Something Inside So Strong by Lira

My favorite album right now is whichever selection of Lira songs I am playing in the #vimride these days. Talking of vim, none of Lira's songs gives me 'vim' quite like this one -

The version I listen to a lot (and on repeat) is the live in concert version, which includes the audience reaction and people singing along, with the backing vocals and all the lovely instrumentals. The version you would listen to here is lovely but it just doesn't do the song justice like this one does. So, go get that album - Captured Tour (A Concert Film). I have a signed copy of the CD and then the DVD too.

So I decided to write a blog post sharing the lyrics. You can find the lyrics for the original in many places, but you can find the lyrics to Lira's version in a few places. And now, here, on the MIghTy African blog.

The higher you build your barrier
The taller I become
The farther you take my rights away
The faster I will run
You can deny me
You can decide to turn your face away
No matter 'cause there’s...
...Something inside so strong (this must be also called vim)
I know that I can make it
Though you’re doing me wrong so wrong
You thought that my pride was gone, oh no
There’s something inside so strong
Something inside so strong

The more you refuse to hear my voice (u-way u-way u-way u-way :-D)
The louder I will sing (uuuu)
You hide behind Walls of Jericho (u-way u-way u-way u-way :-D)
Your lies will come tumbling down
Deny my place and time
You squander wealth that's mine
My light will shine
So bright... it will blind you
Because there’s...

...Something inside so strong
I know that I can make it
Though you’re doing me wrong so wrong
You thought that my pride was gone, oh no
Something inside so strong
Something inside so strong...
Oh yeah!
...Brothers and sisters
When they insist we’re just not good enough
Well we know better
Just look them in the eye and say
We’re gonna do it anyway
We’re gonna do it anyway
We're gonna do it anyway
We're gonna do it anyway ay ay ay! Heee! :-)

Ngizophumelela
Ngizofinyelela
Ngizophikelela
Hele le le iyo!
Ngizophumelela
Ngizofinyelela
Ngizophikelela
Ngeke bangiqede mamhlanje

Cause there's
Something inside so strong
See, I know that I can make it
Though you’re doing me wrong so wrong
You thought that my pride was gone, oh no
There’s something inside so strong
Something inside .....
I've got something inside so strong
I know that I can make it
Though you’re doing me wrong so wrong
You thought that my pride was gone, oh no
Something inside! .....

Something inside me so strong

Something inside so strong

Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Something inside so strong

So strong, so strong, sooooo strong........ !

Cause there's
Something inside so strong




Let me translate what is probably my favorite part of the song, the actual South African language lyrics. Ngizophumelela means I will succeed. Ngizofinyelela means I will make it. Ngizophikelela means I will get there. Ngeke bangiqede mamhlanje means They will not destroy me, not today. How can you not absolutely love this song?

This song is known as one of Nelson Mandela's favorites. Actually, Lira sang this in honour of him. Madiba is truly admired and loved. I love Lira's music. I lover her too, she's just so cool. I met her once too; I will never forget that day. She's Siyabonga's second crush after Terry Pheto. Actually, I think I just moved her to number one until I actually meet Terry Pheto. Anyway, enjoy the music.