The Song of the Kora (West)

[Verse 1] By the great river, your gaze rested on me like the golden sun upon the water Your laughter struck my heart like the bright strike upon the balafon I carried your name in my mouth like the sweet juice of the mango And every step toward you was a festive path through the wide land [Pre-Chorus] Oh, my heart, do not go away stay by the warm fire Oh, my heart, hear the call the kora is already singing your name [Chorus] You are mine, you are mine (you are mine) Beneath the moon and the baobab tree (beneath the tree) You are mine, you are mine (you are mine) Come into my song, come into my house (come to me) [Verse 2] Your mother gave me sweet milk your father wrapped me in the brightest cloth The elders nodded proudly in the shadow of the mighty, ancient tree I placed gleaming gold into your cloth you laughed and took my hand Since that very evening my blood has been dancing in circles [Pre-Chorus] Oh, my heart, do not go away stay by the warm fire Oh, my heart, hear the call the kora is already singing your name [Chorus] You are mine, you are mine (you are mine) Beneath the moon and the baobab tree (beneath the tree) You are mine, you are mine (you are mine) Come into my song, come into my house (come to me) [Bridge] When the talking drum calls for me I do not walk alone Your breath moves with me through the bright, wide valley All voices sing out a loud yes all hands are striking the circle And where your pride touches me a new morning grows [Chorus] You are mine, you are mine (you are mine) Beneath the moon and the baobab tree (beneath the tree) You are mine, you are mine (you are mine) Come into my song, come into my house (come to me) [Outro] [Bright, powerful Griot choirs] Heya, heya my heart knows your proud step Heya, heya stay, until the sun sings