chorus: Full male choir, layered block chords, Zulu-style accent] Stand by me [tenor lead] (Hamba nami) [bass response] Till the end of days we’ll be Stand by me [choir unison swell] (Hamba nami) [deep bass hum] Our love, the old tree [Verse: Lead tenor, subtle mbira and shekere background] Silver hair, a gentle face Years of joy we can trace Children’s laughter, stories told Hearts together growing old [Chorus: Repeated with added ululation, choir layered higher] Stand by me (Hamba nami) Till the end of days we’ll be Stand by me (Hamba nami) Our love, the old tree [Outro: Male bass voices fading in hum, ululation echo, shekere soft rattle] [end]
