I Am Because We Are

[Intro – tribal awakening] [Intro – kalimba solo, tribal drums rising, Zulu male choir humming softly] Muntu ngumuntu ngabantu... (We are people through other people) Ubuntu... Ubuntu... Ubuntu... Ubuntu... [Verse 1] [Verse 1 – wooden flute melody, cello underneath, Swahili female voice] I did not walk this road alone These hands that held me made me whole The fire was lit by those before Their breath still lives inside my soul The children run with open hands No crown to claim, no prize to take They reach the fruit together — see A single victory they make [Chorus] [Chorus – full orchestra enters, Zulu choir, soaring strings, brass rises] I am because we are Root and branch of one great tree In your sorrow I will burn In your joy I learn to breathe I am because we are No lone star lights up the sky We rise together or we fall Ubuntu - you and I [Verse 2] [Verse 2 – talking drums join, orchestra builds, male and female voices intertwine] What good is gold in empty hands When those you love are left behind What use is any victory When brothers weep and none will find The river does not cut alone It shapes the stone with patient years So let us carry one another Through the drought and through the tears [Chorus] (repeat chorus) [Bridge – spiritual climax] [Bridge – orchestra drops to silence, solo voice and kalimba only, then massive brass fanfare builds] (Solo voice, acapella) I am... because... we are... (Swahili choir joins, then full orchestra explodes) Mimi ni kwa sababu sisi ni I am because we are! (Zulu chant builds over brass and drums) Ubuntu! Ubuntu! Simunye - we are one! [Final chorus – triumphant] [Final chorus – full orchestra, massive choir, tribal drums at peak power] I am because we are Root and branch of one great tree In your sorrow I will burn In your joy I learn to breathe I am because we are No lone star lights up the sky We rise together or we fall Ubuntu - you and I Ubuntu - you and I Ubuntu -you and I... [Outro – return to earth] [Outro – orchestra fades, kalimba returns, child's voice singing softly, single talking drum heartbeat] Ubuntu... Ubuntu... (silence) *one drum beat* [End]