[start] [Intro: Kora arpeggios weaving gently with calabash rhythm, balafon accents, tama (talking drum) echoing phrases, soft female ululation] [Verse: Male griot lead, speech-like delivery, warm Wolof accent] When we were young, your hand in mine We danced beneath the starry sky Every moment felt like the first time Your smile lit up my life [Chorus: Female chorus in call-and-response with griot, Wolof phrase “Nopp naa la” repeated] I love you still [male griot soaring line] (Nopp naa la) [female chorus response, Wolof accent, bright harmony] Through every dawn, through every thrill The world was new [male griot] (Nopp naa la) [chorus echo] And I found forever in you [Verse: Male griot with subtle female humming, kora melodic fills, tama answering] We walked together on the sand Dreams of tomorrow in our hands The river carried songs of youth Our hearts were bound in truth [Chorus: Repeated, stronger call-and-response, balafon dancing under vocals] I love you still [griot rising higher] (Nopp naa la) [chorus swelling] Through every dawn, through every thrill The world was new [griot sustained phrase] (Nopp naa la) [chorus repeats with ululation] [Outro: Repeated refrain “Forever in you” with kora + balafon looping, female chorus humming, tama echo fading] [end]
